Container-processing machine for processing containers
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising a first container-processing machine for processing containers, said first container-processing machine comprising a transfer star, container-engagement elements, a container inlet, a container outlet, first processing stations, second processing stations, a first processing route, and a second processing route, wherein said container-engagement elements are disposed along a periphery of said transfer star, wherein said transfer star is driven to rotate about a machine axis in a direction selected from a first direction and a second direction, wherein said transfer star receives containers to be processed at said container inlet, wherein said transfer star discharges containers that have been processed at said container outlet, wherein said first processing stations are disposed along said first processing path, wherein said second processing stations are disposed along said second processing path, wherein selection of said first direction causes containers to traverse said first processing route, wherein selection of said second direction causes containers to traverse said second processing route, wherein said first processing stations differ from said second processing stations, and wherein said first and second processing routes are arcuate processing routes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A container-processing machine includes a transfer star having container-engagement elements disposed along a periphery thereof. The transfer star moves containers past first or second sets of processing stations that are disposed along corresponding diametrically opposed arcuate processing paths.
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Citations
29 Claims
- 1. An apparatus comprising a first container-processing machine for processing containers, said first container-processing machine comprising a transfer star, container-engagement elements, a container inlet, a container outlet, first processing stations, second processing stations, a first processing route, and a second processing route, wherein said container-engagement elements are disposed along a periphery of said transfer star, wherein said transfer star is driven to rotate about a machine axis in a direction selected from a first direction and a second direction, wherein said transfer star receives containers to be processed at said container inlet, wherein said transfer star discharges containers that have been processed at said container outlet, wherein said first processing stations are disposed along said first processing path, wherein said second processing stations are disposed along said second processing path, wherein selection of said first direction causes containers to traverse said first processing route, wherein selection of said second direction causes containers to traverse said second processing route, wherein said first processing stations differ from said second processing stations, and wherein said first and second processing routes are arcuate processing routes.
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29. A method of processing containers, said method comprising selecting a selected arc from one of a first and second arc of a circle that surrounds a machine axis, aid first and second arcs being diametrically opposite each other, wherein containers moving along said first arc encounter first processing stations and containers moving along said second arc encounter second processing stations, wherein said first and second processing stations are configured for processing corresponding first and second types of container, and conveying said containers between a container inlet and a container outlet along said selected arc.
Specification