Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
llS~
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OBJECT PROCESSING APPARATUS
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The present invention relates to means for controlling various
portions of an apparatus in timed relationship to one another. In one aspec-t
of the present invention the control means regulates means for orienting a
container or the like to a predetermined rotational position.
In the manufacture of tubular sidewall containers from a blank,
portions of the blank are overlapped and secured together to form the sidewall.
A bottom member is secured to the sidewall to form the bottom of the container.
Many methods are known in the art for producing such containers such as that
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,072,226, which discloses both an apparatus and
method for forming containers having a tubular sidewall which is generally
cylindrical in shape. Another type of tubular container of the tapered
sidewall type can be manufactured by the method and apparatus disclosed, for
example, in U.S. Patent 4,070,953.
Generally, such containers are manufactured from paperboard which
can be treated on the surface or throughout the thickness with a material to
make the paperboard leak-proof to prevent the migration of moisture through the
container. Typically, paperboard which is used to form such containers has a
coating of polyethylene on both ma~jor surfaces to form a moisture barrier.
This, though, leaves the paperboard susceptible to the passage of moisture into
the paperboard through the edges. Numerous methods have been devised to solve
this problem, one of which is applying sealant-to the edges to form a moisture-
proof barrier.
Another problem attendant with the formation of such containers is
that during the formation of the seams, an incomplete seam may be formed. In
the case of polyethylene or other suitable thermoplastic material coated
paperboard, seams are formed by applying heat and pressure to the seam area to
fuse the coating together between the overlapping portions. If an improperly
formed seam is made, leakage can result through the seam area.
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To overcome the leakage problem at the seams, sealant has been
applied in the area of the seams to form a moisture barrier. The application of
sealant has been successful, both from a functional s-tandpoint and an economic
standpoint, to solve the leakage problem. However, in the past there have been
problems with the application of sealant to the side seam which extends
generally longitudinally of the container at the overlapping portions of the
sidewall. Some methods of overcoming the problem have been: the use of tape on
the seam; coating the entire interior surface of the container; and dipping the
edge of the blank in sealant. However, all these methods have been undesirable
in terms of both production time and cost. Sealing of the bottom seam,
however, is a relatively simple process in which sealant is sprayed directly
onto the seam while the container is being rotated relative to the sealant
dispensing nozzle.
The present invention provides a control system for controlling the
operation of an apparatus which is adapted for orienting the rotational
position of a container or the like. The apparatus can include means for
dispensing sealant onto a selected area of a container and, particularly, for
applying sealant to both a bottom seam and a side seam of a container. In the
past, it has been desired to apply sealant to the side seam. However, as
discussed above, there have been problems attendant with sealing the side seam.
By utilizing an orienting means for orienting the rotational position of a
container repeatedly at a precise location, it has been found that the
dispensing of a viscous liquid sealant onto the side seam can be accomplished
in an efficient manner overcoming the problems attendant with prior art
methods. Eurther, it is highly desirable to control the various portions of
the apparatus for processing the containers in timed relationship to one
another and to provide means for insuring proper operation of the apparatus.
The control system desirably would also provide safety features to insure
proper operation of the apparatus to prevent damage to various portions of the
apparatus in the event of a malfunction of one or more of the means which
effects the various movements of the portions of the apparatus.
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An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a
control system which is operable for precisely orienting a container to a pre-
determined rotational position. Another object of the present invention is to
provide a control system which wil~ control the vario-us operations of the
apparatus in timed relationship to one another. Another object of the present
invention is to provide a control system which will prevent damage to various
portions of the apparatus in the event of a malfunction. A still further
object of the present invention is to provide a control system which is simple
in operation, economical to manufacture, effective in operation and well
adapted for its intended use.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example,
certain embodiments of this invention.
FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a container processing
apparatus.
FIGURE 2 i a side elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in
FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of a
turret-type conveyor.
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a sealant
dispensing and container orienting station.
FIGURE 6 is a enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a second
sealant dispensing station.
FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the sealant dispensing
station illustrated in FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the sealant
dispensing station illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7.
FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a nozzle used for dis-
pensing sealant.
~1~i42~
FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the nozzle
illustrated in FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 11 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus illustrated
in FIGURE 1 illustrating the location of various con-trol mechanisms.
FIGURES 12a, 12b and 12c are a schematic diagram of a control system
for the container processing apparatus.
Referring more in detail to the drawings:
The reference numeral 1 designates generally an apparatus for
applying a material such as sealant to a selected area of a container or the
like. The apparatus 1 includes conveying means 2 adapted for feeding
containers first to an orienting station 3 operable for orienting a container
to a predetermined rotational position. Either at the orienting station 3 or
at another station, means 4 is provided for applying sealant or the like to a
preselected area, preferably the side seam of a container. The conveying means
2 then moves the container after the application of sealant to a discharge
conveyor means 5 for discharge of the container from the apparatus 1. In the
illustrated structure, the conveying means 2 includes a feed conveyor means 7
operable for feeding containers from a source to a rotatable turret 8 portion
of the conveying means 2.
The conveyor 7 can be of any suitable type such as an endless belt or
chain. Preferably, the conveyor 7, as illustrated, includes two conveyor
portions in side-by-side relation for feeding a pair of rows of containers from
a source to the turret 8. A container feed control means 10 is positioned
adjacent the turret 8 and is operable for selectively permitting containers on
the conveyor 7 to be fed to the turret 8, one at a time in each row from each of
the conveyor portions of the conveyor 7. The means 10 as illustrated includes
gate-forming members 11 pivotally mounted on a support 12 which is positioned
between the conveyor portions of the conveyor 7. Each of the gate members 11
has a link 14 pivotally connected thereto with the links 14 also being
pivotally connected to a movable rod portion of a pneumatic ram 15 or the like.
The ram 15 as illustrated is also mounted on the support 12. Control means,
1~54~
: described hereinbelow, is operab].y connected to t.he ram 1.5 to sequence the
operation thereof relative to the operation of the other portions of the
apparatus 1. In operation, extension of the ram 15 effects pivoting movement
of each of the gate members 11 about their pivot points such that the gate
members project into the paths of the containers moving along the respective
conveyor portion of the conveyor 7 to selectively prevent feeding of the
containers 6 to the turret 8. At a preselect~d time, relative to the operation
of the remainder of the apparatus 1, the ram 15 is retracted moving the gate
members 11 out of their respective container movement paths allowing the
conveyor portion of the conveyor 7 to move a respective container to the turret
.
The turret 8 is rotatably mounted on the frame 17 of the apparatus 1.
The turret 8 in the illustrated structure is comprised of a generally circular
disc having a plurality of container receiving notches 18 therein with the
notches 18 being circumferentially spaced apart and opening out of the
periphery of the turret 8. The turret 8 is operably connectea via drive means
- (not shown) to an indexing drive unit such as a Ferguson Intermittor S/2-FM75-
120 manufactured by ~erguson Machine Co., Division of UMC Industries. The
indexing drive is operable for sequentially or incrementally rotating the
turret 8 in timed sequence to the operation of the other portions of the
apparatus 1. The control of the operation of the indexing unit is described
hereinbelow in the descripti.on of the control system. A support plate 9 is
.positioned beneath the turret 8 and supports containers 6 when being moved by
the turret 8.
