Abstract: Randomly spaced articles in serial order are separated into predetermined linear configurations or rows of a predetermined number of articles and thereafter simultaneously transferred into compartments in rows in a container. In reverse operation, articles from the compartments in the container are transferred into single file order. The apparatus used in these operations includes a conveyor upon which the predetermined linear configuration of articles is established, and a conveyor which moves the container and its rows of compartments into alignment to receive the articles, and an elevator assembly for transferring the articles in the predetermined configuration between the first conveyor and the rows of the container. Separably operable conveyor segments and separator plates establish the predetermined linear configuration on the conveyor, and the conveyor moves to avoid interference with the movement path of the articles transferred by the elevator assembly.

Abstract: An electro-optical device mounted over a conveyed stream of articles for sensing the passage of each article by projecting a single spot of light onto the articles and measuring the reflectance of that spot from two different angles. The measured reflectance values are fed to an electronic comparator which produces an output signal when one reflectance value exceeds the other by a predetermined amount.