JP2001519290A - Bagging method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An improved metal container end bagging system comprises: (1) an end gathering and stick assembly device; and (2) a predetermined number of stacked metal container ends in an open end bag. It has four sub-assemblies: a bag feed, opening and loading device, (3) a vertical positioning device for moving the bagged stick to the folding device, and (4) a bag folding, closing and moving device. The loading mechanism controls the acceleration and deceleration to prevent the tip from making the stick from tipping, to prevent the bags from bursting during filling, and to ensure complete and uniform filling of each bag. It is equipped with a servo control pusher driven by. In the gathering and counting process, spongy material mainly resulting from the deformation due to the compression of the rims of the pushing ends against one another is prevented. When the closed stick is sealed, the desired number of bags are assembled for knitting on a pallet in a horizontal row, while the palletizer is ready to be moved to the gathering mechanism and the bags are oriented in a predetermined direction. maintain.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(Related Applications) The present application is based on the application of Bagger & Palletizer for Can En.
ds (bagging machine and palletizer for metal container end) September 1997
US Provisional Patent Application S. N. No. 60 / 060,518, and Method & Apparatus For Pa, filed on the same date as the present application.
LLetizing Elongated Bags of Container
Co-pending International Patent Application PCT / US98 / rr Ends (Method and Apparatus for Placing Elongated Bags at Container Ends on Pallets) PCT / US98 / (Reference number DSG 006)
P2A).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to packing end units such as discs having a metal container end, for example, a disc having a spare curl at the end and also having an attached tab which is easily opened. Method and apparatus. In practice, such a device is such that the preferred method of packing the ends places a stack of ends (usually called "sticks") of the ends of the tubular bag that are initially folded and closed at the open end. , Often referred to as bagging machines. The disclosed invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling and placing a stick on a pallet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the early 1970's, metal container ends were manually placed in bags, which were manually placed on pallets used in filling / closing machinery. In the mid 1970s,
A semi-automatic bagging machine was introduced to keep up with the output increase of the new conversion press, and its development led to the automatic bagging machine first introduced in the mid-1980s. Some momentum for this development has been the monotony of repetitive manual work that appears to be the cause of repetitive overwork on the hands of baggers.

[0004] These automatic machines form end "sticks" and then 1) wrap them with paper or plastic coils or reels, or 2).
They were packaged by placing the stick in a preformed bag.
Kraft paper can be recycled and used to remove end-stick sticky fumes from synthetic hermetic composites applied at the end of initial work or from water-based composites Kraft paper has been found to be the preferred wrapping material because it "breaches" to remove moisture.

In earlier patent prior art, US Pat. Nos. 3,337,064, 3,41
Nos. 7,853, 3,545,631 and 3,618,530 disclose:
Figure 2 illustrates a system that uses air or similar input delivery systems for individual metal container ends, and grooves or the like to gather the ends face-to-face in an on-edge stack. The machine feed mechanism engages the curl edge of the generally vertically disposed end and moves to the receiving end of the stack to form an input or groove, and that end is filled and closed (end curling) machine. Supplied to No wrapping of the stack is disclosed, and the filled channel serves as a reservoir for a smooth and stable end supply to the closure machine.

[0006] US Patent Nos. 3,722,741, 4,000,709 and 4,537,
In 550, 4,676,708 and 5,335,810, a more sophisticated shock absorber system for end stacks is disclosed, wherein the stacks are separated according to a stack end count. , These stacks are loaded on a continuous carrier arranged vertically on an endless carousel feeding the stacks to the closing machine.

US Pat. No. 3,878,945 and its various divisions of 3,962,845
Nos. 3,971,189, 4,051,965 and U.S. Pat.
No. 9,617 describes an automatic bagging system that feeds the ends to a gathering and counting device that separates the ends into stacks (or "sticks");
Features such as a wrapping device for loading the stacks into individual bags and a mechanism for placing the wrapped stack on a pallet are disclosed.

