Multiple lane pouch drop-off
US5220993A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/848
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Pouch transfer apparatus for positioning over and generally transverse to the upstream end of a multiple lane pouch conveyor. The apparatus includes a transfer wheel carrying a plurality of suction heads about its outer periphery for picking pouches off a cutting apparatus that has cut a pouch strip into individual pouches. The transfer wheel distributes the individual pouches at three predetermined angular drop-off positions during the rotation of the transfer wheel. The suction heads are divided into three series or flights, i.e., a first series for dropping pouches into a near lane of the pouch conveyor, a second series for dropping pouches into a middle lane of the pouch conveyor, and a third series for dropping pouches into a far lane of the pouch conveyor. Positive pressure is supplied to each suction head at its drop-off point to eject the pouch into the appropriate conveyor lane. Adjustment mechanisms are provided for independently adjusting the drop-off points for the pouches headed for each lane of the pouch conveyor. These adjustment mechanisms independently adjust the angular point during the rotation of the transfer wheel at which positive pressure is supplied to each …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.