Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers. A diverter may be used to direct incoming product bags between parallel conveyors.

Abstract: A device for transporting away work pieces (5) processed in a press (1) from an output station (4) that is disposed downstream from the press (1) in a work piece flow direction onto a conveyor device (6) that conveys the work pieces (5) away, incorporates a removal device (2) that removes the work pieces (5) from the press (1) and moves them into the output station (4), which has a transfer device (7) disposed downstream from it for the alternating transfer of the work pieces (5) from the output station (4) into one of two discharge stations (10, 11) that are disposed to both sides of the output station (4). Each discharge station (10, 11) has an assigned relocation device (8, 9) to relocate the work pieces (5) from the given discharge station (10, 11) onto the conveyor device (6). The conveyor device (6) is formed by two conveyors (12, 13) that are assigned to one of the two relocation devices (8, 9) in each case.

Abstract: A method and an assembly is disclosed for sorting rolls of paper and paperboard web for shipment into a desired sequence based on customer orders, in which method and assembly a roll to be sortedis imported to an infeed conveyor (2), and from at least two first conveyors (3, 4, 5) is selected a suitable conveyor onto which the roll is transferred. Subsequently, the roll is transferred onto the selected conveyor so that its leading end remains at the receiving end of said selected conveyor, and the rolls are transferred onto the first conveyors (3, 4, 5) in a similar fashion so that the rolls thus placed onto the conveyors remain in a close disposition to each other so as to form a group of end-to-end abutting rolls until at least one of the first conveyors contains a roll group forming a unit load for an upender lift.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diverting articles from a single lane to one of a plurality of lanes wherein the articles in the single lane are moving on a conveyor along a travel path, the apparatus comprising a pair of spaced apart flexible rails suspended above the conveyor where the flexible rails define a guide channel therebetween. The guide channel can have an upstream portion configured to receive the articles in the single lane and a downstream portion configured to distribute the articles to one of the lanes. The flexible rails are movable in a direction substantially parallel to the travel path. The downstream portion of the guide channel is configured to be selectively movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the travel path in order to selectively distribute the articles to one of the lanes.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transitioning articles between an external intermittent conveyor and an external continuous conveyor system includes an upper conveyor and lower conveyor. Each conveyor includes an infeed arm movable toward and away from the intermittent conveyor. Each infeed arm defines an infeed end that is movable along a common arc and rotatable about a common pivot point. With the infeed ends traveling along a common arc, each infeed end is easily moved to the same optimal receiving position for receiving articles from the intermittent conveyor. Each conveyor may switch between a continuous mode, wherein articles are continuously discharged onto the continuous conveyor, and an intermittent mode, wherein articles are intermittently received from the intermittent conveyor.

Abstract: Device for gripping containers in single file and for feeding them to a plurality of pathways parallel to each other and to a feeding direction, which comprises a frame supporting belts for gripping and force-feeding the containers inside the device, the frame being connected to a slide for moving it in a direction transverse to the feeding direction, there also being provided a pin for rotationally connecting the device to a deviating arm for guiding the containers, arranged upstream of the feeding device.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting at least one linear entry stream of a product into exit streams of the product which are laterally offset in relation to the entry stream. The conveyor system is provided with two successive conveyor units whose adjacent downstream or upstream ends can be displaced in opposite directions in relation to each other transversely to the direction of transport.

Abstract: Supply lines, formed by two V-shaped belts (1)-(1′) that go in the same direction at different speeds; Photoelectric cells (2) on the first transversal alignment of cells and others (3) on the fruit outlet of the feeder; Pneumatic cylinders that separate or group the outlet ends of the supply lines, turning on their inlet ends: Detection means (6) of the arrangement of the cells to suitably position the supply lines; Means (7) to check loading on the inlet ends of the feed lines, that operate as a transporter (8) to regulate and give continuity to the general supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing articles moving in succession along a path includes a conveyor device, a splitter device and a weighing device. The conveyor device is arranged to convey a succession of individual articles from and along a single upstream path to and along a first split downstream path and a second split downstream path. The splitter device splits the succession of articles onto the first and second split downstream paths. Also, the splitter device directs alternate ones of the succession articles being conveyed on the single upstream path onto the respective first and second split downstream paths. The weighing device weighs each article while the articles are conveyed along the first and second split downstream paths.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for distributing a food product, such as potato chips, which provides a laminar flow of product to the weighers. The laminar flow of product is provided using a gate which regulates the amount of product dropped through the distribution conveyor to an amount that is equivalent to the flow rate created by the set of weighers/bagmakers associated with that gate. This results in some of the product being deposited through the gate while the remainder of the product bypasses the gate for deposit in a subsequent gate.