[0008] US Pat. No. 4,364 relates to a transport improvement device for gathering the end to provide temporary spacing to promote the curing of a previously applied end seam component. U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,350 discloses an improved apparatus for detecting and removing inverted ends back-to-back (e.g., face up on the product side) in forming a stack. U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,669 disclosed and improved an end counting device in an end counting and stacking system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,340 discloses a system for inspecting end assembled stacks. US Patent No. 5,372
, 245 discloses an improved apparatus for an assembled end feed array. U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,947 discloses an improved mechanism for picking and placing end stacks (also called "sticks") in a bagging and palletizing process.

US Pat. No. 4,537,010 processes an end bagged stack,
A further advanced device for placing them on a pallet is disclosed. Thus, the prior art automatic bagging machine allows the conversion press output to count the end lanes, separate into stacks or sticks, place the stacks into individual bags, and the bagged stacks It is mounted on a common palletizer, from which one or more filling and feeding devices are provided.

According to the present invention, each stick at the end includes an accurate count of the ends separated from the input stream at the end, and the size of the stick, along with the orientation of the stick, is determined by the size of the book. Maintained during the processing of the novel automatic bagger provided by the invention. The loading operation of moving the end stick into the open end bag is controlled so that the spongy nature of the assembled stick is taken into account and the bag is not overfilled. In contrast, poorly filled bags are rejected. The spongy material mainly results from deformation due to compression of the curled ends (rims) of the pushing ends together in the gathering and counting process.

[0011] The loader mechanism is equipped with a servo-controlled pusher driven at a controlled acceleration and deceleration to ensure complete and uniform filling of each bag, while avoiding bursting of the bags during filling. ing. The improved metal container end bagging system according to the present invention comprises: 1) an end gathering and stick assembly (or forming) device; 2) a predetermined number of stacks (to include a complete stick) in an open end bag. A bag feeding, opening and loading device for placing a closed metal container end, 3) a vertical positioning device for moving a bagged stick to a folding device, and 4) a bag folding, closing and moving device. A subassembly or subsystem.

When the closed stick is sealed, it is moved to a gathering mechanism in the palletizer section of the system to maintain the desired orientation of the bags until the desired number of bags have been assembled in the transfer carrier tray. The number of bags is determined by the number of bags desired to create a horizontal row in the pallet load of bags. The pallet loading mechanism supplies the length of the pallet (support) and wrapping paper (usually kraft paper) to receive successive rows of bags and entangled rows until the pallet load is fully prepared I do. For more information on this task,
Co-pending International Application No. PCT / US98. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an improved bagging device that is part of a bagging / palletizer system.

To understand the following description, it is desirable to first include the definition of certain terms as follows: A “stick” is a predetermined number of metal pieces that are filled at the end to be assembled. A stick is formed in a bagging device; a "skid" is associated with a wooden structure on which a pallet of sticks is built; a pallet to be filled is a palletizer device. Formed and disclosed in detail in the related International Application PCT / US98 / (Docket No. DSG 006 P2A); "Interface Panel" (not shown) is a commercially available programmable control for automatic bagging systems. The instrument's operator interface; typical controls are available from Allen-Bradley; Pertaining to the part of the system that forms a stick by counting the leading (earliest) end to end of the stream of metal container ends fed to the bagging device along the feed-in rail. The parts are arranged at the edges and move face-to-face along the rails; the bagger counts a predetermined number of ends, separates them from the following streams, places them in bags and folds the bags. The main components of the bagging device are shown in FIG. 1, which is a general plan view of the entire system including the bagging device and the palletizer device. For completeness, the illustrated system receives three infeed streams at the ends, each on a separate rail, indicated by a block to the left of a single lane, and a dual lane infeed mechanism It is possible to be supplied separately or together or two of the double feeding mechanisms. These mechanisms include the same feeder, counter / splitter,
Using a lane shifter (in a dual lane mechanism), the following description applies, but does not repeat where there is overlap.

