US 12,221,285 B2
Method and apparatus for transporting metallic containers using electro adhesion
Leonardo Jose Paes, Sao Jose dos Campos (BR)
Assigned to Ball Corporation, Westminster, CO (US)
Filed by Ball Corporation, Westminster, CO (US)
Filed on Dec. 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/064,126.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/288,413, filed on Dec. 10, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0183014 A1, Jun. 15, 2023
Int. Cl. B65G 17/46 (2006.01); B65G 43/00 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 17/46 (2013.01) [B65G 43/00 (2013.01); B65G 2201/0235 (2013.01); B65G 2203/042 (2013.01); B65G 2812/02227 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electro adhesion conveyor system for transporting a metallic container in a production line, comprising:
an electro adhesion (EA) pad comprising at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode arranged in a predetermined pattern, said predetermined pattern configured to generate an electric field when a voltage is applied to one or more of said at least one positive electrode or said at least one negative electrode; and
a conveyor belt that continuously transitions between a substantially horizontal leading surface and a substantially vertical leading surface, the conveyor belt positioned proximate to the EA pad and operable to transport the metallic container between a first position at a first elevation and a second position at a second elevation via the substantially horizontal leading surface and the substantially vertical leading surface of the conveyor belt, wherein the metallic container is held against said conveyor belt via EA generated by the EA pad during transportation of the metallic container between the first position and the second position.