In order to help stabilize the containers being fed to the turret 8,
an arm 72 is mounted on the apparatus 1 at a position for engaging an upper
portion of the containers 6 on the conveyors of the conveyor 7. This helps
prevent the containers from tipping during feeding into the respective notches
18. The arm 72, as illustrated, is mounted on the same support as ram 36 and is
arcuately shaped extending from the support to a container engaging position
adjacent the conveyor 7.
* Trade Mark
At each of the notches 18, there is provided clamp means 19 which is
operable for selectively gripping a container in each of the notches 18 and
releasably retaining the respective container in the respective notch 18. Any
suitable gripping means 19 can be provided and, as illustrated, each of the
gripping means 19 is similar in construction and operation. Because the clamp
means 19 are similar, the description of only one clamp means need be provided.
The clamp means 19 includes a pair of gripping members 20 and 21 having
respective arms 22 and 23 pivotally mounted on the turret B. Secured to each of
the arms 22 and 23 is a gear 24 and 25, respectively, which are meshed together.
Alternate arms ~3~ as illustrated, have a respective portion 23a, which is
upwardly projecting or 23b, extending beyond its pivotal mount toward the
center of rotation of the turret 8 which is downwardly projecting, each having
a cam follower 26 mounted thereon. Means is provided for biasing the grippers
20 and 21 to a gripping position and in the illustrated structure the means is a
; resilient member 27 connected to each arm of the respective pair of arms 22 and
23. Preferably, the resilient member 27 is a coil spring.
The gripper means 19 is in the open position when positioned at the
conveyor 7 and at the conveyor 5 and means is provided for selectively urging
the gripping means 19 to the open position. Cam means 30 is mounted above the
turret 8 and preferably is stationary during rotation of the turret 8. The cam
means 30 in the illustrated structure is comprised of a central disc 31 which
has secured thereto a first cam member 32 mounted on top of the disc 31 and a
second cam member 33 mounted on the underneath side of the disc 31, as best seen
in FIGURE 4. Every other one of the arms 23 has the follower 26 mounted on the
underneath side oE the upward projection 23a of the arm 23 while the alternate
arm 23 has the follower mounted on the top side of a downward projection 23b of
the arm 23. For example, the arm 23 at the left hand conveyor of the conveyor 7
as viewed in FIGURE 4 has the follower mounted on the underneath side of the arm
23 and the arm 23 adjacent the right hand conveyor of the conveyor 7 has
follower mounted on the top side of the arm 23. The followers 26 on the bottom
side will engage the cam 32 while the followers 26 on the top side will engage
~ 5 ~
the cam 33, thereby allowing simultaneous pivoting movement of the arms 23 at
either the conveyor 5 or conveyor 7. The cams 32 and 33 are contoured such that
the gripping means 19, when positioned adjacent the respective conveyors of
conveyors 5 and 7 are moved to the open position. This allows the discharge and
feeding of containers 6 from and into the respective notches 18. The cams 32
and 33 are contoured such that, upon rotation of the turret 8, the followers 26
will move into engagement with the central disc 31 whereby the gripping means
19 moves to a gripping position wherein the gripper 21 will engage a portion of
the sidewall of a container 6 when moving from the conveyor 7. When the turret
10 8 moves to the conveyor 5, the cams 32 and 33 effect pivoting of the cams 23
moving to the conveyor to move the gripping means 19 when adjacent the conveyor
5 to an open position. By virtue of the gears 24 and 25 being meshed together,
simultaneous actuation of the gripper 20 with the respective gripper 21 is
effected.
In the illustrated structure, the apparatus 1 includes four
stations, including a feed station located adjacent the conveyor 7, the
orienting station 3, a sealant dispensing station adjacent the means 4 and an
outlet station adjacent the conveyor 5. The central disc is contoured such
that the jaws would normally remain in a gripping position at both the
orienting station 3 and at the sealant dispensing station adjacent the
dispensing means 4.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the containers 6
are rotated at the orienting station 3 thereby necessitating that the
containers be free to rotate. One advantageous way of accomplishing this would
be to move the grippers 20 and 21 to a non-gripping position when at the
orienting station 3. In the illustrated structure, means is provided to effect
selective pivoting movement of the arms 23 at the orienting station and thereby
the respective arms 22 such that the grippers 20 and 21 move to a position out
of engagement with a respective container 6. The means in the illustrated
structure includes a selectively extendable and rotatable pneumatic ram 36
mounted on the disc 31 by a mounting block 37 which is secured to the disc 31.
~ 5~ ~
A pair of eccentric or cam menlbers 38 are mounted on respective shafts 39 which
are pivotally mounted in the block 37. The eccentric members 38 are positioned
for selective engagement with a respective follower 26 to effect pivoting
movement of the respective arm 23. An arm 35 is cormected to each of the shafts
3g. One arm 35 is pivotally connected to the ram 36 at a clevis 41 secured to
the movable rod portion of the ram 36. A link 42 is pivotally connected to each
of the arms 40 whereby pivoting movement of the arm 35 connected to the ra~ 36
will effect simultaneous pivoting movement of the other arm 35. By virtue of
the members 38 being eccentric and engagable with a respective follower 26
pivoting of the eccentric members 38 will effect pivoting movement of the
respective arm 23 and the respective arm 22, to override operation of the disc
31 to move the grippers 20 and 21 to a non-gripping position. Timing of the
extension of the ram 36 to effect the movement of the grippers 20 and 21 to
their non-gripping position is coutrolled by the control means described
hereinbelow. Upon retraction of the ram 36, the followers 26 under the bias of
the resilient members 27 move back into engagement with the peripheral edge of
the disc 31 and are once again in a container gripping position.
` Preferably, the apparatus l includes means st the orienting station 3
for applying sealant to the bottom seam, i.e., the seam between the bottom
2n member and the sidewall of the con-ainer 6. The means are best seen in PIGVRES
2 and 5. Because the apparatus 1 will handle a pair of containers
s_multaneollsly at each of the four stations, the orienting stat.on 3 will
simultaneously accommodate two containers. The illustrated means for applying
sealant to each of the container bottom seams are substantially the same,
therefore the description of one side of the station applies also to the other
side of the station.