Abstract: A direction indicator placed on one site of a sorting block indicates, for a given good, the direction towards a nominated slot through which the good is to be placed in the block. This arrangement makes it possible for the hauler to immediately put a good into a nominated slot without looking around at sorting blocks at large, which will lead to the improvement of work efficiency. Moreover, because this will moderate the burden imposed on the hauler, the number of wrongly hauled goods would be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A sorting device for laminae, especially for inlaid floor laminae of wood, is proposed which has a delivery point in a horizontally extending transport track and a delivery track proceeding from the delivery point. The laminae to be sorted out are lifted up from the transport track and transferred to the delivery track arranged above the transport track by a controllable deflection apparatus which transmits an upwardly directed impulse to the laminae to be sorted out. To support a defined transfer of the sorted laminae to the delivery track, a guide element arranged above the delivery point can be present which is preferably constructed as a suction band conveyor with acceleration effect for the laminae.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system is provided for use with products of various sizes, shapes, and stability characteristics. The system comprises multiple moving conveyors, including a first conveyor which transports product from an upstream location. This same conveyor or another conveyor delivers product to a downstream location. An accumulator conveyor, traveling at a substantially similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor or conveyors, is aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a predetermined location for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at this predetermined location. A product guide is provided which allows for the movement of product from the upstream to downstream locations during normal operation and directs product to the accumulator section of the second conveyor when there is a disruption or malfunction downstream.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a plurality of bags, in particular stand up bags filled with a beverage, into an outer container, including a bag conveyor and a feed conveyor for the container, the bags being insertable into the container under the action of gravity at an insertion point positioned above the feed conveyor. For further improving such an apparatus and for increasing the conveying speed, the bag conveyor can comprise a star conveyor which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and which is provided with receiving compartments that can be loaded and unloaded on the circumference and which receive only a single bag in the conveying direction, and which has the same conveying direction as the feed conveyor above the feed conveyor at the insertion point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system for transporting at least one linear entry stream of a product into exit streams of said product which are laterally offset in relation to the entry stream. The conveyor system is provided with two successive conveyor units (5, 6) whose adjacent downstream (7, 8) or upstream ends can be displaced in opposite directions in relation to each other, transversally to the direction of transport.

Abstract: A system and method for case-packing articles utilizing an infeed conveyor and spaced apart outfeed conveyors positioned at opposite sides of the infeed conveyor and a robotic operating arm arranged for transverse operation with respect to the longitudinal movement of each of the conveyors.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding elongated tobacco articles, whereby, on a wrapping machine, a mass of articles, oriented a given way, is fed along an annular path in a hopper connected to at least one channel for feeding the articles and in which the articles are fed in an orderly column.

Abstract: A sheet delivery device with a first gripper module for carrying a first sheet, a second gripper module for carrying a second sheet, a track for guiding the first and second gripper modules, and a stationary, purely mechanical diverter located at a divergence. The track including a first section, a second section and a third section, the first section diverging at the divergence into the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter, preferably of the parallel displacement type, includes a conveying surface, a plurality of pusher shoes capable of travelling laterally of the conveying surface, a plurality of diverting rails extending diagonally under the conveying surface and a plurality of electromagnetic actuators associated with the diverting rails. The pusher shoes include a transfer assembly below the conveying surface including a pilot member made of a magnetically permeable material. A pusher shoe is diverted to one of the diverting rails by the actuator associated with the diverting rail magnetically attracting the pilot member associated with that pusher shoe to magnetically initiate a divert. The transfer member associated with the pusher shoe mechanically completes the divert that is initiated magnetically. This allows actuators to be positioned at a pitch that is no greater than the shoe pitch.

Abstract: A conveying system for the conveying of a product stream of products arranged in an overlapping formation has an incoming pressing belt pair (18, 20) and at least two departing pressing belt pairs (88, 90, 88′, 90). A switching mechanism 10 is provided between the incoming pressing belt pair (A) and the outgoing pressing belt pair (C).

Abstract: A transport apparatus for handling rows of units of multi-ply material such as rolls of bathroom tissue or paper toweling and stacks of folding facial tissue or toweling includes a pair of movable shuttles which can be moved together to provide a bridge for conveying the units over an opening and which can be moved apart to provide a gap so that trim pieces or selected units can fall through the opening. When the shuttles are moved to an upstream position, the shuttles bridge the opening, and units can be moved over the shuttles and over the opening. When a trim piece or selected unit is positioned just upstream of the downstream shuttle, the downstream shuttle is moved in a downstream direction away from the upstream shuttle to provide a gap between the shuttles so that the trim piece or selected unit falls through the gap and the opening. The upstream shuttle can then be moved in a downstream direction toward the downstream shuttle to close the gap.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a print board assembly, which is implemented in a system having a computer for storing parts insertion instruction diagrams and displaying parts insertion instructions, and a soldering unit for soldering a printed circuit board, includes: assembling different types of the printed circuit boards from pieces of parts and inspecting them in a multitude of cells; installing different types of the printed circuit boards in carriers to assemble them separately according to the parts insertion instructions displayed by the computer of each cell, and moving them to the soldering unit through a transfer conveyor line; and returning the carriers having the printed circuit boards completely soldered to each cell identified for the carriers through a return conveyor line.

Abstract: A displaceable conveyor is used to convey selected printed products to different destination points. A reversing device is positioned intermediate the different destination points and a rigid guide track. A partial guide path connects the reversing device with the rigid guide track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shunt (3) for a conveyor arrangement for selectively diverting conveyed articles from one conveyor (1) to at least one other conveyor (5), and comprising rollers (7) mounted to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, at least some of the rollers being driven, the rollers (7) being mounted in a frame (23) so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis and being coupled with a pivoting drive (30, 32). To prevent foreign matter from entering into the shunt (3) from above, the rollers (7) project through cavities (40) of cover disks (38) which are centrically arranged relative to the vertical pivot axis of the rollers (7) as well as to be pivotable together therewith, and a cover plate (34) extending over the remaining region of the shunt (3) is provided which has cavities (37) matching the cover disks (38).

Abstract: A conveyor system is set forth. The conveyor system includes first and second strip conveyors. The first and second strip conveyors comprise a common input end that is common to both of the first and second strip conveyors. A lateral drive is disposed to drive the common input end in a lateral direction. A first output portion terminates the output of the first strip conveyor and a second output portion terminates the output of the second strip conveyor. A lateral adjustment assembly is used for laterally adjusting the first and second output portions independent of one another. The first and second strip conveyors are particularly useful in a conveyor system for accepting one or more streams of product input and converting the one or more streams to a format that is suitable for automatic loading to a subsequent machine.

Abstract: A sheet delivery device with a first gripper module for carrying a first sheet a second gripper module for carrying a second sheet, a track for guiding the first and second gripper modules, and a stationary, purely mechanical diverter located at a divergence. The track including a first section, a second section and a third section the first section diverging at the divergence into the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A loading station of a high-speed, high volume conveying/sorting mechanism feeds coded articles selectively onto upper and lower platforms of a mobile transport device. The loading station includes a pivotable introduction conveyor which feeds articles selectively to a pivotable upper loading conveyor or a non-pivotable lower loading conveyor. When an article is to be fed to the upper platform, the discharge end of the introduction conveyor is swung upwardly, and the inlet end of the upper loading conveyor is swung downwardly so that those conveyors are aligned in an upwardly inclined direction toward the upper platform.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for orienting truss plates, and in particular truss plates, such as those greater than 6 inches in width, that are typically formed from a single sheet of steel, comprises: a generally horizontally-disposed platform shelf; first and second receiving channels; a sweeper block; and a reciprocal movement unit for reciprocally moving the sweeper block. The platform shelf, which is positioned to receive truss plates from a truss plate forming unit, has an upper face and a pair of opposed lateral edges. The receiving channels are positioned laterally of a respective one of the platform shelf lateral edges and below its upper face. Each of the receiving channels is sized and configured such that a truss plate falling from the upper face and received therein takes and maintains an orientation in which the backing member of the truss plate is generally upright. The sweeper block is positioned above the upper face.

