Abstract: A linear translation table for use in conjunction with a sheet feeding machine and a conveyor for laterally translating the sheet feeding machine over rows of product receiving portions of boxes or blisters in sheets of bubble packaging such that the sheet feeding machine can deliver product in an array of rows and columns of product receiving portions as the linear translation table is pitched. The rows of product receiving portions are indexed and linear translation table reverses direction to fill the next row. A controller on the linear translation table is programmed for the distance between columns and stops long enough for the sheet feeder to dispense a product into the product receiving portion. In this manner boxes with rows and columns of segments to be filled with product or formed pocket sheets can be filled with a sheet feeding machine which normally only delivers product linearly.

Abstract: A drop table is used for accumulating a desired number of sheets of items in a bundle and then dropping the bundle onto a conveyor belt. The drop table has a plurality of rods acting as a floor in a collection box. When the drop table receives a signal from a sheet feeder that the number of items desired is in the bundle the rods are withdrawn from beneath the collection box and the bundle drops to a conveyor belt. The rods are then moved back into position for receiving more sheets to form another bundle and the drop table signals the sheet feeding machine to send more sheets to the collection box. The collection box may have a vibrating jogger to align the sheets into a squared bundle on one axis and a tamping foot to align the sheets into a squared bundle on a second axis. The drop table can accumulate sheets in a squared bundle quickly without jamming and release the bundle onto a conveyor below the collection box.

Abstract: A catch tray attachment for a sheet feeding machine allows rapid accumulation and manual removal of a predetermined count of sheet articles from the catch tray. The catch tray itself is adapted for mounting to the frame of the sheet feeding machine so as to position it in the discharge path of sheet articles exiting the sheet feeder. Upon removal of an accumulation of sheet articles from the catch tray, a signal is sent back to the sheet feeder to initiate further machine cycles whereby a predetermined count of sheet articles are again deposited in the catch tray.

Abstract: An automatic product loader adapted for loading flat sheet products into a hopper of a friction sheet feeder, upon demand, and includes a frame that adjustably supports a horizontal bed that can readily be elevated and lowered as well as be longitudinally shifted in a forward and rearward direction. The bed supports the upper flight of at least one endless belt. Also supported on the bed on either side of the endless belt run are vertically extending side guide plates. The forward edges of the side guide plates are slotted so as to receive the rear edges of the side guides defining the hopper of the friction sheet feeder so that there will be no edge or shoulder at the transition on which a sheet product might catch and become skewed. Photoeyes are used to control the automatic product loaders drive motor based upon the level of sheet products in the friction feeder's hopper.

Abstract: An electromechanical friction feed device for controlling the single feed of sheet-like articles from a stack of such articles has a feed belt and stripper wheel that are used to draw a single article from the bottom of the stack to the discharge section of the feeder. The stripper wheels slowly rotate in a direction opposite to the feed movement to hold the penultimate sheet and those above it in a stack while the lowermost product is translated by the feed belt through the machine. The reverse rotation of the stripper wheel is accomplished using a dual ratchet mechanism along with unidirectional needle bearing assemblies that provide a smooth, continuous rotation of the stripper wheels. The two ratchet mechanisms are driven 180.degree. out of phase with respect to one another to achieve the smooth continuous stripper wheel rotation.