MX2014010793A - Container rinsing system and method. - Google Patents

Abstract

A container rinsing system has a nozzle adapted to be positioned proximate an opening of the container and adapted to direct a supply of air in any orientation to the container. A vacuum member is positioned around the air nozzle and adapted to vacuum foreign particles away from the container. A system comprises an air source and a manifold having a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets along with a plurality of air nozzles. Each nozzle has a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a nozzle passageway extending between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet. The ionization unit is placed within the manifold, and the plurality of nozzles are located on the plurality of manifold outlets such that during operation air is ionized before entering the nozzles. The ionized air is used to clean containers.

Description

SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF RINSING OF CONTAINERS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a system and method of rinsing containers, and more specifically to air rinsing of containers such as beverage bottles without the use of water or other elements that come into direct contact with the containers.

Empty containers, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, are typically used to store a liquid beverage before the liquid is consumed. Such containers may be contaminated with foreign material, such as paper, wood dust, or plastic debris during transport, even when stored in boxes or other transport containers. Bottles can also be contaminated as they are processed before filling. However, during processing, the contact between the containers and the surfaces of the articles, such as conveyors or conveyors, used to transport the containers, cause the containers to capture a small amount of net electrostatic charge, thereby returning them to the containers. containers capable of attracting fine particles to the internal and external walls of the containers. Additionally, electrostatic charges on the bottles can cause the bottles to stick together, thus causing the bottles to move at an angle.

This leads to the bottles falling out of the transport system, particularly when using a conveyor system by band or rope. In this way, the need to rinse or otherwise clean the containers before filling them is necessary to ensure that the content of the beverage within the container is acceptable to the final consumer.

Typical dust particles that contaminate these containers are extremely small, often measuring less than 10 microns in diameter. Any electrostatic charges in the containers induce opposite charges in the particles so that the particles in the walls of the container are attracted and contained. To remove the particles that adhere to the walls, these opposite charges must be neutralized. Neutralizing the charges is difficult, however, because the charges that keep each particle of dust in a container wall protected by the particle of dust itself. However, once the electrostatic forces have been momentarily lowered, the released dust particles must be removed immediately before re-adhering to the container.

Several methods have been implemented to rinse the inside of a container or bottle. Methods include spraying the containers with cold or hot water, using water with ozone or ozone as a disinfecting agent, using streams of ionized gas to rinse the containers, and using combinations of air and water for rinsing.

Examples for using ionized gas stream systems for flushing containers are described in U.S. Patent No. 7, 621, 301 to U et al. and U.S. Publication No. 2009/0101178 to Wu et al., which are incorporated in full for reference. These systems can have many applications for cleaning unwanted particles from containers. For example, these systems can be used in conjunction with hot fill, fill at room temperature, cold fill or aseptic filling applications.

In one embodiment, a container rinsing system is provided, such as for beverage containers in which unwanted foreign particles are evacuated from the containers before they are filled with a liquid beverage.

In another exemplary embodiment, a container rinsing system has an air nozzle adapted to be positioned near an opening in the container and adapted to direct a supply of air to the container. The air can be ionized before the air enters the nozzle. A vacuum member is adapted to be in communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum member is positioned around the air nozzle and adapted to suck foreign particles from the container.

According to another embodiment, the air nozzle has a central nozzle axis and the vacuum member has a central vacuum axis that is concentric with the central nozzle axis.

According to another embodiment, the air nozzle is positioned to direct the supply of air in any orientation (e.g., downward or upward) depending on the orientation of the container.

According to another embodiment, the system has a plurality of air nozzles and a plurality of vacuum members. Each vacuum member has an air nozzle placed in it. In another exemplary embodiment, a first air nozzle is an ionizing air nozzle and the remaining air nozzles are high velocity air nozzles. In a further exemplary embodiment, the plurality of nozzles includes a first ionizing air nozzle and the remaining nozzles comprise between 5 and 7 high velocity air nozzles. Alternatively, however, the air can be ionized before entering the manifold so that all the nozzles are ionizing nozzles.

According to another embodiment, the container rinsing system also has a guide placed adjacent to the air nozzle. The guide is adapted to attach a neck of the container for vertical alignment of the container with respect to the air nozzle.

According to another embodiment, the container rinsing system has a conveyor adapted to move the container past the air nozzle and the vacuum member. The conveyor has a first movable holding member and a second movable holding member, the holding members being configured to collectively hold the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the first movable holding member is moved at a different speed ratio from the second movable holding member where the conveyor is adapted to rotate the container while the container moves towards the rinsing system.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveyor can take the form of a pneumatic conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor has a sliding guide assembly and air source. The containers are movably supported by the slide guide assembly and the air source moves the containers along the slide guide and past the air nozzles and vacuum members.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for assembling an air rinse system for containers is described. The method comprises providing an air source for use in rinsing the containers and connecting a manifold to the air source. The collector comprises a collector input, an ionization unit and an output of manifold. The method further comprises placing the ionization unit inside the collector, so that during its operation, the air is ionized before leaving the collector outlet.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method is described for rinsing bottles with air. The method comprises providing an air source, receiving air from the air source in a manifold connected to the air source, the manifold comprises a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets, ionizing the air inside the manifold with the ionization unit before the air leaves the manifold outlets, expelling the ionized air from the manifold through the plurality of manifold outlets, and passing a bottle over or under the manifold manifold outlets , and the ionized air of the plurality of outputs of the collector helps to eliminate the particles from the bottle.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, given the benefit of the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the container rinsing system described herein, that at least certain embodiments described herein have improved configurations or suitable alternatives to provide benefits. improved. These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of this description or of certain modalities of the description will be further understood by those of experience in the technique from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken together with the following drawings.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, given the benefit of the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the container rinsing system described herein, that at least certain embodiments of the invention have improved configurations or suitable alternatives to provide improved benefits. .

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention or of certain embodiments of the invention will be better understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken together with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a container rinsing system of the present invention and further partially shows a container handling system; FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 4 is a rear elevation view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 5 is a bottom view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 6 is an end view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1 and showing a system inlet; FIGURE 7 is an end view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 1 and showing an output of the system; FIGURE 8 is an end view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 6 and showing additional components of the system; FIGURE 9 is an end view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 6 and showing a container adjacent to an air nozzle and the vacuum member; FIGURE 10 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a container rinsing system of the present invention and further partially showing a container handling system; FIGURE 11 is an end view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 10 and showing a system inlet; FIGURE 12 is a front elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a container rinsing system of the present invention and further partially showing a container handling system; FIGURE 13 is an extreme elevation view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 12 and showing a system inlet; FIGURE 14 is a bottom view of the container rinsing system shown in FIGURE 13; FIGURE 15 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a container rinsing system; FIGURE 16A shows a partial front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 15; Y FIGURE 16B shows a partial side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 15.

Although this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, details of exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the drawings and will be described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure will be considered an exemplary embodiment of the principles of the invention and it is not intended to limit the broad scope of the invention to the illustrated modes.

FIGURE 1 shows a container rinsing system generally designated with the reference number 10. The container rinsing system 10 generally includes a nozzle assembly 12 and an assembly 14 of vacuum. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the container rinsing system 10 is typically operatively associated with a conveyor 16. It is understood, however, that the conveyor 16 is not essential to the container rinsing system 10.

It is understood that the container rinsing system 10 is used in conjunction with a larger container processing assembly line 1 (not shown completely), or the container handling system 1. It is understood that the container processing line 1 includes various known conveyor assemblies and other transportation apparatus for preparing containers such as beverage bottles, optional additional container flushing, filling the containers with a beverage or liquid and placement of container lids for subsequent transportation for consumption. It is further understood that the assembly line 1 which includes the container rinsing system 10 transports the containers at a high rate of speed, typically in the range of 600-800 bottles per minute.

As shown in FIGURES 1-3, the container rinsing system 10 is positioned along a portion of the container processing assembly line 1. The container rinsing system 10 has a first end 20, or inlet end 20, and a second end 22, or end 22 departure. As will be described in more detail below, the vacuum assembly 14 may include a housing defining the inlet end 20 and the outlet end 22. The assembly line 1 distributes a plurality of containers C to the inlet end 20. The conveyor 16 of the container rinsing system 10 then transports the containers C through the rinsing system 10 and beyond the exit end 22. The containers C are then transported to other portions of the assembly line 1 for further processing. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the containers C are bottles that have a CF bottle finish and have a container opening CO that is filled with a liquid beverage. The CF bottle finish can also have a neck ring that extends around a circumference of the container C.

As will be explained in more detail below, the nozzle assembly 12 has a plurality of nozzles and the vacuum assembly 14 has a plurality of vacuum members. In a simple form, a respective nozzle is operatively associated with a respective vacuum member to form a rinsing module 24. In particular, the nozzle 12 is positioned within the vacuum member 14 where the vacuum member 14 generally surrounds the nozzle 12. The rinse system 10 uses a plurality of rinsing modules 24 arranged in series in an exemplary embodiment of the invention .