A motor 40 is mounted on the frame 17 with the motor preferably being
of a type which has substantially no inertia such as a PMI Pancake Motor
#Vl2M4T with a connector encoder ~ such as a #PU856-360 tachometer encoder
manufactured by a division of Koll Morgan Corp., Syosett, N. Y. The encoder4
is operably connected to one end of the shaft of the motor 40 and is used as
*Trade Mark
:
45;~'~
part of the contro:L system which is described hereinbelow. Th output shaft of
the motor 40 is connected to a shaft 43 which is rotatably mourlted in a bearing
block 44. Mounted on top of the shaft 43 there is a platform 45 which is
rotatable when driven by the motor 40. The platform 45 and shaft 43 are aligned
relative to the grippers 20 and 21 at the respective station such that the
grippers 20 and 21 will align a container 6 generally coaxial with the axis of
rotation of the platform 45. The platform 45 is positioned below the turret
and has a plurality of passages 46 opening onto the upper disposed surface
thereof. The passages 46 communicate with another passage (not shown) which
extends through the shaft 43 and is in flow communication with a conduit 47
which is connected to a vacuum source such as a vacuum pump 48 shown in FIGURE
2. The application of vacuum will releasably retain a container on the
platform 45 during rotation of the container 6. A resilient annular pad 51 is
' recessed in the surface of the upper platform 45 and serves to provide a
sealing surface with the bottom of container 6 during application of the
vacuum. A means is provided for selec ively releasing the vacuum applied for
retaining the container 6. In the structure shown, the means includes a
pneumatic ram 49 mounted on the block 44 and actuates a slide valve 34
connected in the conduit 47 preferably at the block 44. The valve 34 vents the
passage 46 to atmosphere to release the vacuum at a predetermined time. The
operation of the ram 49 and, hence5 operation of the valve 34, is controlled by
the control circuit as described below. A switch VS 50 is also mounted on the
block 44 and has a pressure-sensing element cooperating with the vacuum passage
(not shown) in the block 44 with the switch VS 50 being actuated at a
predetermined level of vacuum pressure. Actuation of the switch VS 50, which
is operably connected to the motor 40, allows the motor 40 to rotate only after
a predetermined level of vacuum is attained. Thus, the platform 45 will not
rotate unless a container 6 is securely retained thereon by vacuum.
Positioned above the platforms 45 is a tamper device 52 having rings
52a resiliently movably mounted thereon preferably springs 56 as is best seen
in FIGURE 2. The tamper is movably mounted on a guide 53 for generally vertical
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reciprocal movement. A pneumatic ram 54 or the like is mounted on a support 55
which in turn is secured to the frame 17. The movable rod of the ram 54 is
connected to the tamper 52 to effect the reciprocal movement thereof at a
predetermined time as controlled by the control system described below. The
tamper 52 when engaging the containers 6 insures contact between the containers
6 and platforms 45 for application of vacuum and with the rings 52a being
resiliently mounted the containers will be less li~ely to be deformed.
Arms 57 and 58 are secured to the support 55 and extend generally
outwardly therefrom, each having mounted thereon a respective sealant
dispensing nozzle 59 or 60. The nozzles are each operably connected for flow
communication with to a solenoid valve means 61 which is selectively actuatable
for permitting dispensing of a viscous liquid sealant through the respective
nozzle 59 or 60. The nozzles 59 and 60 and their respective valve 61 are
mounted on a bracket 63 and 64, respectively, with the brackets 63 and 64 being
pivotally mounted on the respective arm 57 and 58. By being pivotally mounted
on the arms 57 and 58, the angular position of the nozzles 59 and 60 can be
adjusted, when desired, to change the trajectory of the stream of sealant being
dispensed to acco~nodate different size containers. A conduit 66 is connected
to each of the valves 61 for supplying sealant thereto.
Referring again to ~IGURE 5, mounted adjacent each of the platforms
45 is a photoelectric transducer means, such as a photoelectric eye 68, which
is operable for sensing a mark on the container so that the container can be
oriented to a preselected rotational position as described hereinbelow in the
description of the control system. The eyes 68 are each mounted on a hreaded
rod 69 such that both the height and rotational position of the eyes 68 can be
readily and simply adjusted. The rods 69 are each mounted on a respective
support 70 which in turn is mounted on the frame 17.
The valves 61 and nozzle assemblies 59 and 60 can be of any suitable
type and, preferably, they are of a heated type such as a Nordson, Model H-20A.
Further, the conduits 66 are also preferably heated and can be of a type such as
those available from the Nordson Corp. of Amherst, Ohio. By heating the valves
*Trade ~ark
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.,_
~L5~5ZI~ t,`
6] and the conduits 66, the sealant is maintained in a heated condition since
it is preferred to use a hot melt sealant.
After the containers have had sealant applied to the bottom seam at
the station 3, the ram 36 is moved to its retracted position allowing the
grippers 20 and 21 to once again grip the containers 6 after orientation. The
turret 8 is then indexed to the next station. At the next station, the means 4
is operable for applying sealant or the like to the interior side seam of tihe
container. Preferably, the side seam extends generally longitudinally along
the length of the container 6 from the top of the container to the bottom member
of the container 6. Applying sealant to the container can be readily
accomplished because the containers 6 have been oriented at the orienting
station 3 to precisely locate the rotational position of the containers 6. The
containers 6 move from the station 3 to the dispensing means 4 by the indexing
rotation of the turret 8 with the containers sliding along the plate 9 below
the turret 8.
Referring to FIGURES 1, 2, 6, 7~ and 8, a carriage 75 is movably
mounted on a support 76 which is secured to the frame 17. The carriage 75 is
movably mounted on the support 76 for movement generally parallel to the side
wall of the container 6 which movement is generally vertical reciprocal
movement. As illustrated, the carriage 75 is slidably mounted on a pair of
guide rods 77 secured to frame 17. The carriage 75 is slidable in bearing
blocks 78 which are mounted on the back of carriage 75 as best seen in FIGURE 2.
A pneumatic ram 79 or the like is mounted on the support 76 and has the movable
rod portion thereof connected to the carriage 75. As illustrated, extension of
the ram 79 effects downward movement of the carriage 75 and retraction of the
ram effects upward movement of the carriage 75.
As shown, a pair of sealant dispensing nozzles 81 are carried by the
carriage 75 for movement therewith. The nozzles 81 are operable for dispensing
viscous liquid sealant onto the side seam of the container. In the illustrated
structure, the nozzles 81 are mounted on an elongate wand 82 which in turn is
secured to the carriage 75. Selective dispensing of sealant from each of the
nozzles 81 is effected by use of a respective soleno:id controlled valve means
84 connected in flow communication with the respective nozzle 81. As viewed in
FIGURE 1, the right hand wand 82 tlas the valve means 8~ controlled by a solenoid
SOL 7 while the left hand wand 82 has its valve 84 controlled by solenoid SOL 8.
Preferably, the wands 82 are of a construction which permits the heating of the
wand so as to prevent the sealant from becoming too viscous for proper
dispensing. The wands 82 preferably have one or more cartridge heaters (no-t
shown) mounted therein which are connected to a suitable temperature controller
VCl described below. Conduits ô5 are in flow communication with the respective
valve 84 and are operable for supplying heated sealant to the respective valve.
Preferably, the conduits 85 are of a heated type such as sold by Nordson Corp.
of Amherst, Ohio.