The components of the system are controlled and arranged by a commercially available programmable controller; Model No. 1 from Allen-Bradley. H-4030 is used in the actual embodiment. The progress flowchart of the bag filling device is shown in FIGS.
Is shown in Those skilled in the art of programmable controllers are able to recreate the control system of the bagger with this information.

[0016] The bag filling device includes: 1) an end or lid E from the rail RR of the feeding track work TW to the system
End feed unit FU; the end is usually sent with the product side (finally facing the contents of the metal container) forward; the facing face of end E (including the opening tab) is fed in The complete system incorporates one or more bagging mechanisms, and these mechanisms are either single lane or double lane, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, in a dual lane unit as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, alternatively, an operating counter / splitter device, an associated pneumatic drive pusher, and a holdback mechanism to form a selected stack at the end. And one or another of these outputs is directed to a servo-controlled pusher that is loaded into the end of the open bag on the vertical positioning device; When entering the bagging machine in a ream, one or more counter / splitter mechanisms C / S (e.g., counting the ends E and separating them based on a preset value, i.e. the number of ends included in the stick ST) April 1, 1995
3) those ends which are currently counted until end E reaches the second holdback member or arm HB-2. A first holdback member or arm HB-1 (FIG. 8) holding E; 4) while the ends are counted and the counted stack is split vertically and separated from the input stream at the ends by a preset value Also, a second holdback member HB-2 (FIG. 9) for holding the counted group at the end while the counted stack is being conveyed to the open bag B; this second holdback member HB −
2 are retracted to release the ends just before the bags are placed in them.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a servo drive rod for moving the end from the counter / splitter C / S to the bag B held at the open mouth or entrance end of the vertical positioning mechanism VP. 23 shows a servo control end pusher SEP at the end (FIGS. 1 and 22). This mechanism comprises a lower bag support BS on which an empty bag B is placed and held. The positioning device VP in the lower or receiving position extends as a continuation of the support rail R, as shown in FIGS. 13, 16, 21 and 22, all having a slight inclination angle (eg 5 °) And is inclined upward.

The bag B is placed on the positioning device VP, and then the bag opening clamp BOC (FIG. 24)
) Grabs the mouth of the bag and pulls open. The horn guide HG extends to the mouth of the open bag, and it is through this guide HG that the selected stack at the end is pushed into the open bag. The vertical locating clamp VPC closes the filled bag and the entire vertical locating device swings up with the open end of the top bag to the second or vertical delivery position where folding of the flap at the bag end occurs. . Thus, the vertical positioning device VP moves between the two positions with a rocking movement of approximately 50 °. The unique action of the present invention eliminates the rotated end found in manual bagging, semi-automatic bagging, other automatic bagging systems, and the like.

The counted, selected ends of the separated stacks that are moved into the bag to form a stick have a certain amount of spongy or spring action in face-to-face relationship. At initial selection, the selected end E is compressed as the end proximate the pusher SEP (at the back of the stack) moves faster than the end furthest from the pusher. After a short time interval, the selected stack at end E
Maximum compression is reached (ie, they act as solids) and thus have a constant speed in relation to each other. Above the pre-existing acceleration, the moving stack at the end will depressurize to obtain a lower energy state.

Since the end of the pusher is suppressed by the second holdback member HB-2, the end farthest from the pusher tends to jump away from the rear end.
This creates a potential for the end of the front end of the moving stack that is away from the pusher to fall.

To adjust for this condition, the servomotor SE controlling the rod SPR accelerates the moving end stack to the point of maximum compression and then a speed that has a natural tendency to depressurize ( That is, it is programmed with a specific algorithm (per se known) that slows down these ends at a speed proportional to the spring speed.
This releases the stored energy without dropping the end. The end is then re-accelerated to the minimum required speed to effect the movement into the bag,
Stop without sudden physical restraint within the calculated appropriate restraint interval.