FIGURES 2 and 7 further show the nozzle assembly 12. The nozzle assembly 12 generally includes a nozzle manifold 26 and a plurality of individual nozzles 28 in fluid communication with the manifold 26. One of the individual nozzles 28 is an ionizing nozzle 30 having suitable electrical connections. As shown in FIGURES 4 and 8, the nozzle manifold 26 has a central inlet opening 32 which receives an air supply hose 35 by means of a quick disconnect type fitting 37 (FIGURE 8). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of nozzles are eight nozzles 24 including the ionizing nozzle 30 and seven high velocity air jet nozzles 28. Alternatively, air can be ionized within the nozzle manifold so that each of the plurality of nozzles ejects ionized air. The nozzles 28 are separated along the nozzle manifold 26 from near the inlet 20 of the system 10 and the outlet 22 of the system 10. The nozzles 28 are generally separated equidistantly along the rinsing system 10. The nozzles 28, 30 are positioned so that the distal ends 29 of the nozzles 28 are directed in a downward direction. However, the nozzles 28, 30 can be oriented in any direction. As explained in more detail below, the nozzle assembly 12 is operatively associated with the vacuum assembly 14. In this way, the nozzle manifold 26 is contained within the vacuum assembly 14 and the central inlet opening 32 is placed in a corresponding opening in a rear portion of the vacuum assembly 14. As discussed in more detail below, the nozzles 28 generally have a central nozzle axis N.

FIGURES 1-9 further show the vacuum assembly 14. Vacuum assembly 14 generally includes a housing 34 having a plurality of interior walls 36 defining a plurality of vacuum members 70.

The housing 34 has a front wall 40, a rear wall 42, a first end wall 44, a second end wall 46, an upper wall 48 and a lower wall 50. The walls 40-50 are connected together to form an interior cavity 52. As shown in FIGURES 4 and 8, the rear wall 42 has an exit aperture 54. The outlet opening 54 is in communication with the interior cavity 52. The outlet opening 54 is located near an upper part of the rear wall 42 and the housing 34 is generally tapering towards the exit opening 54. The housing 34 may have an extension member 53 that defines the exit opening 54. The outlet opening 54 is connected to a vacuum hose 56 (FIGURE 8) by a quick release clamp 58 which is described in greater detail below. The rear wall 42 also has a opening to accommodate the nozzle manifold 26. The front wall 40 has a front access door 60 connected in an articulated manner to the housing 34 which provides selective access to the vacuum assembly 14 by a door latch 62.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the lower wall 50 has a plurality of lower openings 64 therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower openings 64 are circular although other shapes such as square or rectangular are possible. The lower wall 50 is separated upward from the distal ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42. The distal ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 form dependent limbs 43 defining a channel 66 extending from the inlet 20 of the rinsing system to the outlet 20 of the rinsing system. As shown in FIGURE 2, the interior walls 36 are placed in the interior cavity 52 of the housing 34. The interior walls 36 define a plurality of vacuum members 70. The vacuum members 70 may have several cross-sectional configurations including circular, square or rectangular. Each lower opening 64 defines a vacuum member inlet 72. Each vacuum member 70 is a conduit defining a passage 74 extending from the lower opening 64, or the vacuum member inlet 72 to the exit opening 54. The members 70 of vacuum are separated from each other. In addition, the vacuum members 70 have a first segment 70a having a general vertical orientation and a second segment 70b having an angled orientation that extends and converges at the exit aperture 54. As further shown in FIGURE 2, the vacuum members 70 extend to the outlet opening by each respective second segment 70b wherein the vacuum members 70 share a common outlet in the form of the outlet aperture 54. It is understood that the vacuum members 70 could have exit openings as well as segments that only have a vertical orientation. As discussed in more detail below, the vacuum members 70 generally have a central axis V of a vacuum member.

As shown in FIGURES 1, 3, 8 and 9, a support structure 76 is associated with the housing 34. The support structure has a first arm 78 connected at one end of the housing 34 and a second arm 80 connected in a opposite end of the housing 34. The arms 78, 80 are connected to the housing 34 by adjusting pins 82 which cooperate in grooves 84 placed in the arms 78, 80. This connection configuration allows adjustment of the height of the rinsing system as shown in FIG. described in greater detail below. The support arms 78, 80 also have articulation release knobs 86 for further manipulation of the housing 34 of the rinsing system 10.

As discussed, the nozzle assembly 12 is operatively associated with the vacuum assembly 14. As further shown in FIGURES 2 and 5-7, the nozzle manifold 26 is positioned within the interior cavity 52 of the housing. The inlet 32 of the nozzle manifold 26 is placed in the opening of the rear wall 42. Each nozzle 28 is in communication with and extends from the nozzle manifold 26. Each nozzle 28 extends in a respective vacuum member 70 and in a generally vertical orientation where the nozzle 28 is directed in a downward direction. Vacuum member 70 is thus positioned around nozzle 28. Further, it is understood that vacuum member 70 defines an outer periphery wherein nozzle 28 is positioned within the outer periphery of vacuum member 70. The nozzle 28 extends in the first segment 70a of the vacuum member 70. A distal end 29 of each nozzle 28 is positioned near the lower openings 64 in the respective inlets 72 of each vacuum member 70. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle 28 is generally positioned in the center of the vacuum inlets 72. In this way, the central nozzle axis N is generally coincident or concentric with the central axis V of the vacuum member. In this configuration, the nozzle 28 is considered generally concentric or coincident with the vacuum member 70. The nozzle 28 and the vacuum member 70 is considered they have a common central axis in an exemplary mode. Other configurations are possible, wherein the central axes can be displaced while the vacuum member 70 still surrounds or is placed around the nozzle 28. In embodiments where the lower aperture 64 may have other shapes such as square or rectangular, the nozzle 28 is place to focus generally on such lower opening. This can also be considered a concentric type configuration. These structures can be considered to share a common center.

