Title: Apparatus for detecting and rejecting downed and damaged containers

Abstract: A conveying system incorporating an apparatus for detecting and rejecting downed and damaged containers, such as open ended cans. The conveying system includes a pair of endless belt conveyors which are spaced apart longitudinally and are adapted to convey cans in an upright condition. The upright cans are adapted to be transferred between the conveyors by a vacuum transfer mechanism which is located above the adjacent ends of the conveyors, the transfer mechanism includes an endless perforated belt that travels across the open bottom of a housing which is divided into a series of chambers. The chambers are subjected to a vacuum which acts to hold the upright cans against the perforated belt so that the cans can be transferred by movement of the belt from one conveyor to the other, while downed cans are ejected from the conveyor system. A central chamber is subjected to a lesser vacuum than the remaining chambers, and as the cans move across the central chamber, cans with damaged upper flanges will fall from the belt to a collection site.

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Other info:

Inventors: Sauer, Henry (Menomonee Falls, WI, US)
Sand, Howard S. (New Berlin, WI, US)

Application Number: 848491
Filing Date: 1977-11-04
Publication_date: 1979-03-27
Assignee: Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company (Milwaukee, WI)
Primary Class(es): 209/643 198/380, 198/398, 209/645, 209/940
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

2106407	Jan, 1938	Hensley	73/45.
2432871	Dec, 1947	Fedorchak et al.	73/45.
3374887	Mar, 1968	Paruolo et al.	209/80.
3400815	Sep, 1968	Bell et al.	209/74.
3762213	Oct, 1973	Nowicki	73/45.
3824840	Jul, 1974	Amberg	73/45.
3869042	Mar, 1975	Floyd et al.	198/380.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Knowles, Allen N.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall