Apparatus for stacking slices
US5114307A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C66/81457
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A stacker is provided for stacking the slices from the forming, sealing and cutting machines into a plurality of stacks. The stacker includes a conveyor belt, which includes a plurality of apertures, onto which the slices of product are disposed. A vacuum system provides vacuum through the apertures to hold the slices on the belt. Apparatus are provided for moving the belt in order to advance the slices to the stacking locations. The vacuum is sufficient to hold the slices on the belt even when the slices are disposed on the bottom of the belt. A plurality of stacking locations are sequentially provided. Each of the stacking locations includes ejectors for providing positive air pressure at the leading edge of the slice as it is being moved on the belt. As the slice travels on the belt, the positive air pressure "peels" the slice off of the belt and the force of gravity causes the slice to fall into the predetermined stacking location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.