Reversed container end ejection system

摘要

A system (20) is provided for detecting and ejecting container ends having a reversed orientation from an axially aligned group of otherwise similar nested container ends having a non-reversed orientation. The system includes a support member (36) interposed along the path of movement of the container ends and having a bore (52) and an ejection slot (54). A counting sensor (62) for counting the number of passing container ends and a gap sensor (72) for detecting a gap in the periphery of the axially aligned group caused by a reversed container end are positioned upstream of the ejection slot and connected to a control unit (70). An air nozzle (82) is positioned next to the axially aligned group of container ends in axial alignment with, but laterally opposite to, the ejection slot and connected to a source of pressurized air controlled by the control unit (70). The control unit, upon receiving a signal from the gap detector, waits to receive a predetermined number of count signals from the counting sensor and then activates an air valve (88) releasing an air blast from the nozzle which impinges on the container ends aligned with ejection slot (54) causing reversed container ends to be ejected from the axially aligned group.