It is understood that the interior walls 36 have suitable access openings to accommodate the nozzle manifold 26 and the nozzles 28 that are sealed to maintain the separation between the vacuum members 70. As further shown in FIGURE 2, the ionizing nozzle 30 is placed in the first vacuum member 70 near the inlet 20 of the rinsing system 10. A respective nozzle 28 is positioned as described above in a respective vacuum member 70 in a concentric manner. The distal end 29 of the nozzle 28 is positioned near the vacuum inlet 72 and does not extend beyond the bottom wall 50, so that the distal end 29 of the nozzle 28 is positioned substantially at the same height as the inlet. 72 of vacuum. The far end 29 may extend or project slightly beyond or be placed above the lower wall 50 in other embodiments. The nozzle manifold 26 can adjust with respect to housing 34 to achieve such configurations. The nozzles 28 could also be provided with the structure for individual adjustment.

Each respective nozzle 28 and vacuum member 70 is considered to define the rinsing module 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the rinse system 10 has eight rinse modules 24 where eight nozzles 28 are placed in eight vacuum members 70. Although in an exemplary embodiment, the nozzles 28 and the vacuum members 70 lead to a common communication conduit (nozzle manifold 26, vacuum outlet 54), it is understood that each nozzle 28 and vacuum member 70 can be separated from each other and connect to a separate air and vacuum source.

As further shown in FIGURE 8, the vacuum hose 56 is connected to the outlet opening 54 in the housing 34 where the vacuum hose 56 is in fluid communication with all the vacuum members 70. The vacuum hose 56 is connected to a suitable vacuum source. The nozzle inlet 32 is connected to the air supply hose 35 with the quick disconnect fitting 37 where the air supply hose 35 is connected to a suitable, pressurized compressed air source. It is understood that such compressed air is suitably filtered.

As discussed, the conveyor 16 is operatively associated with the rinsing system 10 as well as with the other components of the general container handling system 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the conveyor 16 (FIGURE 1) has a slide guide assembly 90 and pressurized air passages 92. The slide guide assembly 90 includes a first sliding guide member 94 separated from a second slide guide member 96 (FIGURE 3). The sliding guide members 94, 96 receive and support the container CF finish wherein the neck ring in the container C is mounted along the slide guide members 94, 96. The spacing between the sliding guide members 94, 96 can be accommodated to accommodate different sized C containers. A source of pressurized air is provided where the pressurized air is directed to the containers C through the conduits 92. In this manner, as shown in FIGURE 1, the container C moves along the members 94, 96 of sliding guide in the direction of the arrow by the pressurized air directed on the containers C.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the container rinsing system 10 is operably connected with other components of the general container handling system 1. The container rinsing system 10 is positioned along the handling system 1 as shown in FIGURE 1. The height of the housing 34 is consequently set so that the containers C will pass through. of the rinsing system 10 at a predetermined desired distance S (FIGURE 9). In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing S may be 3.17 mm (1/8 inch). This separation S may vary. It is desirable to have a minimum clearance S as much as possible so that the rinsing module 24 is as close to the opening of the container CO as possible while allowing the clearance of the containers C to pass through the rinsing system 10. . The conveyor 16 is operatively connected with other conveyor members to receive the containers C from the handling system 1 and to distribute the rinsed containers C leaving the rinsing system 10 for further processing by the container handling system 1. It is understood that the pressurized air source for the conveyor 16 is energized. The vacuum hose 56 is connected to the vacuum assembly outlet 54 and the vacuum source is energized. In addition, the air supply hose 35 is connected to the nozzle manifold 26 and the pressure air source for the nozzle assembly 12 is energized. It is also understood that the housing 34 and the conveyor 16 can be assembled having a minimum inclination to assist in the movement of the containers C along the slideways 94, 96.

In any of the above embodiments, the unit can be provided with automatic disconnect switches. The switches can be arranged with sensors to detect if the air is supplied to the system from the nozzles or if the vacuum members provide suction.

