Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for counting paper straws and the like is disclosed, wherein the straws are arranged within channels of an endless conveyor so that the straws may be counted by an optical scanning device. As the straws are manufactured, they are conveyed to a hopper by means of a first endless conveyor. The hopper terminates in a pair of feed compartments above a second endless conveyor having a plurality of transverse channels. Rotating brushes are provided at the sides of the feed compartments, adjacent to the second conveyor to oscillate the straws in the compartments and to urge the straws into the transverse channels. The rotating brushes prevent more than one straw from occupying any one of the transverse channels. An optical scanning device accurately counts the straws while they are on the second conveyor, before they are deposited into a boxing apparatus. When a desired number of straws are collected into the boxing apparatus, the second conveyor and the brushes are stopped, and a series of rams are utilized to pack the straws into cardboard boxes so that the counting process may begin again.

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First Claim