Apparatus for stacking, singulating, and dispensing pliable food products and methods therefor

US9468218B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC · US

Inventors

• Mark E. Malenke · Sun Prairie, US
• Gary S. Rusch · Kaukauna, US
• Tod W. Heleniak · Green Bay, US
• Brian Adamski · Edgerton, US
• Larry D. Wierschke · Green Bay, US
• Scott A. Adler · Green Bay, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2014
• Grant date: Oct 18, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 31, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1718
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for handling food products comprises an alignment trough disposed at an incline for holding a stack of the food products at an incline. The alignment trough defines a portion of a passage upon which the food products travel. The stack defines a bottom food product. At least one movable member extends into the passage to control the separation of the bottom food product from the remainder of the stack by moving to provide clearance fro the food product to pass.