Device and method for repeatedly forming a preselected arrangement of conveyed articles
US5271709A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0244
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Device and method are disclosed for repeatedly forming a predetermined arrangement of conveyed articles. Cylindrical articles, such as cans, are accumulated on a conveying unit at an accumulating area, the articles at the accumulating area being normally in a pattern, such as being in nested relationship. A stop unit is provided to repeatedly allow preselected numbers of articles to pass from the accumulating area on the conveying unit into a sweep area having a sweep unit including sweep arms each of which is utilized to alternately lead and push articles by group through the sweep area to a receiving area, such as a palletizer. The conveying, stop and sweep units are controlled to cause coordinated movement therebetween, the conveying and sweep units being operated at various speeds as each group of articles passes the stop unit. When a particular stagger arrangement, such as a Number One Stagger arrangement, is needed at the receiving area, a repositioning unit is provided adjacent to the stop unit, the repositioning unit removing articles from a first group of passed articles and then inserting the removed articles into a later group of passed articles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.