Movement of the carriage 75 is effected by the ram 79 as discussed
above. When the carriage 75 reaches its down position, the ram 79 upon
retraction will move the slide 75 upwardly. In the event sufficient air
pressure is not present to effect retraction of the ram 79 under the load of the
carriage 75, one or more springs 86 are connected to the carriage 75, which
upon downward movement of the carriage 75, were placed in a tensioned
condition, the force applied by the springs 86 is available for inducing upward
movement of the carriage 75. Preferably, the end of the movement of the
carriage 75 downwardly and upwardly is cushioned to prevent unnecessary
vibration or shock in the apparatus 1. The rams 79 can be of a cushion type to
provide shock absorbency on both the up and down stroke. Further, on the up
stroke of the carriage 75, due to the added force of the springs 86, a
supplementary shock absorber 88 can be provided. The shock absorber 88 is
mounted on a bracket 89 which is secured to the support 76. The shock absorber
88 can be of any suitable type, such as a hydraulic type which is connected to a
source of hydraulic fluid such as a reservoir 90. A rod portion 87a of the
shock absorber 88 is engagable with a bracket 90' secured to the carriage 75.
Upon contact of the bracket 9O' with the rod 87, shock absorbency is provided.
æo
Details of the nozzles 81 are best seen in FIGVRES 9 and 10. The
nozzle 81 is adapted for dispensing a relatively viscous fluid such as hot melt
sealant in a thin ribbon. As illustrated, the nozzle 81 has a body with a first
portion 83 adapted for mounting on the threaded ends of wand 82. The nozzle has
a leg portion 95 integral with the first portion 83. A cylindrical flow
passage 92 is provided inside~the nozzle 81 and extends from the upper end 100
through the portion 83 for flow communication with the flow path in the wand 82
and extends partially through the portion 91 terminating adjacent the lower end
97 of the nozzle 81. A second flow passage 93 opens onto the exterior surface
of the nozzle 81 adjacent the end 97 and is generally rectangularly shaped in
transverse cross section as best seen in FIGURE 10. The passage 93 has a width
in the range of about 5 to 100 times the height of the passage 93. The use of
the nozzle as described above is highly advantageous in that it has been found
that such a nozzle will not leak or drip sealant and thereby form a bad coating
on the seam. Satisfactory operation has been obtained from a nozzle wherein
passageway 92 is 0.0625" in diameter and passageway 93 is 0.006" x 0.1875". A
- preferred hot melt adhesive is ~wift SK8.12.8750~ sold by Swift & Co. and is a
product of United Chemical Co. of Chicago, Ill. A suitable temperature for
dispensing tle adhesive is 375F (190r). Another suitable hot melt adhesive
20 is*~inley #3355-885PB sold by Finley Adhesives, Inc. of ~lilwaukec, Wis.
As seen in ~IGURE 9, the nozzle 81 has a pair of flat surfaces 94 on
opposite sides with the surfaces 94 permitting the use of d wrench for
installing or removing the no~zle 81 from the threaded end of wand 82. The
portion 83 has a generally annular collar 91 projecting therefrom. As
illustrated, a nut 98 or the like receives the portion 83 therein and is in
threaded engagement with a lower portion 99 of the wand 82. A shoulder in the
nut 98 engages the collar 91 thereby securing the nozzle 81 on the wand 82.
The ]eg portion 95 is preferably integral with the portion 96 wherein
the longitudinal axis of the portion 83 and the leg portion are disposed at an
sngle relative to one another in a preferred embodiment. Preferably, the
angular disposition should be in a range between about 18 and about 22. The
*Trade Mark
13
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: angular relationship allows the end 97 to project outwardly a distance
sufficient to permit the open end of the passage 93 to be located at a desired
location relative to a container 6 for sealant dispensing without having the
wand 82 contact a container 6. An angle of about 20 has been found to be
satisfactory. Also, the passage 93 is disposed at an angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the passage 92 and, preferably, this angle is in a range
between about 40 and about 50. An angle of about 45 has been found to be
satisfactory. By disposing the passage 93 at an acute angle relative to
: vertical, sealant can be discharged onto the container sidewall at a position
adjacent the bottom seam without having the end of the nozzle 81 contact the
bottom member of the container.
The nozzle as above described is manufactured by first forming the
exterior of the body of the nozzle 81 in any suitable manner such as on a lathe,
die casting or the like. Preferably, the nozzle is formed from a relatively
soft metal such as brass. After or during formation of the body, the surfaces
94 are formed in any suitable manner. The passage 92 is drilled or otherwise
formed in the nozzle 81, preferably terminating just short of the free end 97.
After the formation of the passage 92, a slot is milled or otherwise formed
across the leg 95 from one side of the leg 95 to the other side of the leg 95.
After forming this slot, an anvil member such as a hardened shim having a shape
and size which is substantially the same as the desired shape of the passage 93
is inserted into the slot. After insertion of the member, the nozzle 81 is
placed in a press or other suitable forming equipment and the end 97 of the leg
95 has force applied for closing the slot on opposite sides of the :inserted
member to form the passage 93. After the formation operation has been
completed, the member is removed leaving the passage 93 of the desired size and
shape. Preferably, the passage is generally rectangularly shaped in transverse
cross section with two pairs of generally parallel surfaces. The passage 93 is
sized such that the capillary forces of the sealant will prevent dripping.
In operation of the apparatus 1, it is preferred to stabilize the
containers when applying sealant to the side seam to improve the quality of the
seal at the side seam. As best seen in FIGURE 6, stabilizing means 103 is
provided for selectively stabilizing a container 6 at each of the sealarl-t
applying locations adjacent the sealant dispensing means 4. It has been found
desirable to stabilize the container 6 during application of the sealant to
prevent movement of the container when the sealant is being applied. This is
particularly true with tall containers in that they have a tendency to tip and
move away from the no~z]e because of the force applied to the container 6 by the
sealant stream being applied to the side seam. This is particularly important
because the spacing of the side wall of the container from the nozzle 81 has
been found to be a relatively critical parameter which should be controlled
closely to achieve high quality sealed seams.
In the illustrated structure, the stabilizer means 103 includes a
container engaging member 104 which is adapted for engaging a container 6 in
selected areas substantially along the entire height of the container,
preferably in a selected area around about one-fourth of the periphery of the
container. The member 104 is constructed to avoid contact with the grippers 20
and 21. The member 104 is positioned relative to the side seam so that the side
seam is located about centrally between side ~ies of the member 104. The
member 104 is suitably secured to a bracket 105 which in turn is suitably
20 secured to a plate 106. A bracket 107 is suitably secured to and depends from
the plate 106 and has suitably connected thereto a free end of a movable rod
portion of a pneumatic ram 108 or the like which is mounted on the frame 17 of
the apparatus 1. Selective extension and retraction of the ram 108 effects
forward and retracting movement of the member 104, bracket 105, plate 106 and
bracket 107. The plate 106 has suitably secured thereto a plurality of
rotatably mounted rollers 110. The periphery of each of the rollers 110 has a
groove 111 therein and is adapted for engaging a guide member 112 for movably
supporting the member 104, bracket 105, plate 106 and bracke-t 107 for generally
linear reciprocal movement. In operation, the member 104 is moved toward a
respective notch 18 for engaging a container 6 when sealant is dispensed.