The algorithm that generates this type of motion is called an “S” curve because it is the S-shaped pattern that motion makes when viewed on an oscilloscope. Acceleration and deceleration are adjusted based on the amount of end counted on the stick and the amount of transition required.

A commercially available servo motor (Allen-Bradley model No. H-4030)
In), the average acceleration command causes the user to specify the average acceleration for the S-curve motion profile. The S-curve profile provides smooth motion control by reducing the rate of change of acceleration and deceleration. This change in speed is commonly known as jerk. The values of the "maximum acceleration" and "average acceleration" commands determine the characteristics of the S-curve. To smooth the acceleration ramp, enter an average acceleration command value that satisfies this equation: 1＼2 maximum acceleration ≦ average acceleration <maximum acceleration Bag supply The bag hopper section shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. Includes a movable hopper having two side-by-side, interchangeable open top trays BH-1 and BH-2 having generally rectangular sides and narrow rectangular ends forming cavities corresponding / receiving the stack. In this way, each tray holds the supply of empty flat folding bags B, acts as a guide, and the fixed hopper BH-S, which supplies the fixed bag delivery position, is provided on one side of the vertical positioning device VP. , Placed above the bag drop position.

The stationary hopper functions as a guide to establish a fixed position where bags are picked. This hopper has a lower or inlet bottom corresponding in size and shape to the top of the tray. Each of the trays BH-1 and BH-2 is spaced below the stationary hopper BH-S so that the bag supply can be moved up through the tray and through the hopper BH-S. Can be alternately moved to a position close to the opening. The top opening of the stationary hopper BH-S extends obliquely corresponding to the gradient of the vertical positioning device VP. When there is no bag supply in each tray,
There is a feed mechanism with a moving bottom plate attached at the opposite end to a motor drive belt that can advance the bottom plate upward. When the tray is filled with a supply of new bags and moves below the stationary hopper BH-S, these belts
Tilt the bottom plate to tilt corresponding to the top end of the stationary hopper. Thus, when the bags are fed upward in the operation of the bagging mechanism, the stationary hopper B
The stacks of bags in the active tray are staggered or angled to place each succeeding bag at approximately the same angle as the top opening of the HS.

In this way, the active tray is moved from the hopper BH-S, where the bags are continuously removed by the bag transfer head BTH, and the drop is placed on the vertical positioning device VP.
f) Positioned. The other trays are now in the filling position. If empty, the other trays can be accessed via the door guard to refill, and after filling, are waiting to move to the drop position, swing the tray to 180 °,
Eliminate the supply of activity tray bags.

The pre-adhesive adhesive for folding and the adhesive of the bag seam adhere the bags to each other, so that all the bags are “sealed” to ensure that they are pulled apart from each other.
It is desirable to “spread in a fan shape”. If the bags are not pulled apart, the bag transfer head BTH
It is not possible to lift a single bag and causes a system failure. The stack of bags can then be placed "on the adhesive side" in the hopper tray. These steps are repeated to fill the tray up to 350-400 bags (7-8 packages with 50 bags).

The bag transfer head BTH shown in FIG. 20 lifts a single empty bag and places it on the vertical positioning device VP. While the bag is being blown open, the vacuum cup VC
Grab the bottom surface of the. The tip of the horn H shown in FIG. 25 is inserted into the open end of the bag and blows a short burst of air onto the bag to open it sufficiently. The servo-controlled pusher SEP is started in the manner described previously to insert the counted and separated end E stick into the bag.

A set of stick clamps VPL, supported by the operating arm VPA and associated with the vertical positioning device VP (see FIG. 22), surround and hold the bag when filled so that the vertical positioning device VP After rocking and ascending, the filled bag (ie, stick) was tilted (slightly below the horizontal position) into the filling position (FIG. 2).
Convey from 2) to the vertical folding and closing position.

