Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable star wheel and guide rail assembly for use with containers being processed on an automated handling line between machines such as rotary packaging machines. Star wheels derive their name from their general shape. The star wheels of this invention have fingers that support containers, such that they convey the containers as the star wheel rotates. Conveniently, the fingers of the present invention may be set in any position within their range of movement. In addition, a supporting guide rail may be adjusted, for example by rotation on cams. Thus, the fingers and the guide rail may be set to convey containers of varying sizes while keeping the container's centers travelling along the centerline of the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated handling line guide rail assembly. The automated handling line guide rail assembly comprises a guide rail that defines the perimeter of a path of a container when conveyed along part of an automated handling line. The path and hence the perimeter are arcuate about a center and positioned at a radius from the center. The guide rail is movable radially to define the perimeter at a plurality of different radii from substantially the same center and the guide rail comprises at least three segments. The first segment is driveable in a substantially radial direction; the second segment is connected to the first segment by a link and the third segment is connected to the second segment by a link such that the second and third segments follow movement of the first segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated handling line guide rail assembly (10) for use on an automated handling line where containers are being processed. A typical application of the present invention will be on a bottling line where containers are conveyed between various machines to presented to and taken from the various machines by a star wheel and guide rail (16, 17) assembly. Advantageously, the present invention provides an automated handling line guide rail assembly that defines the perimeter of the container's path with a guide rail that is movable radially to define the perimeter at different radii but still centred on substantially the same spot.