Method and apparatus for packaging tubular articles
AssigneeImasco Limited
InventorRoger Lafleur
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for counting, collating and packaging a predetermined number of tubular articles. Known devices for handling and delivering a batch of such articles, for example cigarette tubes with filter tip, are not capable of automatically delivering and packing a predetermined number of articles. The present apparatus automatically delivers a predetermined number of articles in a packed box by the coordinated action of a counting device, separator gate and first picking plate movable horizontally towards a second picking plate so that the predetermined number of tubular articles are scooped and eventually retained between the two picking plates before removal into a waiting box.
Claims9
A method of packing a predetermined number of articles which comprises,
- ascertaining the number of said articles which pass a counting means;
- arranging said articles in a row on conveyor means;
- said counting means being capable of actuating separator means to locate and cease downstream movement of a said article and thereby create a space between a predetermined number of said articles which have passed said separator means and following articles on said conveyor means;
- actuating a first picking plate into a dropped position onto or adjacent said conveyor means and into said space on said conveyor means;
- moving said first picking plate in a downstream direction to scoop said predetermined number of articles, and simultaneously moving said separator means out of location with said article;
- stopping said first picking plate at a position adjacent a second picking plate, the first and second picking plates cooperating to retain said predetermined number of articles therebetween;
- removing said predetermined number of articles from the picking plates and into a box;
- and
- returning said picking plates to initial positions from repeating the packaging operation.
Apparatus for packaging a predetermined number of articles which comprises
- conveyor means for receiving and conveying a row of said articles;
- counting means adjacent said conveyor means for ascertaining the predetermined number of articles which pass said counting means which then signals separator means disposed adjacent said conveyor means when a predetermined number of articles on the conveyor means has been counted, the signalled separator means then moving to locate, cease stream movement and thereby effect a space between a said article and said predetermined number of articles which have passed said separator means;
- a first picking plate disposed adjacent said conveyor means and movable into said space and also movable horizontally in a downstream direction to a position adjacent a second picking plate, whereby the predetermined number of articles are scooped by the first picking plate, collated and retained between the adjacent first and second picking plates;
- and
- removal means associated with the adjacent first and second picking plates for packing the predetermined number of articles into a box.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.