After application of sealant, the member 104 is retracted by retraction of the
11~'~0
ram 108 to move the member 104 out of engagemen-t with a container 6 and out of
the notch 18 to permit selected indexing of the turret 8. Operation of the ram
108 in timed sequence to operation of the other components of the apparatus 1
is controlled by a control circuit described hereinbelow.
Because of the importance of positioning the nozzle 81 relative to
the side seam of the container 6 so as to maintain a predetermined spacing
therebetween, adjusting means is provided. In the illustrated structure, -the
adjusting means includes a bracket 114 secured to the carriage 75 with the
bracket having a pair of spaced apart arms 115 and 116 positioned on opposite
sides of the wand 82 as best seen in FIGURE 1. In the illustrated form of the
adjusting means, a U-bolt extends partially around the wand 82 with each end of
the U-bolt 117 extending through an opening in the respective arm 115 or 116.
Nuts are in threaded engagement with the U-bolt and by tightening or loosening
of the nuts, the wand 82 can be resiliently biased to a preselected position
such that the nozzle 81 is at the proper spacing from the interior surface of
the container 81.
Means is provided for facilitating removal of or preventing buildup
of sealant on the apparatus 1 in the event overspray, i.e., spraying of sealant
other than on the container, occurs. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each of the members 104 has mounted thereon, at a position at which
the nozzles 81 are directed, an elongate heater 119, as best seen in FIGURES 1
and 6. Preferably, the heater 119 is an electrical resistance type heater and
is in the form of an elongate strip which extends generally from the lowermost
; disposed portion of the member 104 and up beyond the upper end of the member
104. By being heated, when overspray occurs, the sealant will remain fluid and
flow down the heater strip 119 and fall on a plate 120 mounted on the frame 17
from which the sealant can be easily removed.
The apparatus 1, in the illustrated form, includes means 125 for
removing any excess sealant from the nozzle 81 in the event sealant is
discharged from the nozzle 81 after the control valve is shut off. Such means
may or may not be necessary, depending upon the type of nozzle used. However,
16
4S~(~
;
as an added feature for the apparatus 1, wiping means 125 is provided and can be
utilized to assure that no sealant is left on the end of the rlozzle 81 after
termination of sealant dispensing. The wiping means is best seen in FIGURES 6,
7, and 8. As shown, a carriage 126 is reciprocably movably mounted on the
support 76 for generally linear movement. As shown, a pair of guide rods 127
are secured to a bracket 128 which in turn is suitably secured to the support
76. The carriage 126 has a pair of through bores which have mounted therein
respective bearings 129 for slidably receiving the respective rod 127
therethrough. A bracket 130 is secured to the carriage 127 and is secured in
such a manner as to depend from the carriage 126 and is movable with the
carriage 127. A shaft 131 is rotatably mounted in bearings 132, which are in
turn mounted in the carriage 126, to allow rotation of the shaft 131. Drive
means is provided for rotating the shaft 131 and, as illustrated, the drive
means includes a motor 134 mounted on the bracket 130. A sprocket 135 is
secured to the shaft 131 and a sprocket 136 is secured to the drive shaft of the
motor 134. A chain 137 operably connects the pulleys 135 and 136 together
whereby rotation of the motor 134 effects rotation of the shaft 131. Mounted
on each end of the shaft 131 is a hub 139. The hub 139 has a plurality of
generally radially projecting wiper blades 140 which are preferably of a
resilient material such as rubber. As viewed in FIGURE 6, it is preferred that
the hub 139 have counterclockwise rotation so that the wipers 140 when adjacent
the nozzle 81 will move upwardly relative to the nozzle 81 having a surface 141
which will engage the nozzle 81. This rotation is desirable since any sealant
on the nozzle 81 will tend to flow downwardly whereby upward movement of the
wiper 140 will pick up substantially the entirety of any excess sealant. If
any sealant is removed from the nozzle 81, further rotation of the hub 139 will
move the wiper to a receptacle such as an upwardly opening V-shaped trough with
a collecting chamber for engagement with an edge of the trough 142. When the
surface 141 engages an edge of the V-shaped trough 142, the sealant will be
30 wiped off into the trough. The trough 142 is carried by the support 76,
preferably by having the troughs 142 secured to a bracket 143 which in turn is
secured to the carriage 126 for movememt therewith. The troughs 142 can be
heated or unheated and when sufficient sealant is built up, it can either be
manually removed in the event of an unheated trough or in the event of a heated
trough the sealant can drain out of an open end of the trough onto the plate 120
from which it can be easily removed.
Means is provided for effecting reciprocal movement of the wiping
means 125 in timed relationship to the operation of the remainder of the ap-
paratus 1. Preferably, the wiping means 125 will move outwardly such that the
wipers 140 will engage a respective nozzle 81 when the nozzle 81 is in its up
position as illustrated in FIGURE 6. One advantageous means of effecting the
reciprocal movement toward and away from the nozzle 81 is by having the wiping
means 125 operably connected to the stabilizing means 103 whose operation is
effected in timed relationship to the various operations of the apparatus 1.
As illustrated, an arm 145 is pivotally mounted on a bracket 146 which is
secured to the support 76 and is immovable relative to the support 76. A guide
cam 147 is secured to the bracket 105 and is movable therewi~h. The guide cam
147 has an elongate slot 148 therein and receives therein a roller 149. The
roller 149 is rotatably mounted on the arm 145 adjacent the lower end of the arm
145. An upper end of the arm 145 is on the other side of the pivotal mount from
the lower end of the arm 145 and has a roller (not shown) similar to the roller
149, mounted thereon. A portion of the bracket 130 has an elongate slot ~not
shown) therein similar to the slot 148. During extension of the ram :L08 and
forward movement of the bracket 105 the arm ll~5, seen in FIGURE 6, moves in a
generally clockwise direction pulling the wiping means 125 to a retracted
position and away from the nozæle 81. After the nozzle 81 has dispensed
sealant, it moves to its uppermost position. At this time, the ram 108
retracts moving the stabilizer 104 to its retracted position. This effects
clockwise movement of the arm 145 thereby effecting forward movement of the
wiping means 125 to an extended position wherein the wipers 140 will engage the
nozzle 81 and wipe off any sealant on the end of the nozzle 81 and will continue
to wipe sealant until the wipers 140 are moved out of a wiping position by
extension of the ram 108.
æ~
After the sealant has been applied and the members 104 moved to a
retracted position, the turret 8 will again sequerltially move whereby the con-
tainers 6 with both the bottom seams and side seams coated will move to a
position for discharge onto the discharge conveyor 5. As described above, when
the turret moves grippers 20 and 21 to the discharge conveyor stations, these
grippers 20 and 21 are moved to an open position by action of the cams 32 and 33
to permit discharge of the processed containers 6. The conveyor 5 includes a
pair of conveyors each located under a respective notch 18 and by virtue of the
friction between the containers 6 and the conveyors the containers 6 will be
removed from the notches 18. The conveyor 5 can be of any suitable type such as
an endless belt on chain.