Abstract: A conveyor system for accepting one or more streams of product input and converting the one or more streams to a format that is suitable for automatic loading to a subsequent machine is disclosed. The conveyor system comprises an input level shifting conveyor disposed to receive the one or more product input streams. The level shifting conveyor is movable between a first upper level position and second lower level position. An upper level strip conveyor is disposed to receive product from the input level shifting conveyor when the input level shifting conveyor is moved to the first upper level position. The upper level strip conveyor includes an output end that is in a fixed position to direct product received by the upper level strip conveyor to a first lateral alignment position of the format. A lower level strip conveyor is disposed to receive product from the level shifting conveyor when the level shifting conveyor is moved to the second lower level position.

Abstract: First and second conveyors transport discrete rows of cigarette packets to one or more elevators which lift successive packets of the two rows into an assembling plane wherein the packets are caused to form a succession of arrays each containing a first group of packets from one of the conveyors and a second group of packets from the other conveyor. The first groups of successive arrays are lifted to a first additional plane above, and the second groups of successive arrays are lowered into a second additional plane below the assembling plane. The thus lifted and lowered first and second groups of successive arrays are shifted in their respective additional planes onto a third conveyor between the first and second conveyors so that the first groups overlap but are spaced apart from the respective second groups, and the third conveyor transports the first and second groups of successive arrays in such a way that the first groups descend onto the respective second groups.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a product stream includes a conveying belt entering a folder to grip products. The conveying belt comprises first and second product grippers arranged thereon in an endless configuration. The first grippers are selectively rotatable around an axis during movement of the conveying belt to allow for a secondary stream of products to be formed.

Abstract: The tube carrier apparatus is composed of carrier rails, at least a pair of rollers provided so as to pinch a flexible tube therebetween, and a driving section for rotating the rollers. The carrier falls are formed with a groove as a passage for the tube through which the tube is to be carried in the longitudinal direction thereof. When the motor is driven, both the rollers are rotated in two different rotative directions, so that the tube is pinched between the rotating rollers and the tube is then carried in accordance with the rotation of the rollers. The tube carrier apparatus is simple in structure and small in size.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for grouping objects in which objects on an ingoing conveyor are released in preselected numbers by a brake. The preselected number of objects pass one or two pushers which are arranged such that they execute a movement that is both transverse relative to the direction of an outgoing conveyor and synchronous with the outgoing conveyor. Where two pushers are used, they move in sequence so that a first pusher groups objects first, followed by the second pusher, and then both pushers remain in their position of rest, and the objects are grouped in three different rows on the outgoing conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for supporting, conveying and diverting a lane of successive articles to supply four lanes so that the articles can be intermittently bunched in successive rows of four articles. The apparatus comprises a horizontal array of rollers arranged in transverse rows longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The rollers are rotatably driven about horizontal axes for providing upper rolling surfaces upon which the articles can be supported and conveyed. The rollers are operably pivotable about vertical axes for steering the articles across the array of rollers along the prescribed sharp-angled zig-zag paths.

Abstract: A conveyor system for multiplying one or more input streams of product into two or more output streams of product is constituted by an input conveyor (4) for conveying the one or more input streams of product, a transfer conveyor (5) which is movable bodily in a direction transverse to its conveying direction and which is arranged to receive products from the input conveyor (4), and a multi-lane output conveyor (6) which carries multiple side-by-side streams of product and is arranged to receive products from the transfer conveyor (5). The conveyor system also includes apparatus to control the forward movement of the products in the one or more input streams of product, and the forward movement of the products in each stream on the output conveyor (6) to enable the products to be aligned with one another across the output conveyor. Preferably the control apparatus collects successive products into groups so that the products are transferred from the input conveyor (4) to the transfer conveyor (5) in groups.

