Odd-shaped container indexing starwheel

Abstract

Indexing mechanism for multiple station glassware inspection machines in which a plurality of pocketed starwheels are used. One set of pockets are formed with container encircling or restraining members which open and close in response to the contour of a box cam. The encircling members loosely retain containers so that they may be rotated about their vertical axes while held in a specific location. The finish of the containers is guided by an upper starwheel having pockets of a size commensurate with the size of the finish of the container. The containers to be inspected are brought into the starwheel with the encircling members opened. Upon closing of the encircling members, containers may be indexed through a series of positions where they may be inspected for various defects. Prior to arriving at the position where the containers are to be taken from the starwheel, the containers are oriented with their generally long, horizontal axes normal to the direction of movement of the conveyor for taking containers away. This apparatus permits rotation of non-round containers while still retaining the containers in a sufficiently precise location so as to permit both mechanical and optical inspection of various portions of the container.