FIG. 23 shows a bag stamper mechanism for imprinting the appropriate identification on the bags arranged in the vertical positioning device VP before filling. The stamper mechanism comprises a stamp plate having a replaceable text plate which is first pressed into the ink pad fountain IP and then moved onto the positioning device VP and pressed against the bag just about to be filled. .

Bag Flap Folding and Closing The folding section mechanism removes the stick from the vertical positioning device VP, at which point the open (flap) end of bag B extends beyond the highest end. Folding section mechanism folds the bag flap, glue iron G
Seal the flap with I.

FIG. 26 to FIG. 31 show components of the folding section mechanism. The folding gripper assembly FG (FIG. 31) is rotatable from a vertical position to a horizontal position to enter the central region of the folding section, remove the stick from the vertical positioning device VP, and move the stick to the discharge position throughout the folding cycle. And can move in and out. The stick height adjuster mechanism (not shown) has a small turntable at the top to engage the lower (closed) side of the stick so as to raise the stick to the optimal height for folding. It is simply a vertically operated cylinder located in the central bottom area of the section area.

The support gripper mechanism SG (FIG. 31) is a stationary gripper that gently surrounds the stick during the folding process and gives the stick more stability. An air vacuum tube VT (FIG. 28) collapses the bag B by entering the mouth and bleeding air so that it can be neatly folded. The folding fork FF (FIG. 28) is creased just above the contained end height, i.e., is moved against the flap end of the bag, so as to form the flap gently. Installed.

Above the flap gripper FLG (FIGS. 26, 27 and 29), the fingers can grasp the bag flap between them and rotate the flap at the top of the stick to close it. If possible, engage the rollers at the ends of the gripper fingers (shown open). The air jet AJ (FIG. 29) assists the vacuum tube VT in correctly folding the bag at the flap end by hitting / pressing against the side pleats inside the bag.

As the flap gripper fingers pull the flaps apart and hold the flaps in a sealing position, the folding plate (FIGS. 27-29) FP moves into the flap gripper fingers. The gluing iron GI moves through the window of the plate FP and against the face of the flap which is pulled over the upper end of the stick, dissolving the pre-applied sealant. The base of the folding plate support includes a tamper TMP that holds the flap in place while the adhesive bonds.

FIG. 30 illustrates a stick flap orientation mechanism that sets a new level for the stick in the folding gripper FG and rotates the stick about its longitudinal axis to properly orient the flap of the sealed stick. ing. Thereafter, the mechanism DG rotates the stick in the horizontal direction, and moves from there to the staging area of the palletizer.

Operation Sequence When the bagging device is ready for operation, the control device operates according to the following sequence,
Manipulate it. 1. The end is fed through the end feed unit and the counter / splitter starts counting. 2. The initial holdback HB-1 holds the end to be counted. 3. The bag transfer head BTH moves the bag hopper BH-S to the drop position, lifts a single bag using four vacuum cups, and places the bag on the vertical positioning device VP. 4. To hold the bag in the vertical positioning device VP, open and vacuum the bag. 5. The stamper re-inks, moves the empty bag, stamps the pre-selected identification information on the bag, and then retracts to the home position. 6. The second holdback HB-2 is an initial holdback HB-
Replaced with 1. 7. When the preset end count is reached, the counter / splitter C / S splits the ends vertically to separate the end sticks.

[0037] 8. The stick pusher SF pushes the lid stick to the shifter mechanism LS, and the front lane shifter holdback arm is replaced with a holdback HB-2 holding the end. (The lane shifter position of a single lane bagger is simply an extension of the infeed rail; it does not have a front or rear lane shifter holdback arm; its function is to duplicate the single lane shifter in place. 8. Adding a lane bagger gives a possible extension of the system.) The rear lane shift holdback arm (FIG. 15) clamps the stick at the end to the front lane shifter holdback arm. 10. While the vertical locator vacuum cup holds down the bottom surface of the bag, the bag open gripper BOC (FIGS. 20 and 24) grasps the top surface of the bag and lifts and holds it. 11. The horn guide HG (FIG. 25) is inserted into the open end of the bag.

