Patent ID: 6009733
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: B21D,B65C,B65D

Abstract:
A method of orienting cans on a continuously rotating machine, the method comprising:providing a unique mark on each of a plurality of can bodies (2);feeding the can bodies (2) to the continuously rotating machine;engaging each can body (2) on a respective chuck (8);rotating the can body (2) at a first speed;moving the (an body (2) axially over a mandrel (6) rotating at a second speed, the second speed being different from the first speed;providing sensor (9) for each can body position on the machine;sensing the position of each can body (2) by detecting its unique mark;evaluating the required position of each can body (2);comparing the sensed position of each can body (2) with the required position; andcorrecting the orientation of each can body by calculating a transfer time from the difference between the first and second speeds and the required orientation; and, after the transfer time, transferring the can body (2) from the chuck (8) rotating at the first speed onto the mandrel (6) rotating at the second, different speed, whereby the can body (2) is correctly oriented.