Importance

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Abstract

A conveyor system useful for conveying food packages from a packaging machine includes a first conveyor for receiving the packages seriatim and conveying the packages toward a second conveyor. The first conveyor includes sensors and ejection mechanism for ejecting packages which are too long, attached to each other or of insufficient weight. A sensor at the discharge end of the first conveyor controls operation of an indexable second conveyor having a conveyor member with spaced apart partitions defining slots for receiving each package. The system includes a transfer mechanism comprising a rake mounted above the second conveyor on a linear bearing assembly with a rack and pinion drive and a pneumatic actuator for lowering, translating, retracting and returning the rake to a starting position. The third conveyor includes an endless conveyor belt connected to a drive motor which operates in timed relationship to the transfer mechanism to transfer laterally spaced rows of packages from the second conveyor. A control system counts the number of packages disposed on the second conveyor, controls the operation of a drive motor for the second conveyor and actuates the transfer mechanism and the third conveyor in response to a predetermined number of packages being in position to be transferred from the second conveyor to the third conveyor.

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First Claim