Inventors:
Steven C. Radant - Wausau WI
Robert M. Mosher - Fort Myers FL
Assignee:
Stainless Specialist Inc. - Wausau WI
Ore-Ida Foods, Inc. - Fort Myers FL
International Classification:
B65G 4730
Abstract:
The present conveyor system includes a single loading or supply conveyor, plural feed conveyors, an alignment conveyor, a tray conveyor, and a return conveyor loop. The downwardly angled supply conveyor delivers randomly distributed articles to the feed conveyors, which carry the articles to the alignment conveyor. The feed conveyors are angled diagonally to the alignment conveyor and pass beneath the alignment conveyor, so that articles which do not enter the compartments at the first portion of the alignment conveyor are carried along with the movement of the diagonal feed conveyors along the path of the alignment conveyor and thereagainst, to enter the alignment conveyor at a later point. The articles aligned in the alignment conveyor compartments are then placed in registry with regularly positioned compartments in product trays carried on a tray conveyor, which passes beneath the alignment conveyor. Articles which are not accepted by the alignment conveyor are carried to the first end of a return conveyor loop, which passes beneath the supply conveyor and carries the articles back to the first end of the feed conveyors adjacent the supply conveyor, for another pass at the aligning conveyor.