Patent ID: 8418836
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. An adjustable star wheel for conveying three dimensional articles around an arcuate path, said articles having a shape, wherein the star wheel is rotatable around a central axis, and wherein the star wheel comprises: rotatable elements comprising at least a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element disposed in a stacked arrangement around said central axis, wherein said rotatable elements are configured to at least partially rotate in the same or opposite directions around the central axis, each rotatable element having a center, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling a three dimensional article, said control surface being located near the periphery of the rotatable element, wherein the rotatable elements are free of grippers for gripping the articles, and the control surfaces on the rotatable elements may be arranged to form at least one pocket for the three dimensional articles, said pocket having a width and a depth, wherein: