Abstract: A tray loading apparatus for the efficient loading of cylindrical articles onto trays. The apparatus functions to align cylindrical articles in a staggered manner so as to make the most efficient use of space. As such, a subsequent manufacturing process such as freeze drying is allowed to reach the largest amount of articles per operation, thereby saving time, energy and cost. The apparatus uses a conveyor having a staggering mechanism which includes undulated guides located adjacent the edges of the conveyor. The undulated guides have an edge facing the conveyor surface formed from a plurality of triangular peaks and valleys. At least one of the guides is connected to an oscillating mechanism for assisting the staggering of the articles. A slide plate which moves transversely to the conveyor includes a tray loading section. The tray loading section is adapted to be moved into alignment with the conveyor so as to accumulate the articles therein in the staggered pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing shrinkwrap from a plurality of bottles encased in the same and arranged in the form of a substantially rectangular package. The apparatus includes a base frame that has an upper support surface. Extending upwardly through the support surface is a first cutting assembly. Spaced from the first cutting assembly and also extending upwardly through the support surface is a second cutting assembly. A pusher is connected to the base frame and is adapted to move the package along the support surface over the first cutting assembly in order to effectuate a lengthwise cut in the bottom of the package. A second pusher is also secured to the base frame and is adapted to move the package across the support surface over the second cutting assembly in order to effectuate a widthwise cut in the bottom of the package. The shrinkwrap removing apparatus also includes a debagging station for removing the shrinkwrap from the plurality of bottles.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided suitable for use over linear and curved paths of travel including sharp bends and turn-arounds which includes a conventional link-type chain, a plurality of separable article carrier members in adjacent orientation which are releasably connected to respective pivot joints of the link-type chain to form a train of consecutive article carrier members having a substantially continuous planar upper face, each of the article carrier members being constructed at is opposite ends to cooperate with the immediately adjacent carrier member, and a support associated with the train of consecutive article carrier members to guide the path of travel thereof.

Abstract: A product accumulator for a conveyor system includes a movable through-lane belt having an in-feed end and an out-feed end, at least one first auxiliary belt disposed adjacent the through-lane belt and movable in the same direction, and at least one second auxiliary belt disposed adjacent the through-lane belt and movable in the opposite direction, adjustable stationary guides, one guide disposed adjacent one end of the first auxiliary belt near the out-feed end of the through-lane belt to guide product from the first auxiliary belt onto the through-lane belt, and another guide disposed adjacent one end of the second auxiliary belt near the in-feed end of the through-lane belt, to guide product from the second auxiliary belt onto the through-lane belt, said guides disposed closely above the belts and arranged to move product from belt to belt whenever product is prevented from moving along the out-feed end of the through-lane belt.

Abstract: A cleat member for the conveying surface of a conveyor that moves in one or more planes. The conveyor surface may be formed of a plurality of flat, flight attachments and one or more cleat members positioned between spaced flight attachments, all being secured to drive chain. The cleat members include shoulder means permitting the cleat to push as well as to, in certain circumstances, slip under articles such as cartons carried by the conveyor. The shoulder means may also be formed on flat, belt type conveyor surfaces to provide a similar slip cleat in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A card conveyor is disclosed as including a frame with a horizontal top surface supporting two spaced rows of conveyor rollers adapted to engage opposed edges of a card. An endless belt passes along a line tangent to the periphery of each conveyor roller in a row, the belt being pressed against each conveyor roller at its respective point of tangency therewith by a pressure roller which is biased toward the respective conveyor roller, enabling the belt frictionally to drive the conveyor rollers.

Abstract: Modular conveyor units are described as including a movable, continuous, spiral conveyor surface mounted on a frame. Spiral conveyors are constructed by stacking one or more of the modular units one atop the other depending upon the height of the spiral conveyor to be constructed, the conveyor surface of each modular unit forming a segment of the thus assembled spiral conveyor. The conveyor surfaces of all modular conveyor units are driven in the same direction to pass articles carried thereon from one unit to the next in the direction in which driven.

Abstract: Specially formed yoke links in an endless chain conveyor are provided with replaceable plastic or equivalent anti-friction pads for protection against wear on lateral curving of the operating run and on curved and straight portions of the return run, and have interchangeable top plates of different widths for accommodating a variety of wares to be conveyed.