Systems and methods for electromagnetic forming of containers

Abstract

Systems and methods of forming articles using electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In some aspects, the system includes a plurality of forming modules movably mounted relative to an infeed mechanism. The infeed mechanism is configured to supply pre-form articles to the plurality of forming modules, and each of the plurality of forming modules includes a multi-segment mold disposed about an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the pre-form articles when supplied with electrical energy that urges the pre-form articles into contact with the multi-segment mold to produce the formed containers.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A variable-speed starwheel for transferring articles comprising
 a driving mechanism configured to rotate about an axis of rotation;   a cam surface having variable radial distance from the axis of rotation, the variable radial distance having a first radial distance extending a first distance away from the axis of rotation at a first angular position, and a second radial distance extending a second distance away from the axis of rotation at a second angular position, the second angular position being spaced a distance from the first angular position; and   an arm coupled to the driving mechanism, the arm including a pivot mechanism, a pocket, and a cam follower, the pivot mechanism being coupled to the driving mechanism, the pivot mechanism providing pivotable movement of the arm relative to the driving mechanism, the pivot mechanism being spaced a distance from the pocket, the pocket being configured to releasably receive the articles, the cam follower being configured to engage the cam surface,   wherein engagement of the cam follower with the cam surface at the first angular position disposes the arm at a first angle, and wherein engagement of the cam follower with the cam surface at the second angular position disposes the arm at a second angle, the second angle being different than the second angle.   
     
     
         21 . The variable-speed starwheel of  claim 20 , wherein the driving mechanism includes a motor. 
     
     
         22 . The variable-speed starwheel of  claim 20 , wherein the driving mechanism includes a synchronization mechanism. 
     
     
         23 . The variable-speed starwheel of  claim 20 , wherein the arm is configured to nest with an adjacent arm of the variable-speed starwheel. 
     
     
         24 . The variable-speed starwheel of  claim 20 , wherein the cam follower is axially offset from the pivot mechanism such that movement of the cam follower does not interfere with movement of an adjacent arm. 
     
     
         25 . An arm for use in a variable-speed starwheel to transfer articles, the arm comprising:
 a member having a first end opposite a second end, the first end having a pivot mechanism configured to be coupled to a driving mechanism, the pivot mechanism being configured to provide pivotable movement of the arm relative to the driving mechanism, the second end having a pocket configured to releasably receive the articles; and   a cam follower configured to engage a cam surface, the cam follower being coupled to the member such that engagement of the cam follower with a cam surface is configured pivotably move the arm about the pivot mechanism.   
     
     
         26 . The arm of  claim 25 , wherein the cam follower is coupled to the member using a support, the support being attached to the member between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         27 . The arm of  claim 25 , wherein the cam follower is disposed proximate the pivot mechanism and distal the pocket. 
     
     
         28 . A variable-speed starwheel for transferring articles comprising:
 a driving mechanism configured to rotate about an axis of rotation;   a cam surface having variable radial distance from the axis of rotation, the variable radial distance having a first radial distance extending a first distance away from the axis of rotation at a first angular position, and a second radial distance extending a second distance away from the axis of rotation at a second angular position, the second angular position being spaced a distance from the first angular position; and   an arm coupled to the driving mechanism, the arm including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being slidably mounted on the first portion, the first portion being attached to the driving mechanism, the second portion including a pocket and a cam follower, the pocket being configured to releasably receive the articles, the cam follower being configured to engage the cam mechanism.   wherein engagement of the cam follower with the cam surface at the first angular position disposes the arm at a first distance from the axis of rotation, and wherein engagement of the cam follower with the cam surface at the second angular position disposes the arm at a second distance from the axis of rotation, the first distance being different than the second distance.   
     
     
         29 . A variable-speed starwheel for transferring articles comprising:
 a driving mechanism configured to rotate about an axis of rotation;   a pocket coupled to the driving mechanism, the pocket being configured to releasably receive the articles; and   a movement means, the movement means being configured to dispose the pocket at a first distance from the axis of rotation when the pocket is at a first angular position and to dispose the pocket at a second distance from the axis of rotation when the pocket is at a second angular position.   
     
     
         30 . The variable-speed starwheel of  claim 29 , wherein the movement means includes a cam follower configured to engage a cam surface, the cam follower being attached to the pocket.