Package measuring system and accumulator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of accumulating a plurality of packages, comprising the steps of:
- a) measuring the length of each of said plurality of packages;
b) urging each of said packages onto an accumulator conveyor having a known length from an end stop, the distance of said urging relating in direct proportion to the length of said package being urged to said accumulator; and
c) urging said plurality of packages into an abutting relationship against said end stop after they are on said accumulating conveyor.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus is provided which provides measuring and accumulation of packages for downstream sorting or stacking. The apparatus provides variable force feeding of packages to reduce chaos accumulation. Reversing of conveyors allows for reduced line compression of packages for ease of removal. An ultrasonic measuring arch is also provided.
59 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A method of accumulating a plurality of packages, comprising the steps of:
-
a) measuring the length of each of said plurality of packages; b) urging each of said packages onto an accumulator conveyor having a known length from an end stop, the distance of said urging relating in direct proportion to the length of said package being urged to said accumulator; and c) urging said plurality of packages into an abutting relationship against said end stop after they are on said accumulating conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. An apparatus for accumulating a plurality of packages, said apparatus comprising:
-
a) means for measuring the length of each of said plurality of packages; b) an accumulator conveyor having one closed end and one open end; c) means for urging each of said packages onto the open end of said accumulator conveyor a distance directly proportional to the length of the particular package being urged onto the accumulator conveyor; and d) means for urging said plurality of packages into an abutting relationship after they are on said accumulator conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
-
-
9. A method of accumulating a plurality of packages, comprising the steps of:
-
a) measuring the length of a first package; b) urging said first package onto an accumulator conveyor having an end stop and also having a known length relative to said stop for accumulating packages; c) urging subsequent packages on said accumulator conveyor until the summed length of packages on said accumulator conveyor is sufficient to prevent the introduction of a final package; and d) urging packages already on said accumulator conveyor onto line contact by pushing said final package with the aid of a force external to said accumulator conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (10)
-
Specification