Lowerator
LOWERATOR
Moves cans from depalletizer height to filler height along a controlled S-curve. Gripper spacing holds at high speeds with tool-free size adjustment.
The CODI Lowerator is a gripper-chain that 'lowers' cans from depalletizer discharge height down to filler deck height at up to 100 CPM. The gripper chain holds each container through a controlled S-curve descent, so cans arrive in single file and upright. Gripper width is easily adjustable for different can diameters without tools, and VFD control keeps the operation running smoothly. S, Z, and loop configurations fit different vertical drops and floor layouts. Frame construction is 304 stainless steel.
The CODI Lowerator is a gripper-chain that 'lowers' cans from depalletizer discharge height down to filler deck height at up to 100 CPM. The gripper chain holds each container through a controlled S-curve descent, so cans arrive in single file and upright. Gripper width is easily adjustable for different can diameters without tools, and VFD control keeps the operation running smoothly. S, Z, and loop configurations fit different vertical drops and floor layouts. Frame construction is 304 stainless steel.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Gripper Chain Transport
Low-friction gripper chain holds cans securely through elevation changes without tipping or scuffing. Gentle on cans at all speeds from 10 to 100 CPM.
Single-Point Width Adjustment
One adjustment accommodates all can diameters. No need to reconfigure multiple points when switching formats.
Configurable Layout
S, Z, or loop configurations with customizable entry and exit heights. Fits into existing line layouts without requiring a floor plan overhaul.
VFD Control
Runs only when cans are needed. Reduces wear and energy use compared to systems that run continuously regardless of demand.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
100 CPM
S / Z / Loop Config
VFD Control
Performance & Speeds
Throughput Capacity: Up to 250+ CPM continuous (high-speed and dual-lane configurations available up to 1,200+ CPM)
Container Compatibility: Standard (202/211), Sleek (202/204), and Slim (200/202) aluminum beverage cans, aluminum bottles, and bulk glass
Elevation Drop: Bridges overhead depalletizer single-filer elevation (typically 87" to 127"+) down to nominal 40" (1,016 mm) filler conveyor height
Width Adjustment: Single-point mechanical screw adjustment to accommodate all can diameters without swapping gripper chains
Physical Dimensions & Footprint
Standard Footprint (W × L): 44.37" × 54.87" (1,127 × 1,394 mm)
Vertical Height: Sized to order based on infeed tin line and ceiling height
Ceiling Clearance Requirement: Minimum 12 ft (144" / 3,658 mm) overhead space recommended to tip and erect the frame vertical during rigging
Frame Construction: Heavy-gauge AISI 304 stainless steel tubing with adjustable leveling feet
Utility Requirements
Electrical Supply:208–240 VAC, 3-Phase, 60 Hz, 6.5 Amps Full Load (Standard)
380–500 VAC, 3-Phase, 60 Hz, 3.5 Amps Full Load (Optional)
Control Voltage: 24V DC internal power supply; Schneider Electric Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
Compressed Air (When Equipped with Ionized Air Rinser):Demand: 8 SCFM @ 20–40 PSI constant (100–110 PSI facility supply regulated at machine)
Quality: Clean, dry compressed air meeting ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2
Connection: Dedicated 1/2" ID air drop to 1/4" NPT coupler
Ionizer Blower Electrical (Optional 1 HP Blower):230 VAC, 3-Phase, 4.2 Amps -or- 460 VAC, 3-Phase, 2.1 Amps
Rinsing & Cleaning Integration
Inline Ionized Air Can Rinser: Keyence static-neutralizing ionizer bar and positive/negative air blower system that dislodges dust and debris without water, eliminating dissolved oxygen (DO) pickup before filling.
HEPA Air Filtration & Dust Collection: 5.0-micron intake filtration paired with HEPA exhaust collection to trap particulate outside the packaging envelope.
Integrated Water / Sanitizer Invert Rinser: Liquid spray manifold, drip catch basin, and dedicated 1" NPT sanitary gravity drain connection for traditional wet rinsing.
Container Handling & Upgrades
Bulk Glass Handling Package: Heavy-duty drive sprockets, reinforced side crossmembers, and upgraded high-torque gearmotors engineered to transport heavy glass bottles without slippage.
Specialized Gripper Chain Compounds: Food-grade high-friction elastomer fingers engineered for smooth, scuff-free handling of matte, digital printed, or shrink-sleeved cans.
Under-Can Date Coding Bump-Out: Infeed/discharge bracket integration for continuous inkjet (CIJ) or laser bottom-of-can date coding.
Ceiling & Mezzanine Support Brackets: Factory-engineered suspension and wall-tie brackets designed to stabilize tall elevator skids.
Continuous Wedge Gripping Architecture
Opposed, dual-strand gripper belts run synchronously along precision UHMW wear tracks.
Resilient elastomer fingers gently squeeze the container sidewalls, locking them into a positive grip that guides containers smoothly down the curve without denting, scuffing, or crushing lightweight can bodies.
Eliminates container tumble, can-to-can collisions, and dented flanges common with gravity-fed twist tracks.
Single-Point Tool-Less Diameter Adjustment
Width changeovers are completed in seconds using a centralized adjustment handwheel.
Synchronized lead screws move both gripper tracks symmetrically, keeping the container travel centerline perfectly aligned with upstream and downstream conveyor lanes.
One machine seamlessly handles standard 12 oz, 16 oz, 19.2 oz, sleek, and slim formats without buying expensive change-part sets.
Integrated Downstream Line Synchronization
Features an optical discharge photoeye sensor that monitors can backup on the filler infeed conveyor.
Automatically halts the gripper belts when the canning line backs up and ramps back up instantly once the line clears.
Independent VFD speed control allows operators to maintain the ideal speed differential (~15 Hz gap) between the depalletizer single filer and lowerator, ensuring consistent 2-inch can spacing to prevent line pinching.
Sanitary Stainless Steel Construction & Low Maintenance
Built from corrosion-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel designed for daily washdown environments.
Utilizes sealed System Plast aircraft-grade bearings that require no routine lubrication.
Quick-tensioning take-up brackets at the top return sprockets allow operators to maintain proper chain tension with standard hand tools.
ACCESSORIES
Nitro Doser
Tool Box
Date Coder
CO2 Tunnel
CO2 PrePurge
Foam Jetter
Rinse Tunnel
Blower DryOff
Lubrication System
FAQ
Why use the Lowerator instead of a gravity track?
A gravity drop lets cans pick up uncontrolled speed, which can cause dents, scuffing, and jams at the bottom curve. The Lowerator uses dual elastomer gripper chains to hold each can securely by its sides, driving it down to fill elevation at a controlled, synchronized speed. It makes can size changeover a breeze compared to changing a gravity track. And the Lowerator is space efficient.
Does the Lowerator need change parts for different can sizes?
No. A simple handwheel or automated adjustment widens or narrows the gripper chain spacing, allowing you to transition between standard, sleek, and slim can diameters in minutes without swapping mechanical parts.
How much elevation change can it handle?
It is configured to order based on your facility layout, easily bridging the drop from high-level overhead depalletizer discharge down to standard filling line height.
How are cans cleaned in this system?
The Lowerator is frequently paired with an integrated Ionized Air Rinser or water rinse manifold, cleaning the cans while they are securely held and inverted during their descent.