The operation of the container rinsing system will now be described. With the driving system 1 and the conveyor 16 energized, a container C is transported to the inlet 20 of the rinsing system 10 where the neck ring in the container finish CF is mounted along the members 94, 96 of sliding guide. The sliding guide members 94, 96 serve as a guide for coupling the neck of the container C for vertical alignment of the container C with respect to the nozzle 28 and the vacuum member 70. The container C is transported in a vertical form in which the opening of the container CO is oriented upwards. It is understood that a plurality of adjacent containers C is transported one after the other by the conveyor 16. The container C passes through the channel 66 (FIGURE 9) defined by the housing 34. As the container C reaches the first module 24 rinse, the pressurized ionized air from the first ionizing nozzle 30 is injected into the container C through the opening of the container CO. The nozzle 30 directs the compressed air in a downward direction. This pressurized air releases the foreign particles, pollutants, etc., from the surfaces of the container C. The ionized air also neutralizes the interior and exterior surfaces of the container C that prevents the particles from adhering unduly to the surfaces. At the same time, the vacuum member 70 provides a suction to the container C where any of the particles or contaminants are directed away from the container C. The vacuum members 70 provide suction in a downward direction or any direction depending on their orientation. The container C continues to be transported along the conveyor 16 and through the rinsing system 10 where the container C passes through each successive rinsing module 24 placed in series. Accordingly, the container C is subjected to pressurized air from each nozzle 28 and suction of each vacuum member 70 from the nozzle seven / remaining vacuum members of the rinsing modules 24 of the rinsing system 10. The configuration of the rinsing modules 24 provides an operational zone around each nozzle 28 to immediately take foreign particles and contaminants and direct such particles through the vacuum members 70 and through the vacuum hose 56. Accordingly, container C is suitably rinsed where foreign particles or contaminants are detached from the surfaces of containers C by nozzles 28 and vacuum members 70 simultaneously remove foreign or contaminating particles from containers C before any foreign particles re-adhere to the containers C. The containers C continue along the conveyor 10 and to other portions of the system 1 of handling of containers that will be filled, covered and prepared for transport.

It is understood that the containers C move at considerable speeds through the system 10. The system 10 is capable of rinsing containers at 600-800 containers per minute wherein the container C is in each module 24 of rinsing for fractions of a second . The pressurized filtered air may be provided at various pressures and in an exemplary manner, the pressurized air is at 2,812-4,921 kg / cm2 (40-70 psi). As discussed, the predetermined spacing S may be varied as desired and may be 3.17 mm (1/8 inch) in one embodiment. By loosening the adjustment bolts 82, the housing 34 can be adjusted vertically by the slots 84 to vary the spacing S. The knobs 86 can also be used to tilt the housing 34 when cleaning or servicing the system 10. The door 60 Access also provides easy access in housing 34 to adjust nozzle assembly 12, perform maintenance or clean nozzle assembly 12 or vacuum assembly 14. The vacuum hose 56 and the air supply hose 35 can also be easily removed. Generally, the rinsing system 10 can be adjusted easily and quickly as desired. In other variations, the rinsing modules 24 can be configured to travel with the C rinse containers.

FIGS. 10-11 describe an alternative embodiment of a container rinsing system of the present invention, generally designated with the reference number 200. Many components are similar to the rinsing system shown in FIGURES 1-9 and will be designated with reference numbers in the 200 series of reference numbers.

In this embodiment, the container rinsing system 10 is generally the same as the container rinsing system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9. The system 200 utilizes eight rinsing modules 224 constructed as described above. A belt driven conveyor 216 is provided in this embodiment to transport the containers C through the rinsing system 200.

The conveyor 216 generally includes a first fastening member 291, a second fastening member 293 and a motor 295. These components are generally supported by a frame 297 that can rest on a floor or other supporting surface. Each fastening member 291, 293 has a rotating band and another support structure as is known. The first holding member 291 is separated from the second holding member 293 at a predetermined distance to accommodate the containers C. As shown in FIGURE 11, this separation can be adjusted to accommodate containers having various diameters. The motor 295 is operatively connected to the first fastening member 291 and the second holding member 293 as shown in FIGURE 10. It is understood that the rinsing system 200 is supported by suitable support members above the conveyor 216 as desired so that the containers C pass through the rinsing system 200 in the desired separation.

In operation, the first and second fastening members 291, 293 are rotated by the motor. The containers C are received from the container handling system 1 where the holding members 291, 293 hold the containers C and transport the containers C through the rinsing system 200. The rinse system 200 rinses the containers C as described above. The holding members 291, 293 transport the containers C to other portions of the container handling system 1 for further processing. It is understood that the operative connections between the motor 295 and the first clamping member 291 and the second clamping member 293 may be such that one clamping member rotates at a greater speed with respect to the other clamping member. In this way, the container C is also rotated about its central point as the container C moves linearly through the rinsing system 200. This can help in the rinsing process.

FIGURES 12-14 describe another alternative embodiment of a container rinsing system of the present invention, generally designated as 300 reference. Certain components are similar to the rinsing system shown in FIGURES 1-9 and FIGURES 10-11 and will be designated with similar reference numbers in the 300 series.

In this embodiment, the conveyor 316 is generally the same in the embodiment of FIGURES 10-11. The rinse system 300 is also similar to the rinse system of FIGURES 1-9, but uses six 324 rinse modules. As such, the housing 334 has interior walls 336 that separate the interior cavity 352 into six vacuum members 370. The nozzle manifold 326 supplies pressurized air to the six air nozzles 328. The first air nozzle 330 is an ionized air nozzle and the remaining five nozzles are high velocity air jet nozzles. Each nozzle 330 is placed in a concentric shape within the vacuum member 370 consistent with the foregoing description.

