Abstract: An electromagnetic connector is disclosed that is configured to form a first magnetic circuit portion comprising multiple coils disposed about a first core member. The electromagnetic connector is configured to mate with a second electromagnetic connector that is configured to form a second magnetic circuit portion comprising a coil disposed about a second core member. When the electromagnetic connector is mated with the second electromagnetic connector, the first core member and the second core member are configured to couple the multiple coils of the electromagnetic connector to the coil of the second electromagnetic connector with a magnetic circuit formed from the first magnetic circuit portion and the second magnetic circuit portion. The magnetic circuit is configured to induce a signal in a first coil of the multiple coils and the coil of the second electromagnetic connector when a second coil of the multiple coils is energized.

Abstract: A product packaging system includes a tipping system that tips a product stack after the product stack is formed. The tipping system may have a turn plate that is selectively pivotable about a horizontal axis to tip a product stack onto a discharge platform located upstream from the product stack.

Abstract: An infeed system for feeding a product downstream to a packaging machine for packaging a product with a packaging material includes a first conveyor section, a second conveyor section, and a third conveyor section. Each one of the conveyor sections includes a top belt and a bottom belt that engage respective surfaces of the product. The speeds of each belt may be adjusted to control the processing rate of the product and prevent any gaps between successive products. The top belt of the first conveyor system may also be inclined relative to the bottom belt to compress the product.

Abstract: A system for stacking and packaging a plurality of discrete products of different sizes is provided. The system includes a stacking system having a movable lift plate, a slide plate assembly, an adjustable stop plate, and adjustable sidewalls. Layers of articles are introduced into a stack area, and movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly are coordinated to stack products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows adjustment of the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls relative to a frame such that the stacking system can be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. In another aspect, the stacking system cooperates with a tipping system that rolls or tips stacked product to facilitate further processing or use of the product package.

Abstract: A product packaging system includes a tipping system that tips a product stack after the product stack is formed. The tipping system may have a turn plate that is selectively pivotable about a horizontal axis to tip a product stack onto a discharge platform located upstream from the product stack.

Abstract: A system for stacking and packaging a plurality of discrete products of different sizes is provided. The system includes a stacking system having a movable lift plate, a slide plate assembly, an adjustable stop plate, and adjustable sidewalls. Layers of articles are introduced into a stack area, and movement of the lift plate and the slide plate assembly are coordinated to stack products in layers on the lift plate. The stacking system includes an adjustment assembly that allows adjustment of the position of the stop plate and/or the sidewalls relative to a frame such that the stacking system can be quickly and efficiently configured for use with layers of articles that have different depths and/or widths. In another aspect, the stacking system cooperates with a tipping system that rolls or tips stacked product to facilitate further processing or use of the product package.