US 12,187,475 B2
Variable pitch starwheel for container carrier applicating machine
Brian K. Johansen, Perryville, MD (US); Robert C. Beesley, Greenville, SC (US); and Christopher J. Samaras, Tinley Park, IL (US)
Assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed by ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed on Jun. 22, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/213,049.
Application 18/213,049 is a continuation of application No. 16/802,900, filed on Feb. 27, 2020, granted, now 11,713,145.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/813,397, filed on Mar. 4, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0331415 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. B65B 35/36 (2006.01); B65B 17/02 (2006.01); B65B 35/58 (2006.01); B65G 47/26 (2006.01); B65G 47/84 (2006.01)
CPC B65B 35/36 (2013.01) [B65B 17/025 (2013.01); B65B 35/58 (2013.01); B65G 47/26 (2013.01); B65G 47/846 (2013.01); B65G 2201/0252 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed, the applicating machine comprising:
an orienter for adjusting a rotational position of each container of the plurality of containers;
a transfer device for moving oriented containers from the orienter to a jaw drum from a first pitch to a second pitch wherein the first pitch is greater than the second pitch, wherein the pitch is moveable in a rotational and radial direction; and
the jaw drum positioned with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers, the jaw drum applying the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers in a generally continuous string.