In operation, the containers C are transported through the rinse system 300 by the conveyor 316 which operates in a similar manner to the conveyor of FIGS. 11-12. The rinse system 300 also operates in a similar manner where the assembly nozzle 312 supplies air in a downward direction while the vacuum assembly 314 supplies suction in a downward direction depending on the orientation of the bottles. The containers C pass through each of the rinsing modules 324 and then are directed towards additional portions of the handling system 1 of containers for additional processing.

FIGURE 15 shows another arrangement of an exemplary container rinsing system 1010. The container rinsing system 1010 is generally provided with an air source (not shown), so that any mechanical device supplying pressurized air, a cleaning system 1020 for rinsing the bottles with air, an electrical control panel (no. shown) to operate the rinsing operation, and a vacuum system 1100 for removal of unwanted particles and for air circulation.

The cleaning system 1020 is provided to clean the interior of the bottles 1040 as they are transported through the system 1010. The container rinsing system 1010 may include a series of protections 1024, shown imaginary in FIGURE 15, which retains bottles 1040 in a conveyor arrangement 1012 to allow bottles 1040 to pass through each station at a very high rate of speed, in the order of 800 bottles per minute.

A conveyor arrangement 1012 and a large pulley wheel 1014 are provided to transfer the bottles 1040 through the cleaning system 1020. The bottle flow path follows the direction of the arrows shown in FIGURE 15. As the 1040 bottles pass through the rinse system 1010, the bottles 1040 are inverted in a generally flipped position with the bottle opening being directed downward, as shown in FIGURE 15. However, bottles 1040 and 1010 system of rinse can be oriented in any desired way. The bottles 1040 may be maintained in the conveyor arrangement 1012 by finger clips 1039. Such finger clips 1039 are available, for example, from Ambec, Inc. of Lynchburg, Va. Other methods for transporting the containers are contemplated. For example, neck fasteners, conveyors, ropes either alone or in combination with guide rails or guards can be used. An air duct 1019 is provided, which leads to the blower (not shown) to extract air from the air cleaning system 1020, through a series of ducts.

The air cleaning system 1020 is essentially enclosed by the housing 1022 which provides an enclosure for maintaining substantial balance of the air flow within the system 1020. Two openings, of which one is shown in FIGURE 16A, are arranged in a longitudinal end of the enclosure 1022, which is required to allow the passage of the bottles 1040. As shown in FIGURE 16B, the enclosure 1022 may be provided with two plexiglass doors 1340A and 1340B. Plexiglass doors 1340A and 1340B can be provided with handles 1342A and 1342B for easy access to 1022 interior area to maintain the system.

The rinse system 1010 may be provided with an air source to provide air to the containers 1040. The HEPA filters may be placed at the air source inlet and outlet to filter out any unwanted air particles. A HEPA filter of 0.3μ (99.9% efficiency) or a pre-filtration assembly can be added to the air source inlet to filter microorganisms from the supply air and a 0.5μ HEPA filter (99% efficiency) can be added to the air source outlet as a preventive measure for any undesirable debris from the air source. The embodiments described herein could be implemented with any air source known in the art.

The nozzles 1301 can be provided with internal ionization units within a nozzle manifold 1303, which can be configured to ionize the air before the air leaves the nozzles. The nozzle arrangement 1300 can be mounted on the nozzle manifold 1303. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the height of the nozzle arrangement can be adjusted upwardly downward by height adjustment screws 1326. The air nozzle arrangement is mounted on an adjustable bracket 1328, which has slots 1330 and guide pins 1332 for adjusting the height of the nozzle arrangement 1300 with respect to the 1040 bottles and 1039 fasteners.

The air from the air source is exposed to the ionizing air units, which ionize the air to help with the removal of particles from the passing vessels. After the air is ionized it goes towards the nozzles. As can be seen from this arrangement, the air is ionized before reaching and leaving the nozzles. This improves cleanliness, creates a reliable and durable source for ionized air, and creates a system that is easy to maintain.

Referring again to FIGURES 15, 16A and 16B, the rinsing system 1010 may also be equipped with a vacuum system 1100 for vacuuming unwanted particles from the bottles 1040 as they move on the conveyor 1012. The vacuum system 1100 comprises a vacuum tray 1101, which extends under the flow path of bottles and under the air manifold 1300. The vacuum tray 1101 essentially has the shape of a trough that becomes deeper in the direction of the bottle flow path, as shown in FIGURE 16B. Along a centrally located longitudinal portion, the tundish is bent, and at the adjacent point and directly under the ionizing nozzles 1301, it is connected for example, by screws 1102 in a vacuum duct 1104, which in one embodiment has the shape of a cylinder as shown in FIGURE 16A. The vacuum system 1100 can provided with two elbow manifolds or vacuum manifolds 1108, which each have suction inlets 1106. The vacuum manifolds 1108 are located on either side of the manifold 1303 to suck unwanted particles from the system. As shown in FIGURE 16B, vacuum manifolds 1108 can be provided with deflection portions 1110 to expand the vacuum area within housing 1022.

