Methods and apparatus for packaging unstable products
US6390276B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0244
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus (10) for packaging products (P) includes a mechanism (84) for accumulating, metering, and creating an array of products (P) in a pack pattern. The array of products (P) in a conveying orientation is transferred to a tray (36), and the tray (36) and the entire pack pattern of products (P) supported thereon are rotated to a second arrangement where the products (P) in the conveying orientation in the tray (36) are perpendicular to the conveying direction. The products (P) are pushed from the trays (36) moving in the conveying direction into cartons (C) moving at the same speed as the trays (36). In the preferred form, the trays (36) are rotatably mounted to carriers (12) moving along a path defined by roller chains (22). A cam follower (48) on a crank arm (46) extending from a spindle (44) rotatably mounting the tray (36) to the carrier (12) travels in a cam track (50) to rotate the tray (36) relative to the carrier (12) between the first and second arrangements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.