Apparatus for providing a buffer between article-handling devices
AssigneeMGS Machine Corporation
InventorMel J. Bahr
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to an accumulating device for providing a buffer. The accumulating device includes a frame and a guide structure reciprocally movable in opposite first and second directions with respect to the frame. A continuous chain configured for conveying pieces of product is mounted on the guide structure. The accumulating device also includes a plurality of driven gears constructed and arranged to both rotate the chain about the guide structure and reciprocate the guide structure in the first and second directions relative to the frame. A buffer is generated when the guide structure is moved in the first direction. The buffer is cleared when the guide structure is moved in the second direction.
Claims24
An accumulating device for providing a buffer between two article-handling devices, the accumulating device comprising:
- a frame;
- a guide structure reciprocally moveable in opposite first and second directions with respect to the frame;
- a continuous member mounted on the guide structure for conveying pieces of product between the article-handling devices;
- a plurality of drive members constructed and arranged to both rotate the continuous member about the guide structure and reciprocate the guide structure in the first and second directions relative to the frame, wherein the buffer is generated when the guide structure is moved in the first direction, and the buffer is cleared when the guide structure is moved in the second direction;
- the plurality of drive members including a pair of input drive members;
- the continuous member including a plurality of spaced-apart paddles defining pockets arranged and configured to receive the pieces of product at an infeed position located between the pair of input drive members;
- and
- the input drive members being phased relative to one another such that the continuous member is loosened at the infeed position, wherein the loosened continuous member allows the paddles to spread apart to enlarge the pockets for receiving the pieces of product from the input device.
A product handling apparatus comprising:
- a continuous member;
- a plurality of paddles connected to the continuous member, the paddles defining pockets for receiving pieces of product;
- first and second drive members constructed and arranged to propel the continuous member, the first and second drive members being phased relative to one another such that a loosened portion of the continuous member is formed between the first and second drive members to facilitate fanning apart the paddles;
- and
- an infeed station located between the first and second drive members for feeding the pieces of product between the paddles.
A product handling apparatus comprising:
- a continuous member;
- a plurality of paddles connected to the continuous member, the paddles defining pockets for receiving pieces of product;
- first and second drive members constructed and arranged to propel the continuous member, the first and second drive members being phased relative to one another such that a tightened portion of the continuous member is formed between the first and second drive members;
- and
- an outfeed station located between the first and second drive members for removing the pieces of product that are held between the paddles.
An accumulating device for providing a buffer between two article--handling devices, the accumulating device comprising:
- a frame;
- a guide structure reciprocally moveable in opposite first and second directions with respect to the frame;
- a continuous member mounted on the guide structure, the continuous member including a plurality of paddles for conveying pieces of product between the article--handling devices;
- a plurality of drive members constructed and arranged to both rotate the continuous member about the guide structure and reciprocate the guide structure in the first and second directions relative to the frame, wherein the buffer is generated when the guide structure is moved in the first direction, and the buffer is cleared when the guide structure is moved in the second direction;
- the drive members including a pair of spaced apart output drive members between which an outfeed station for feeding the pieces of product from the paddles to the output device is located;
- and
- the output drive members being phased to tighten the continuous member at the outfeed station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.