Vacuum duct 1104 is connected to duct 1019 (shown in FIGURE 1) which is in fluid communication with a vacuum source or air source (not shown) that provides a suction or vacuum force to the environment within of the housing 1022, wherein the nozzle arrangement 1300 is contained. The vacuum system 1100, which is energized by the vacuum source, continuously evacuates air within the housing 1022, along with any floating ionized dust or other particles that have been removed from the surfaces of the 1040 bottles through the inlets. 1106 suction. In addition, to assist in removing the floating ionizing powder or other particles that have been removed from the surfaces of the bottles 1040, the vacuum system 1100 also helps to remove dusty air from the rinse system 1010.

In one embodiment, the vacuum system 1100 can be part of a closed-loop system in which the air extracted by the vacuum can be filtered by a vacuum filter.

HEPA and recycled back to the air source and then provided to the 1300 nozzle arrangement for use in rinsing the 1040 bottles in the cleaning process. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate vacuum source may be used, such as a Model 2C940 blower from Dayton. In any case, the input of the source is connected to the vacuum conduit 1019.

An electrical control panel interacts with the PLC plant, which allows the air source to operate at an optimum ventilation rate depending on the particular bottle size and the speed of the conveyor. Additionally, the electrical control panel (not shown) is electrically connected to the nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement 1300 within the bottle cleaning station 1020 to provide operator control.

The rinse system 1010 is also equipped with sensors at key locations to ensure cleaning performance. The detection of an error in the system, for example, low air pressure, inadequate filtration, or an ionizing malfunction, the system can be configured to provide a warning signal to the operator and can be configured for a disconnection operation. In any of the above modalities, if any of the sensors connected to the vacuum members or the nozzles detects a lack of suction or a lack of Air pressure respectively, the system is automatically disconnected by means of an automatic disconnect switch.

During operation, the cleaning system 1020 cleans the interior of the bottles 1040 as they are transported through the rinse system 1010. The bottles 1040 are transported through the rinse system 1010 so that each bottle 1040 travels through the various stations, for example, the bottle holding station (not shown) and the bottle cleaning system 1020. The conveyor arrangement 1012 transfers the bottles 1040 so that the bottle flow path follows the direction of the arrows, and as a result of the bottle path passing around a large pulley rotating wheel 1014, the bottles 1040 are reversed in a generally tumbled position with the opening being directed downward, as shown by the bottle 1040 in FIGURE 15. The bottles 1040 are preferably held in the conveyor arrangement by the finger clips 1039 (shown in FIGURE 16A) . When the bottles 1040 pass through the cleaning system 1020, air is directed into the bottles 1040 by the nozzles 1301 in the nozzle arrangement 1300. This has the effect of discharging any particles located inside the 1040 bottles. The air pressure exiting the nozzles can be regulated at the air source and can manipulated by any suitable methods known in the art. It may be desired to economize the air pressure based on the type and / or size of the bottle being cleaned.

Vacuum system 1100, which continuously evacuates air within housing 1022, evacuates any floating ionized powder or other particles that have been removed from bottles 1040. Consequently, minute particles have been displaced from the surfaces of the bottle that remain trapped in the air within the housing 1022 are evacuated from the bottles and are no longer available to re-adhere to the surface again in case they are deionized. Additionally, the vacuum can be applied so that a negative pressure is maintained throughout the system. This helps prevent dusty air from being blown into the environment surrounding the system and prevents dusty air from contaminating the surrounding environment and equipment.

The container rinsing system of the present disclosure provides several advantages. The container rinsing system uses much less electrical energy than traditional air systems (less than half the electric power) to rinse empty bottles with air. It is solid, leads to less downtime of the bottling operation, and requires less maintenance than pre-existing systems.

Additionally, because the system is a single air system as compared to a water system or air / water system combination, the system uses fewer natural resources such as water and electricity. The rinsing system also has a saving of small occupied space in an installation space. Previous designs required a larger occupied space and more structure and components. The design also allows the nozzles to be placed closer to the bottle finish that improves rinsing capabilities. Due to the system components, including the housing and the conveyor, it can be easily adjusted, a quick system change is achieved for bottles of different sizes. The use of the ionizing air nozzle neutralizes electrostatic charges based on the interior and exterior surfaces of the containers. In general, due to its simplified structure and operation, the rinsing system is less expensive to manufacture, operate and maintain.

In any of the above modalities, if any of the sensors connected to the vacuum members or the nozzles detect a lack of suction or lack of air pressure respectively, the system is automatically disconnected by means of an automatic disconnect switch.

