Abstract: A can unscrambler system, having a longitudinal can arranger and an unscrambler apparatus, orients randomly oriented unfilled cans having an open end and a closed end such that all of the open ends face the same direction. The longitudinal can arranger arranges randomly oriented cans longitudinally onto a conveyer for transportation to the unscrambler apparatus. The randomly oriented cans are loaded into a collection zone of inclined surfaces, at the bottom of which is the conveyer. A turning belt located adjacent to the conveyer rotates cans that are in a crosswise mode over the conveyer and a brush assembly located downstream of the collection zone allows only longitudinally arranged cans to pass therethrough. The cans are then loaded onto a vacuum conveyer belt at the unscrambler apparatus, where they are conveyed into a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism distinguishes between the closed and open ends of the cans and sorts accordingly.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus that orients unfilled cans having an open end and a closed end such that all of the open ends face the same direction. Unoriented or scrambled cans are first loaded onto a vacuum belt and then conveyed into a sorter mechanism. The ends of the cans are coupled to the vacuum belt by a partial vacuum. The closed ends are distinguished from the open ends by proximity switches which control a solenoid regulated air blast capable of knocking cans having their open ends facing one direction off of the vacuum belt and into a gravity track. The cans are turned to a desired orientation as they descend through the gravity track. Cans on the vacuum belt having their open ends facing in another direction are not subjected to an air blast and are removed from the vacuum belt by another gravity track which turns descending cans into the same desired orientation. The newly oriented cans blend together upon exiting from either gravity track.