[0038] 12. A short burst of air is blown on the bag to open it sufficiently. 13. The lane shifter 65 aligns the counted end sticks with the vertical positioning device and the open bag. 14． The front and rear lane shifter holdback arms (FIG. 15) release the stick and the servo control pusher SEP pushes the end into the open bag and then retracts. 15. The stick clamp VFL of the vertical positioning device rotates the filled bag and tightens it. 16. The bag opening gripper releases the flap end of the bag and the bag transfer head returns to its home position. 17． The vertical positioning device VP rotates the stick from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 18. The folding mechanism (ejection) gripper FG removes the stick from the vertical position.

[0039] 19. Stick height adjustment detects the height of the stick and raises it to an optimal height for folding. 20. A vacuum tube VT is inserted into the bag. 21. An air jet pushes the bag flap side plate inward. 22. The VT is evacuated. 23. The top of the flap gripper FLG moves to grip the top of the bag. 24. The folding fork FF moves in and down to create a folding base. 25. A vacuum tube pulls up and out of the bag. 26. A flap gripper FLG rotates the top of the bag to create a flap. 27. The folding plate FP lowers the stick and removes the flap from the gripper.

28. The folding fork FF retracts. 29. An adhesive iron enters the opening on the side of the folding plate FP and dissolves the pre-applied adhesive. 30. The adhesive iron retracts. 31. The tamper TMP enters the opening on the side of the folding plate FP and applies pressure while the adhesive cures. 32. The tamper retracts. 33. The folding plate FP retracts. 34. The folding mechanism (ejection) gripper FG retracts to the pick and place handoff position. 35. A rotating gripper RT rotates the stick 180 ° about its axis. 36. The stick is then rotated horizontally.

While the methods and apparatus for carrying out these methods constitute preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these specific methods and apparatus forms, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the scope.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of main components of the entire system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electric operator panel of two bagging machines.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an electric operator panel of two bagging machines.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a double-end feeding device of the bagging machine.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram of the end feed unit of the single lane bagger.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of an end stream breaking device.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial diagram of an exemplary end counter and splitter unit.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial diagram of the initial holdback device of the double lane bagger.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram of a second holdback device (inner and outer lanes) of the double lane bagging machine.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of the stick pusher mechanism of a double lane bagger.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram of a stick pusher mechanism of a double lane bagging machine.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram of a lane shifter of a double lane bagging machine.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram of a lane shifter of a double lane bagging machine.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial diagram of a lane shifter of a single lane bagging machine.

FIG. 15 shows the holdback arm of the lane shifter of the double lane bagger.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of the front and rear holdback arms of the outer lane of the lane shifter.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of the front and rear holdback arms of the outer lane of the lane shifter.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial diagram of a servo control end pusher.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial diagram of a bag supply hopper mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial diagram of a bag transfer head and a gripper.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial diagram showing the relationship between the bag feeding hopper and the vertical positioning device.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a vertical positioning device including a stick clamp and a vacuum cup.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a bag stamper and an ink fountain.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a bag opening gripper associated with a vertical positioning device.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the horn and its control mechanism associated with the bag opener.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a folding section that receives a stick from a vertical positioning device.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of a folding section from the back and side.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of a folding section from the back and side.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a folding section from the back and side.

FIG. 30 shows a rotating gripper rotating a stick to properly orient the folding flap.

FIG. 31. Remove the stick from the vertical positioning device, transfer it during the folding operation, rotate the stick to orient the flap, then rotate the stick to the horizontal position and transfer the stick to the palletizer. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a discharge gripper.

FIG. 32 includes a process flowchart for the bagging apparatus.

