Abstract:
A continuous processing system for performing production operations on a plurality of unit products using at least two discrete processing machines including: an upstream processing machine (12); a downstream processing machine (22); an accumulator (32) for transferring unit products (11) between the upstream machine and downstream machine and for accumulating unit products in tightly packed continuously touching relationship (62) in a variable length area starting at a position (36) adjacent the downstream machine and extending toward (34) the upstream machine, the number of unit products in the tightly packed continuously touching relationship defining a continuous-fill-accumulation; account-in center (52) for sensing each unit product entering the accumulator; account-out center (54) for sensing each unit product exiting from the accumulator; a computer software accumulator model (200) for operating on data derived from the sensor signal and from physical characteristics of the accumulator for continuously predicting the continuous-fill-accumulation; and machine speed control apparatus (40) for continuously bearably controlling the speed of the upstream machine and/or the downstream machine based on the predicted continuous-fill-accumulation.
Abstract:
A container end member (10) provided with a score line groove (60) defining a severable tab portion (58) that can be severed by applying an inwardly directed force thereto and a hinge portion (78) for retaining the severable tab portion (58) attached to the container end member (10) and a one-piece integrally formed plastic member (88) pivotally secured to the container end member (10) and comprising an elongated body portion (92) having an abutment end portion (98) overlying a portion of the severable tab portion (58) for applying the axially inwardly directed force thereto and a transverse handle end portion (94) overlying another portion of the container end member (10) so that when an axially outwardly directed force is applied to the transverse handle end portion (94), the elongated body portion (92) will pivot relative to the container end member (10) so that the transverse abutment end portion (98) will apply the axially inwardly directed force to the portion of the severable tab portion (58) to sever the severable tab portion (58) along the score line groove (60) and form an outlet opening in the container end member.
Abstract:
Dispensing apparatus is attached to a container filled with a fluid and shipped with the container wherein during shipment the dispensing apparatus has two separate seals comprising an operable valve (54) for opening and closing a first passageway, and a sealing member (68) for closing a second passageway and the dispensing apparatus is locked in a closed position. A locking member (104) is provided for preventing accidental movement of the dispensing apparatus and also to provide positive identification that the container has not been tampered with. A self generating pressure applying expandable pouch (18) is located within the container to apply a substantially constant pressure on the fluid so that the fluid may be dispensed from the container. When it is desired to withdraw portions of the fluid from the container, the dispensing apparatus is unlocked and a handle (80) on the dispensing apparatus is moved to an open position to open both seals so that the fluid may flow through the first and second passageways and be withdrawn from the container through a nozzle. The sealing member for the second passageway is locked in the open position so that fluid may be withdrawn from the container as desired. After the fluid has been substantially completely dispensed from the container, a puncture plug is actuated to pierce the expanded pouch so that the pressure may be removed from the expanded pouch and from the container through the dispensing means.
Abstract:
A laminating device for laminating a continuous web of paper material to a continuous web of film material for forming a continuous web of laminated composite material at a laminating nip. Apparatus for dividing the paper web into at least two segregated tension zones upstream of the laminating nip and for dividing the composite web into at least two segregated tension zones downstream of the laminating nip are described. Control systems for monitoring and maintaining the tension in each tension zone at different, preset values, are also described.
Abstract:
@ An apparatus and a method for laminating a continuous roll of extensible plastic film material (12) to a continuous roll of paper backing material (16) wherein the apparatus has a system for controlling the amount of stretch in the plastic film material (12) to ensure proper registry of the film material (12) with the paper material (16).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for detecting predetermined register indicia (12) on a moving web (10) of material having an obstructing field of indicia (18) positioned about the register indicia (12).
Abstract:
A monitoring device for a can testing machine (28) which provides a visual display on a cathode ray tube (24) identifying potential can production process problems and can testing machine (28) problems. The visual display provides a summary of can test data as well as analysis messages. A microcomputer (10) is utilized in conjunction with the can testing machine (28) and logic hardware (26) to perform the summary and analysis functions of the preferred embodiment.
Abstract:
@ A base coat applicator utilizing an in-feed chute which provides supply of cans which are mounted on mandrels for application of base coat material by applicator wheels. The mandrels are rotated so that surface speed of the cans matches the applicator wheel speed to prevent smearing. Independent control of the inventory production speed of the base coat applicator machine and the applicator wheels allows any desired num - ber of base coat layers to be applied to the cans. Two applicator wheels are used to reduce surface speeds to prevent misting and slinging of base coat material from the applicator wheels and can surfaces. The applicator assembly is automatically withdrawn when the supply of cans is not present and can be manually withdrawn by the operator to prevent application of base coat material to cans or empty mandrels. Disk transfer unit is utilized to transfer the coated cans to a deco pin chain.
Abstract:
Apparatus for continuously conveying decorated container members having wet ink images on the outer periphery thereof between a first continuously moving rotatable mandrel wheel type container carrying apparatus of a high speed container decorator or coater machine and a high speed second continuously linearly moving pin chain container carrying apparatus comprising: a continuously rotatable disk type conveyor means rotatably movable in a predetermined endless path between the first and second continuously moving container carrying apparatus including a first path portion located in juxtaposition to the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus for receiving decorated container members therefrom and a second path portion located in juxtaposition to the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus delivering decorated container members thereto; a plurality of individual circumferentially spaced vacuum cup means fixedly peripherally mounted in equally spaced relationship on and extending laterally outwardly of and being continuously movable with said disk type conveyor means in fixed relationship therewith for holding a single container member on each of said vacuum cup means, only by application of vacuum thereto during movement between the first and second continuously moving container carrying apparatus and for releasing container members therefrom only by removal of vacuum therefrom; and vacuum chamber means extending along the path of movement of and in substantially seaied relationship with said disk type conveyor means between the first and second continuously movable container carrying apparatus and being connected to each of said vacuum cup means adjacent to the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus for receiving and holding container members delivered therefrom and being disconnected from each of said vacuum cup means adjacent to the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus for releasing the container members for supportive engagement therewith and being continuously connected to each of said vacuum cup means during movement between the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus and the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus for holding the container members thereon solely by applied vacuum during non-supportive association with the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus.