Apparatus for applying labels to a container
A chuck assembly comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end. A plurality of pins extend substantially parallel with the axis from the first end. The plurality of pins is located at a first radius relative to the axis. At least one of the pins is operable to move from the first radius to a second radius, relative to the axis. The chuck assembly also includes a means for moving at least one pin between the first radius and the second radius. A prime mover provides the necessary drive to the means for moving. The chuck assembly may be used in combination with various other components to form combinations or systems.
1 . A chuck assembly, comprising:
a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end;
a plurality of pins extending substantially parallel each other and with said axis from said first end, said plurality of pins located at a first radius relative to said axis, at least one of said pins being operable to move from said first radius to a second radius relative to said axis without creating a cavity relative to said housing and said pins, said plurality of pins remaining substantially parallel with each other and with said axis throughout the entire range of motion; and
means for moving said at least one pin between said first radius and said second radius.
2 . The chuck assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical shell for containing said means for moving said at least one pin, said shell having a plurality of openings in said first end for said plurality of pins and a second end having at least one opening.
3 . The chuck assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of pins further comprises a roller sleeve carried by a pin.
4 . The chuck assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said at least one pin comprises:
a drive shaft carrying a drive gear; and
a plurality of cam shafts each carrying a driven gear, said driven gears engaged by and driven by said drive gear, each of said cam shafts having an end with an outer circumference with one of said pins being attached at each of said outer circumferences;
said chuck assembly further comprising a device for providing rotary motion to said drive shaft.
5 . The chuck assembly of claim 4 wherein said device is a rotary solenoid.
6 . The chuck assembly of claim 4 additionally comprising a brake operable to prevent said drive shaft from rotating.
7 . A chuck assembly, comprising:
a housing having a first end and defining a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of pins extending substantially parallel with said axis from said first end, said plurality of pins located at a first radius from said axis; and
at least one shaft carrying at least one of said plurality of pins such that rotation of said shaft causes said pin to assume a new radial position from said axis.
8 . The chuck assembly of claim 7 further comprising a brake operable to prohibit said at least one shaft from rotating.
9 . The chuck assembly of claim 7 wherein said at least one shaft is rotated using an electric actuator.
10 . The chuck assembly of claim 7 wherein said at least one shaft is rotated using a pneumatic actuator.
11 . The chuck assembly of claim 7 wherein said at least one shaft is rotated using a hydraulic actuator.
12 . A combination, comprising:
an actuator;
a bracket connected to said actuator;
a mounting plate carried by said bracket; and
a chuck assembly connected to said mounting plate, said chuck assembly comprising:
a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end;
a plurality of pins extending substantially parallel each other and with said axis from said first end, said plurality of pins located at a first radius relative to said axis, at least one of said pins being operable to move from said first radius to a second radius relative to said axis without creating a cavity relative to said housing and said pins, said plurality of pins remaining substantially parallel with each other and with said axis throughout the entire range of motion; and
means for moving said at least one pin between said first radius and said second radius.
13 . The combination of claim 12 further comprising a stepper drive motor operable to move said actuator.
14 . The combination of claim 12 wherein said mounting plate is carried by said bracket in a manner that provides limited movement with respect thereto, and is spring biased into a preferred position.
15 . The combination of claim 12 wherein said means for moving said at least one pin of said chuck assembly further comprises:
a drive shaft carrying a drive spur gear; and
a plurality of cam shafts each carrying a cam spur gear, said cam spur gears engaged by and driven by said drive spur gear, each of said cam shafts having an end with an outer circumference with one of said pins being attached at each of said outer circumferences;
said chuck assembly further comprising a device for providing rotary motion to said drive shaft.
16 . The combination of claim 15 additionally comprising a brake operable to prevent said drive shaft from rotating.