FIG. 33 includes a process flowchart for the bagging apparatus.

FIG. 34 includes a process flowchart for the bagging apparatus.

FIG. 35 includes a process flowchart for the bagging apparatus.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Clark, Brian W. Inventor, United States, 45338 Ohio, Louisburg, Douglas Drive 130 (72) Inventor Clacas, Stephen W., United States, 45520 Ohio, Dayton, Purcell Avenue 1319 ( 72) Inventor Moore, Dennis F. Junior United States, 45440 Ohio, Bee Berrec, Grand Vista Drive 251 (72) Inventor Schneberger, William E. United States, 45449 Ohio, West Carrollion, Overture Drive 6231 (72) Inventor Whitehead, Timothy A. United States , 45305 Ohio, Dayton, Ridgetop Drive 4082 F-term (reference) 3E003 AA05 AB04 BA03 BB02 BB05 BC03 BD05 CA01 CA02 CA04 CB01 CB05 CB06 DA03 DA07 3E030 AA04 BB01 BC03 CA01 CA07 CB01 EA02 EB03 FA02 FA05 FA04 FA04 FA04 FA07 GA01 GB02 GC02 HA03 HA08 JA01

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Apparatus for forming a uniform stick at the end of a metal container, comprising means for assembling a predetermined number of ends with a stick remote from an input supply stream; Means for holding the bag in a substantially horizontal orientation having an open end facing the stick; means for pushing the stick at said end completely into the bag;
Means for driving the pushing means at a controlled rate of acceleration and deceleration, and means for moving the bag in a substantially vertical orientation having the open end at the top without disturbing the end; Means for forming a flap from the open end of the bag and folding the flap across the open end to close the bag end and secure the loaded metal container; and Means for securing said flap to the rest of the flap. 2. The means for driving the pushing means is a servomotor, and a control device for the servomotor is provided for controlling the movement of the end stick when the end stick is loaded into the bag. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the acceleration and deceleration rates at which the end stick is moved to the pushing means at a rate that prevents compression and expansion. 3. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the controller operates the servomotor according to the equation: 1＼2 maximum acceleration ≦ average acceleration <maximum acceleration. 4. A means for holding a bag comprising a positioning device including a lamp, means for holding a bag over the lamp, and a substantially horizontal means for receiving a stick on a metal container end pushed by the bag. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for moving the ramp between a position and a vertical position in which a closing flap is formed from the open end of the bag to secure the end stick. 5. The means for forming a flap includes means for setting the height of the bagged stick such that the flap is formed proximate to the contained stick at the end. The apparatus of claim 4 comprising: 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said means for forming a flap comprises means for bonding the finished flap to the side of the bag. 7. The apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a hopper for supplying folded bags for individual transfer to said ramp. 8. The hopper comprises a pair of similar trays containing a supply of bags, and a bag moving device for transferring a single bag from one of the trays to the ramp, the other tray comprising: The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the bag supply is in a refill position. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the hopper is rotatable to alternate between a drop position and a reload position. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for forming a flap comprises means for providing a stick with the resulting flap in a predetermined orientation. 11. A method of forming a uniform stick on a metal container end, comprising: a) assembling a predetermined number of ends on a stick remote from an input supply stream; b) said end. Holding the bag with the open end facing the stick in a substantially horizontal orientation; c) pushing the end stick entirely into the bag; d) the stick with controlled acceleration and deceleration rates. Driving means; e) moving the bag in a substantially vertical orientation with the open end at the top without obstructing the end; f) closing and loading the bag. Forming a flap from the open end of the bag and folding the flap across the open end to secure the metal container; g) securing the flap to the rest of the bag. The method comprising Toto. 12. The speed at which said driving step is performed by a servomotor, said servomotor preventing compression and expansion of said end stick when said end stick is loaded into said bag. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein changing the acceleration and deceleration rate at which the end stick is moved to the end stick.