Abstract: The present invention describes a novel apparatus for adjusting the lateral spacing between conveyor system guide rails so as to accommodate articles of various sizes. The invention utilizes a series of guide rail mounts which are moved laterally by an internal cam mechanism. The cams are rotated by a drive shaft that runs parallel to the conveyor and is rotatably mounted in a series of bearing assemblies secured adjacent to the conveyor. The drive shaft may be rotated by way of a simple hand wrench, which simultaneously shifts all of the guide rail mounts an equal distance, thus maintaining their parallel configuration. The shaft is then locked in position, thereby fixing the position of the guide rails until further adjustment is desired. The invention may be used on curved conveyor systems as well as straight systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding cylindrical containers (cans) to a rotary filling machine having a turntable with a plurality of work stations (can stations) spaced around its border. Signal producing devices, such as cone-jet sensors, are provided to produce gate operating signals each time an inactive (malfunctioning) work station passes the signal producing device. The container feed apparatus includes a conveyor which receives containers into an elongated section wherein the containers form two parallel rows confined between parallel sides from which they pass into a funnel section wherein the containers form a single file and discharge sequentially to the infeed of a worm which delivers the containers sequentially to a transfer mechanism (star wheel) which transfers the containers to the work stations. A gate incorporated at the discharge end of the funnel section closes and opens to prevent containers from being fed to the inactive work station.

Abstract: A rotary filling apparatus and method are provided that are of the type which use gravity to fill liquids into a plurality of containers while they rotate about a rotary filling head. The apparatus includes a level control chamber having a sensor that is disposed from the axial center of the apparatus a distance that is substantially the same as that between this axial center and the nozzle orifice through which the liquids are dispensed into the container, so that the centrifugal force at the sensor is substantially the same as that at the dispensing nozzle when the rotary head is rotated during the filling operation in order to maintain a substantially constant hydraulic head during the operation. The nozzle orifice is included within a nozzle assembly that directs the liquid in a non-vertical direction toward a sidewall of each container being filled.

Abstract: A rotary filling apparatus is provided that is of the type which uses gravity to fill liquids into a plurality of containers while they rotate about a rotary filling head. The apparatus includes a level control chamber having a sensor that is disposed from the axial center of the apparatus a distance that is substantially the same as that between this axial center and the nozzle through which the liquids are dispensed into the container, so that the centrifugal force at the sensor is substantially the same as that at the dispensing nozzle when the rotary head is rotated during the filling operation in order to maintain a substantially constant hydraulic head during operation.