The conveyor 5 will conduct the process containers 6 to a point of
use or storage. In the event the containers are conveyed to a point of use, it
is desirable to provide means to provide a signal representing that the
conveyor 5 is full so that processing of containers on the apparatus 1 can be
temporarily terminated. If the conveyor 5 is full, then processed containers 6
cannot be discharged onto the conveyor 5 thereby causing malfunctioning of the
apparatus 1 because the notches 18 moving to the feed conveyor 7 would already
contain containers 6.
A control system for the apparatus 1 is described below.
The described parts are electrically connected to one another in the
manner illustrated in FIGURES 12a, 12b and 12c. For simplicity, terminology
directed to "electrically connected to" has not been provided since it is well
understood in the art how the parts are connected and the detailed figures show
in what manner the various parts are electrically or otherwise operably
connected.
Referring to FIGURES 12a, 12b, 12c photoelectric detecting means PE-
5 is provided which is operable for providing a signal to the apparatus 1
indicating that the conveyor 5 is filled to a predetermined level. The signal
can be utilized to either stop operation of the apparatus 1 or prevent feeding
of the containers 6 to the turret 8 whereby containers will no longer be
19
0
processed until the detecting means PE-5 signals that the conveyor 5 can now
accept more processed containers. In the illustrated structure, the detecting
P~ S ~ CI S
means includes a photoelectric transducer means ~=s~k~s a photoelectric cell
unit model FE-MLS8A with FE-MF3 delay circuit made by Electronic Corp. of
America, Cambridge, Mass. illustrated in the schematic in FIGURE lZa. If the
light beal~ remains broken for a predetermined period of time indicating non-
movement of containers 6 along the conveyor 5, i.e., the conveyor 5 is filled
to a predetermined level, the ram 15 on the infeed gate will be e~tended and
maintained in the extended position preventing feeding of containers to the
turret 8. Feeding is stopped until the light beam makes a circuit in through
the cell indicating that the containers are once again moving along the
conveyor 5 indicating that the conveyor 5 can accept more processed containers.
A description of the control circuit for the apparatus l is provided
so.as to provide better understanding of the present invention. Power is
supplied to the circuit through a transformer Tl with the circuit being fused
by fuse F5. A cam switch unit 155 such as a*Gemco #1980 104R SP manufactured by
Ge~co Electric Co., Clawson, Mich., is operably connected to the main drive of
the apparatus l. Power is supplied to the motor Ml which is the main drive
motor for the turret indexer from transformer T3. The main start button PB2 is
located in the switch box SBl. The switch PBl resets the overload protector
157. Switch PB2 when actuated provides current to a motor control unit 156
such as a*Cycletrol Model 240 sold by Hampton Products Co., Rockford, Ill. and
the overload protector 157 such as a Model MOC-l sold by Hampton Products Co.
of Rockford, Ill. The controller 156 is operable for converting 120 VAC to
direct current. The overload protector 157 contains relays R9 and Rll (not
shown) controlling contacts RC9 in line 5 and RCll in line 6, respectively.
When the relay Rll is actuated by the presence of an overload condition in the
turret system, relay contacts RCll in line 6 move to an open position
preventing damage to the turret by preventing relay R10 from being energized
since the actua~ion of contacts RC9 by relay R9 is only momentary. When
contacts RClOa in line 3 are open, when relay R10 is deenergized, they will
* Trade ~ark
, ,
2a
t~O
- prevent the ram 79 from extending. Further, relay Rl has a seL of contacts RCI
located in the switch box SBl and provide a stop c:ircuit to the controller 156
to provide emergency stops to protect the wand 82 or the ram 79 from being
damaged due to the turret indexing when the ram 79 is down. Relay R10 is
energized during the index or run condition of the turret 8 by closing of the
contacts RC9 by actuation of the start button PB2 in switch box SBl. Relay R9
is actuated momentarily only during the very start of the indexer run and since
it's closed only momentarily a latching circuit is needed to maintain relay R10
energized during the run phase of the turret cycle. Contacts RC10b of relay
R10 are located in line 6 and when closed, along with contacts Rll, push
buttons PB3b and PB4b are closed, a circuit is provided to relay R10 to
maintain same energized. Push button contacts PB3b and PB4b are secondary sets
of contacts for push buttons PB3a and PB4a which are found in switch box SBl are
for manually stopping the indexer. Relay Rll is energized by the presence of
an overload condition in the turret system. If either the push button contacts
PB3b or PB4b or the relay contacts RCll open the circuit to relay R10, then
relay R10 will be deenergized.
The feed conveyor 7 has a gate operated by the pneumatic ram 15 which
preferably is a double acting cylinder whereby upon extension of the ram 15
; 20 containers are prevented from being fed to the turret 8 and upon retraction of
the ram containers 6 can be feed to the turret 8. During operation of the
apparatus 1, the solenoid SOL 3, which preferably is part of a 4-way control
B P iding air to ~rcaGmbl5, is normally energized by current being sup li d
through relay contacts ~b which are actuated by energizing relay R6 in line 15
by closing of the cam switch CS3 in the cam unit 155. Once each index, the cam
switch CS3 is closed allowing the ram 15 to be retracted permitting the feeding
of containers to the turret 8. Subsequently, the cam switch CS3 is opened
allowing deenergization of the solenoid SOL 3 whereby the ram 15 moves to an
extended position preventing containers 6 from being fed to the turret 8 until
the next index. As described above, if the conveyor 5 is overly full, it is
desirable to prevent feeding of containers to the turret 8. In order to
accomplish this relay R12 and the photoelectric transducer means PE5 is pro-
vided. PE5 is a photoelectric unit with a set of normally open time closure
~C ~'
contacts P~e~; When the containers back up on the conveyor S until they cover
the path of the light beam from PE5, the time delay is energized allowing
further backup of containers to a preset position, i.e., a predetermined time
period is set in PE5. ~or the dwell cycle7 cam switch CS3 is closed energizing
relay R6. When energized during the dwell cycle, contacts RC6b are closed
while contacts RC12c are closed energizing solenoid SOL 3 whereby the cylinder
15 is moved to the retracted position permitting feeding of containers to the
turret 8. After the dwell cycle has been completed, cam switch CS3 moves to an
opened position deenergizing relay 6 whereby contacts RC6b open deenergizing
solenoid SOL 3 whereby the cylinder moves to an extended position preventing
feeding of containers during the index cycle. In the event an oversupply of
containers is present on the conveyor 5 after the predetermined time period,
the contacts PEC5 will close. If the apparatus 1 is in the dwell cycle wherein
contacts RC6a are open and RC6b are closed, feeding of the containers will
continue for one cycle. At the index portion of the cycle contacts RC6a will
close and RC6b will open whereby relay R12 is energized closing contacts RC12a
and RC12b and will open contacts RC12c. W:ith the contacts RC6b and RC12c open,
the solenoid SOI 3 is deenergized whereby the cylinder L5 is in its extended
position. During subsequent cycles of the cam switch CS3, the solenoid SOL 3
; remains deenergized because the contacts RC12c are open. So long as relay R12
is lashed in via current being supplied by contacts RC12a, the ram will remain
in its extended position preventing feeding. When there is a need for
containers contacts PEC5 open. If contacts PEC5 open during the dwell cycle a
circuit is provided to the relay R12 through contacts RC6b and RC12b whereby
the ram 15 will remain in its extended position. At the index portion of the
cycle contacts RC6b will open thereby deenergizing relay R12 with contacts
RC12c moving to their closed position. At the subsequent dwell cycle then the
r~trclctec~
ram will move to its ~tLdl~ted position because contacts RC6b and RC12c will
be open. If the photodetecting means PE5 provides signal indicating a need for
containers during the index cycle, the contacts PEC5 wi]l open deenergizing
relay Rl2 whereby contacts RC12c will close but with the contacts RC6b being
open the ram will remain in its extended position preven-ting feeding. At the
start of the dwell cycle, contacts RC6b will close and with the contacts RCl2c
being closed, the solenoid SOL 3 will be energized permitting feeding of the
containers.