Given the benefit of the above description and the description of exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous modalities alternatives and different are possible to be with the general principles of the invention described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that all the various modifications and alternative embodiments are within the true scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all modifications and alternative modalities. It should be understood that the use of an indefinite or defined singular article (for example, "a", "an", "the", etc.) in this description in the following claims follows the traditional patent procedure to mean "at least one "Unless a particular case is clear from the context that the term is intended in that particular case to specifically mean one and only one. Similarly, the term "comprising" is open-ended, not excluding additional items, features, components,

Claims (22)

1. A method for assembling an air rinsing system for containers characterized in that it comprises: Provide an air source for use in rinsing containers; connecting a manifold to the air source, the manifold comprises a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a manifold outlet to direct air from the air source in the containers to help remove debris from the containers; Place the ionization unit inside the collector so that when the air is supplied to the collector during operation, the air is ionized inside the collector and during operation, the air is ionized before leaving the collector outlet.

2. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises providing a vacuum system for the removal of particles.

3. The method according to claim 2, further characterized in that it comprises providing the vacuum system for maintaining a negative pressure in the container rinsing system.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the container rinsing system is configured to recycle air from the vacuum system to the source of air.

5. A method for rinsing containers characterized in that it comprises: provide an air source to supply air to the containers; receiving the air from the air source in a manifold connected to the air source, the manifold comprises a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets, ionizing the air received from the air source within the collector with the ionization unit before it leaves the collector outputs; ejecting the ionized air from the collector through the plurality of collector outputs; Y passing a container over the plurality of outputs of the collector, where the ionized air helps to remove the unwanted particles from the containers.

6. The method according to claim 5, further characterized in that it comprises vacuuming the unwanted particles with a vacuum system.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the vacuum system maintains a negative pressure near the collector.

8. The method according to claim 6, further characterized in that it comprises recycling air from the vacuum system to the air source.

9. A container rinsing system characterized in that it comprises: an air source; a manifold connected to the air source, the manifold comprises a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of outlets; Y wherein the ionization unit is placed inside the collector and the plurality of nozzles is located in the collector so that during operation, the air is ionized before leaving the collector.

10. The container rinsing system according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises a vacuum system for particle removal.

11. The container rinsing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the vacuum system is configured to maintain a negative pressure in the container rinsing system.

12. The container rinsing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the container rinsing system is configured to recycle air from the vacuum system to the air source.

13. A container rinsing system characterized because it comprises: an air nozzle defining a central axis, the air nozzle adapted to be positioned near an opening in a container, and adapted to direct a supply of air to the container, wherein the air is ionized before entering the nozzle; a vacuum member forming a conduit defining a passage and, wherein the conduit further comprises a central vacuum axis and a vacuum inlet, the vacuum member connected to a vacuum source, the vacuum member positioned around the air nozzle, and the vacuum member adapted to suck foreign particles from the container; Y wherein the central vacuum axis is generally concentric with the central axis of the nozzle and a distal end of the nozzle is positioned near the vacuum inlet so that the distal end of the nozzle is placed substantially at the same height as the inlet of emptiness.

14. The container rinsing system according to claim 13, characterized in that the air nozzle is positioned to direct air supply in a downward direction in a tumbled container.

15. The container rinsing system according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises a second air nozzle positioned generally adjacent to the air nozzle.

16. The container rinsing system according to claim 15, further characterized in that it comprises a second vacuum member positioned around the second air nozzle.

17. The container rinsing system according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of air nozzles, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles expels ionized air.

18. The container rinsing system according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vacuum members, wherein each vacuum member is positioned around a respective air nozzle.

19. The container rinsing system according to claim 18, characterized in that the plurality of vacuum members converge to each other and are collectively adapted to be in communication with the vacuum source.

20. A method for rinsing containers that pass through a container rinsing system characterized in that it comprises: providing a vacuum member forming a passage defining a passage, and wherein the conduit further comprises an outer periphery, a vacuum inlet, and a central vacuum axis and furthermore provides air nozzles each defining a central nozzle axis, a respective air nozzle is positioned within a respective vacuum member, wherein a distal end of the nozzle is positioned near the vacuum inlet so that the distal end of the nozzle is places substantially at the same height as the vacuum inlet, wherein the vacuum member is connected to a vacuum source; place the center axis of concentric nozzle with the central axis of vacuum; passing a plurality of containers through the vacuum members and the air nozzles; ionize the air before providing air to the nozzle; supply the air to the containers and along the central axis of the nozzle; Y vacuum unwanted foreign particles away from the container.

21. The method in accordance with the claim 20, further characterized in that it comprises providing a plurality of nozzles and ionizing before the air leaves the plurality of nozzles.

22. The method in accordance with the claim 21, further characterized in that it comprises providing a plurality of vacuum members and, wherein each vacuum member defines a central axis of vacuum and the plurality of nozzles each have a central nozzle axis and place each concentric nozzle center axis with each central vacuum axis.