Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and associated method separates from a stream of boxes a desired number of boxes into a stack of boxes. A conveyor moves the stream of boxes along a path. A speed wheel mounted upstream of the conveyor- or register the speed of the stream of boxes by determining the machine speed. An adjustable backstop is spaced from the conveyor by a length of the boxes in the board path direction for stopping the longitudinal movement of the boxes. A photocell is mounted in association with the conveyor to count the boxes and determine when a trailing edge of the last box passes. It is automatically determined when a leading edge of the box will engage the backstop after the trailing edge passes the photocell. A plurality of fingers are inserted into the stream of boxes by firing a cylinder when the leading edge of the last box engages the backstop therein placing the finger in the stream to temporarily stop the flow of boxes to the stack.

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First Claim