Abstract: Apparatus and method for arranging cartons or cases of beverages in predetermined patterns in a conveying process for stacking in tiers on pallets. A combination of an input guide conveyor moveable between left, right, and centered positions and at least one moveably adjustable diverter bar is utilized to direct incoming containers along a predetermined path through a pattern-forming zone comprised of a plurality of parallel, power-driven conveyors. Containers are directed one at a time either along a dividing line path between two, adjacent, pattern-forming conveyors in overlapping relation thereto, or directly onto one of those conveyors. A differential speed-control mechanism is provided in conjunction with one or more of the parallel, pattern-forming conveyors and is selectively actuated to change the speed of one conveyor of a pair of conveyors on which a container is being carried in overlapping relation to both conveyors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for arranging cartons or cases of beverages in predetermined patterns in a conveying process for stacking in tiers on pallets. A combination of an input guide conveyor moveable between left, right, and centered positions and at least one moveably adjustable diverter bar is utilized to direct incoming containers along a predetermined path through a pattern-forming zone comprised of a plurality of parallel, power-driven conveyors. Containers are directed one at a time either along a dividing line path between two, adjacent, pattern-forming conveyors in overlapping relation thereto, or directly onto one of those conveyors. A differential speed-control mechanism is provided in conjunction with one or more of the parallel, pattern-forming conveyors and is selectively actuated to change the speed of one conveyor of a pair of conveyors on which a container is being carried in overlapping relation to both conveyors.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the loading of pallets with tiers of cartons. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes three star wheels, one to divide a feed line or single file of cartons into two rows and a pair of star wheels rotatable about axes normal to the path of the cartons in the two rows for varying the position of cartons on conveyors forming the tiers. The tiers, after being formed, are stacked on a pallet. The pallets are supported on an elevator to be lowered from the tier-forming station. New pallets are introduced at the tier-forming station while a loaded pallet is being discharged from the palletizing machine. The machine which forms the tiers is in an elevated position and each tier is formed in the tier-forming station by cartons fed from each side of the tier.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor for pallets which maintains the pallets in a predetermined spaced relation along the conveyor. A pallet on the discharge end of the conveyor will cause the subsequent pallets to stop along the conveyor at predetermined intervals. This separation is maintained for the pallets. The drive of the conveying mechanism comprises a single chain and individual spaced wear strips which are each raised to drive the pallet and are controlled by spaced controls engageable with the pallets such that the pallets control the operation of the conveyor drive.

Abstract: Lift mechanism adapted to receive a pallet containing a plurality of tiers of containers thereon and move said pallet vertically approximately the height of a tier of containers to be depalletized whereby a sweep arm engages the tier of containers between parallel, spaced apart guide rails and a removable restraining arm engages the tier of containers on the opposite side to substantially encircle the tier and urge it on to a conveyor belt. As the tier of containers is urged on to the conveyor belt the restraining arm is removed just prior to the mingling of the tier of containers with containers already present on the conveyor belt.