Patent ID: 10391541

Abstract:
Systems and methods for performing multiple recirculations of a plurality of articles are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of line starwheels and a recirculation line. The plurality of line starwheels each include a plurality of starwheel pockets thereon. The plurality of starwheel pockets includes a first-pass, a second-pass, and a third-pass starwheel pocket. The recirculation line includes a synchronization mechanism and a plurality of line-pocket sets. Each of the line-pocket sets includes a first and a second line pocket. The line pockets are configured to receive an article from a downstream line starwheel and deposit the article in the proper starwheel pocket of an upstream line starwheel. The synchronization mechanism configured to synchronize the plurality of line-pocket sets to the plurality of starwheel pockets. The first-pass, second-pass, and third-pass starwheel pockets correspond with respective first, second, and third stages of modifying the article.