In the control of the operations at the orienting station, current is
supplied to con-trol means from a transformer T2. Since the control means for
each of the rotating platforms 45 and of the sealant dispensing nozzles 59 and
60 is the same, in the illustrated structure, only one control means is
described herein. Current from the transformer T2 is supplied to a suitable
rectifier power supply PSl which converts the AC current to DC current. The
power supply PSl can be of any suitable type providing the proper voltage and
current. A preferred unit is sold by Electronic Counters and Controls, Inc.,
of Mundelein, I11. Power supply PS1 supplies current to a DC servocontrol SC-
l. The servocontrol SC-1 controls speed of the motor 40 by tachometer feedback
~/
p~ from the encoder ~ A suitable servocontrol is a Model PA302 Amplifier
modified per E31289 sold by Torque System, Inc. of Waltham, Mass. The
servocontrol SC-l is also electrically connected to a platform position control
means PC1 such as Model CBl35SP Counter Controller manufactured by Electronic
Counters and Controls, Inc. (ECCI), of Mundelein, Ill. A tachometer encoder El
is operably comlected to the position controller PCl and provides a signal
representative of the number of rotations by degrees of the shaft of the motor
40 to the position controller PCl. A photoelectric transducer such as a
photoelectric eye PE1 is operably connected to the power supply of transformer
T2 and is operable for providing a signal to the position controller PC1 to
-h~ne,
indicate the'when a mark on the container makes a circuit in the photoelectric
eye PE1. In operation, the position controller PCl has three counters for
controlling the operation of the orienting station. The vacuum switch VS 50
closes when a predetermined level of vacuum is reached signalling the presence
of a can on the platform 45. In the dwell cycle cam switch CS3 is closed and~
~ 3~f~
during dwell, when the cam switch CS4 is in the up posit-ion of the schematic
relay R5 in line lO is energized closing relay contacts RC5. With ~RC5 closed
and vacuum switch VS50 closed, the motor 40 begins turning and acce]erating to
a predetermined maximum RPM, preferably about 1,000 ~PM. Closing of the
contacts RC5 and the vacuum switch VS50, resets the three counters in the
position controller PCl to preset values. Internally of the position
controller PCl, there is a time delay timer which provides a preset time
period, for example, 50 milliseconds, to allow the motor 40 to reach
approximately maximum RPM before the position controller PCl acts on signals
from the encoder ECl and eye PEl. After the preset time period, a signal from
the eye PEl indicates the passing of the mark on a container 6. Also, pulses
from the encoder El, which preferably are 360 per revolution multiplied by two
by the position controller PCl to indicate one~half degree increments are also
transmitted to the position controller PCl. When the signal from the eye PEl
is received, the position controller PCl internally sets itself to start down
counting pulses from the encoder ECl from the established point to 0. The
position controller includes three timers or counters, TIl, TI2 and TI3. Timer
TIl sets the length of run of the motor 40 for the total number of revolutions
by degrees before the motor 40 is stopped when the counter zeros out. Timer TI2
provides a time delay after the start of the receipt of the signal from the eye
PEl and the start of receipt of pulse signals from the encoder El at which the
respective nozzle 59 or 60 will begin dispensing sealant by upcounting from O
pulses or degrees to a set point. The timer TI3 is preset for an up count in
degrees or pulses which will provide a timing of the total number of
revolutions that the nozzle will dispense sealant into the respective container
before the sealant dispensing is terminated. At the timing out of the counter
TI3, dispensing of sealant will be terminated. Accordingly, the timer TI3 is
operably connected to its respective valves 61 which preferably are solenoid
controlled by by SOL 9 and SOL 10. Preferably, the timer TIl is set for 3612
30 pulses, timer TI2 is set for lO degrees and timer TI3 is set for 1440 degrees.
When the platform 45 and its container 6 reaches a rotational position at a
24
preset number of degrees of rotation before the desired position for stopping
the containers at the desired oriented rotational position, a reverse current
is applied to the motor 4~ to start deceleration. Deceleration occurs for a
precise number of degrees and rotation is terminated at the desired rotational
position within one pulse of the position ontroller PCl which is described
B above would be one-half pulse of the encoder ~æq-.
Before the start of the rotation of the motors 40, the cam switch CS4
of the cam unit 155 is in the down position as seen in the drawing thereby
energizing the solenoid SOL 11 of a valve in the air line to the ram 54. When
energized, the solenoid SOL 11 operates the valve to supply air to the back
side of the ram 54 so that the ram 54 will extend and move the tamper 52
downwardly to insure contact between the bottom of a container 6 and its
respective platform 45. After a predetermined time period, the cam switch CS4
moves to its up position thereby deenergizing solenoid SOL ll to supply air to
the rod side of the ram 54 to force the ram to retract and move the tamper 52
out of engagement with the containers 6.
After the containers have been located, the grippers 20 and 21 grip
the containers and the turret 8 is indexed to move the oriented containers 6 to
the side seaming station so that sealant can be applied to the side seam.
Application of sealant is accomplished during dwell of the apparatus
1. During dwell cam switch CSl of cam unit 155 is in the down position
supplying current to relay contacts RC2, RC3 and RC4. RC2 is normally open and
is not closed until either of RC3 and RC4 are closed. RC3 and RC4 are normally
closed contacts and are operated by relays R3 and R4~ respectively, which are
operably connected to photoelectric transducer means such as photoelectric
eyes PE3 and PE4, respectively. The eyes PE3 and PE4 are operable for
transmitting and receiving light reflected from a reflector 38 (as seen in
FIGURE 2) positioned preferably at a position below the turret 8 and indicate
the presence or non-presence of a container 6 at each of the side seaming
stations. If a container is present, its respective relay R3 or R4 will pass
current through a toggle switch TS6 if closed. This is a manually operated
l~s4~æ(~
switch which selectively permits functioning of the side seam:ing stations. If
-the relay contacts RClO are closed, then current is swpplied to a cam switch
CS2 of the cam unit 155 which in the dwell cycle is closed. Accordingly, if a
container 6 is present at either of the side seaming locations, current is
supplied to solenoid SOL 1 of a 4-way valve in the air lane which controls the
operation of the ram 79. When energized the solenoid SOL 1 actuates the ram 79
to move downwardly to effect downward movement of the wands 82. Also, relay 2
is energized and has contacts RC2 which latches the relay to maintain the relay
2 contacts closed and the relay R2 energized, if limit switch LS5 is closed.
This maintains energization of the solenoid SOL 1. When the ram 79 contacts
the limit switch L55 to deenergize and open the contacts RC2. When the limit
switch LS5 is opened, solenoid SOL 1 is deenergized causing the ram 79 to
I ~ c~,~ntro ll~d rri~
'LJ retract, preferably at a ~3~tn~-ratc as controlled by a flow control valve
(not shown).
Relay R10 has contacts RClOa located in the line for energizing
solenoid SOL 1. When relay R10 is energized, contacts RClOa are closed so that
current can be supplied for energizing solenoid SOL 1. Relay R10 is energi2ed
only during operation of the motor for driving the turret 8. Energization of
R10 is accomplished by contacts RC9 which are closed by relay R9 located in the
overload protector 157. The RC10 contacts will be closed only during operation
of the turret motor of the indexer and therefore no accidental injury or harm
will occur to the operator while working within the side seam area by having
the cylinder 79 accidentally extend by the presence of a hand, etc., in front
of either of the photoelectric eyes PE3 or PE4. Just before starting of the
indexing movement of the ~urret 8, the cam switch CSl shifts to the upper
position supplying current to limit switch LSl and to relay Rl. By breaking
the circuit 2, solenoid SOL 1 just before the indexing movement of the turret,
it is assured that the ram 79 will be moved to the retracted position
irrespective of the remainder of the controls for energizing solenoid SOL 1.
If the ram 79 is not returned to its retracted or up position by the time cam
switch CSl is switched to its up position, then limit switch LSl will still be
26
closed allowing relay 1 to be energized. Contacts RCl are provided for con-
trolling the controller 156 to provide an emergency stop to prevent cycling of
the turret 8 in the event the wand and the ram 79 have not moved to the
retracted position.
In the event of an overload condition for rotation of ~he turret 8,
either of the push-buttons PB3 or P~3 is pressed manually which will unlatch
relay R10 thereby opening the contacts RC10 which effect energization of the
solenoid SOL 1 which will prevent the ram 79 from extending.
Spraying of sealant from the nozzles 81 is started by energization of
solenoids SOL 7 and SOL 8. This is accomplished by use of a timer TI4 which is
used for energizing two solenoid valves, one to each sealant dispensing nozzle
81, i.e., at the side seaming stations. Limit switch LS2 is located about
halfway down the support 76 and is actuated by the presence or passage of the
ram 79 during its extension stroke. When the relay R2 is energized when the ram
79 reaches i~s furthermos-t extended position, contacts RC2a are closed. Also,
during the dwell cycle, cam switch CS3 is closed energizing relay R6 whereby
contacts RC6c are also closed. Closure of the limit switch LS2 and contacts
RC2a wi.ll energize solenoids SOL 7 and SOL 8 when a container is present at the
respective dispensing station, for a preset time period as controlled by the
timer T14 for dispensing sealant preferably during the downward movement of
nozzles 81. For energization of the solenoids SOL 7 and SOL 8, the control as
described above includes relay contacts RC3, RC4 and RC6c which must be closed
for energization oi the solenoids SOL 7 and SOL 8. Closure of relay contacts
RC3 and RC4 is through energization of relay R3 and R4 when a container's
presence is sensed by PE3 or PE4. If toggle switches TS4, TS2 and TS3 are
closed then the push-buttons PB8, PB9 and PB10 are used as manual overrides to
energize SOL 7, SOL8, SOL9 and SOL 10 and effect purging of the bottoms spray
and side spray sealant supply systems. The solenoids SOL 7 and SOL 8 are
deenergized by the timer T14 timing out to terminate dispensing of sealant when
the wand has reached a predetermined down position. The sealant dispensed by
the wand 82 at the lower end of its movemen-t overlaps the sealant at the
27
l~S~20
junction of the bottom and sidewall of the container. When cam switch CS3 is
closed, relay R14 is energized closing contacts RC14A and RC14B which permits
energization of the relays R3 and R4 allowing the photoelectric eyes PE3 and
PE4 to function as described above.
When the cam switch CS3 is closed during the dwell cycle, solenoid
SOL 4, of a 4-way valve in the air line to ram 36, solenoid SOL 5 of a 4-way
valve in the air line to ram 49 and solenoid SOL 6 of a 4-way val~e in the air
line to ram 108 are energized. Solenoid SOL 4 controls operation o~ the ram 36
which during the dwell cycle moves the grippers at the tamping station to their
nongripping position. When solenoid SOL 5 is energized, vacuum is applied to
the passages 46 to retain the containers on the respective platform 45 during
the dwell cycle. When solenoid SOL 6 is energized the ram 108 is moved to its
extended position.
To effect operation of the vacuum pumps 48 push-button PB5 is closed
energizing the vacuum pumps. A relay RVP is energized closing the contacts
VPCl to maintain current flowing to the vacuum pumps 48. To terminate
operation of the vacuum pumps 48, the push-button PB12 is pushed, opening the
circuit to the relay RVP deenergizing the relay thereby opening the contacts
VPC. Further, if the vacu~ pump is over]aaded, the contacts of either
overload switch 5 OLl andlor OL2 are opened thereby breaking the circuit to the
relay RVP.
Th~ motoI l34 whicll drives the wi.ping means 125 has its operation
controlled by toggle switch TS5 which is operable for selectively allowing the
mot~r 134 to run or terminating operation of the motor l34.
As described above, the conduits conducting sealant to the
respective noæzles for dispensing has the temperature thereof controlled by a
sealant control system such as a ~ordson H~II, manufactured by the Nordson
Corp., Amherst, Ohio. The temperature controller TCl is also operable for
controlling heaters in the respective solenoid valves SOL 7, SOL 8, SO~ 9 and
SOL 10. Further, temperature controller TCl has operably connected thereto
another temperature controller TC2 which is operable for controlling
*Trade ~ark
28
:1;154~
temperature of the sealant in the wands 82 by controlling operation of the
heaters in the wands 82. In the i].lustrated structure temperature controller
TC2 is a West Guardsman Temperature Controller with an operating range of 0-
600F.
The heaters 119 can have the temperature adjusted by a voltage
controller VCl. The higher the voltage the higher the tempera-ture.
Accordingly, an increase or decrease in the setting of the voltage controller
VCl will change the temperature of the heaters 119.
It is to be understood that while there has been illustrated and
described certain forms of the present invention, it is not to be limited to
the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown except to
the extent that such limitations or their equivalents are found in the claims.
29
