Abstract: An object discharge mechanism for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along the object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.

Abstract: An assortment of objects is dispensed from a plurality of object holders onto a conveyor for loading into a container at an end of the conveyor. The objects are dispensed onto discrete sections of the conveyor with like objects occupying like sections. Since like objects are grouped together on the conveyor, damage due to any impact between objects is reduced because, when objects impact objects of the same class, less damage occurs than when disparate objects impact each other. Discrete sections with heavier objects are located upstream of discrete sections with lighter objects. When the lighter and heavier objects are discharged from the conveyor into the container, the lighter objects are loaded on top of the heavier objects, thereby reducing any damage which occurs through impact. Gaps on the conveyor between different groups of objects reduces the likelihood of impacts on the conveyor.