Abstract: A loading apparatus adapted to be driven into a container and to receive articles such as sacks or the like one by one and to spread the sacks in horizontal cross roads by a spreading system so as to spread out the sacks in horizontal rows filling out a width of the container. The rows are consecutively transferred to a platform of a lift structure which is operable to bring single rows of sacks to be loaded upon each other up to a ceiling of the container, whereafter, the loading apparatus is retracted a distance corresponding to a length of the sacks, such that a new vertical layer of sack rows can be thereafter piled up. The container is thereby filled as effectively as possible in both the longitudinal, transverse, and height direction without any manual contribution by handling of normally heavy sacks or similar articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the direction of travel of a flat article being conveyed in a first direction to one of two other directions without changing the orientation of the article. The apparatus comprises a circular deck mounted on a frame. The deck is pivotable along a center axis of the deck between a left position and a right position. There is structure operatively coupled to the deck for conveying the article over the deck, the deck conveying structure having a first end and a second end, wherein, when the deck is in the left position, the deck conveying structure receives the article being conveyed in the first direction at the first end and conveys the article in a second direction of forty-five degrees (45.degree.) to the left of the first direction, and wherein, when the deck is in the right position, the deck conveying structure receives the article being conveyed in the first direction at the second end and conveys the article in a third direction of forty-five degrees (45.degree.

Abstract: In a conveyor system including a main conveyor line and a plurality of branch lines, when there is a stoppage in one of the branch lines, the operating speeds of the branch lines which are still active are increased so as to ensure that the entire flow of articles is disposed of. Each branch line which is still active changes to the faster operating speed only after it has been found that articles have actually accumulated on that branch line.

Abstract: A conveyor system having transverse positions for use in conjunction with diverting or sorting and detecting operations. The conveyor system employs elastic strand members which are driven by a drive roller connected to a supporting frame in a transversely fixed manner while the strands are moved transversely by a guide roller positioned at an opposite end of the supporting frame. The conveyor system is especially adaptable to dynamic weighing and counting systems. The conveyor system affords a rapid adjustment for different transverse positions employing a positioning mechanism which is activated by two fluid and preferably pneumatically driven cylinders with activating rods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided, for separating articles from product boards and transporting the product articles to another processing station or packaging area. Because of the sticky nature of confections which may be handled the product must be scraped from a product board. Articles are separated from product boards on which they rest upon encountering a blade member which acts to wedge the product from a board surface. The boards are ejected from the machine for reuse, while product or confections are moved downstream along a belt take-up transport conveyor for deposit onto product delivery conveyor, whereby product orientation may be accomplished.

Abstract: An article diverter is oriented between two belt conveyors and has several pivoted carriages, each mounting two flat powererd diverter belts. A drive belt powers the diverter belts of each carriage from a common drive roller slaved to a power take off from the upstream conveyor, which also drives the next downstream conveyor. The diverter carriages are pivoted by a draw bar, which is selectively reciprocated by a rotary actuator, to divert articles from an initial conveyed direction to or toward another diverging direction at a divert or sort location, diverging conveyor, spur line, orient station or the like. The upstream and downstream conveyors on either side of the diverter can be of different conveyor types, and driven at different speeds. The carriages are vertically and angularly adjustable in incline for tuning the diverter to a wide range of articles and conveying speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing slide fastener sliders preparatory to application thereof onto a stringer chain, the apparatus comprising a plurality of slider stockers removably mounted on a stocker holder and a slider supply including a chute, the slider stockers being movable successively into operative position registering with the chute to receive therefrom a supply of sliders.

Abstract: Article Distribution apparatus is disclosed having a main frame straddling a conveyor feeding a single row of articles to the inlet of a pair of timing screws. The timing screws are mounted for horizontal and vertical adjustment above the conveyor and are carried by a frame mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis at the infeed side of the apparatus. A linear drive mechanism controlled by a programmable controller controls movement of the moveable frame to direct articles in predetermined quantities and spacing to a predetermined number of discharge paths.

Abstract: A flowsplitting conveyor device for controlling a load imposed on a conveyor utilizes a load allocating device which is capable of dividing a incoming load between two receiving conveyors for the purpose of balancing the load between the two receiving conveyors or it can be used to allocate the entire load to either one of the receiving conveyors.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for converting a single-row stream of containers, which is supplied via a feed mechanism, into a multi-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn. A conversion region is used that is formed from an intermediate transport mechanism that is disposed between the feed mechanism and a withdrawal mechanism, and comprises a number of conveyor belts that have a common direction of transport. In the conversion region, the transport speed of the containers is reduced in stages while the width of the stream of containers increases. To effect conversion of the single-row stream of containers that is supplied from itself into the multi-row stream of containers without the influence of external jamming forces upon the containers, the containers are moved through the conversion region in the direction of transport of the conveyer belts, and the transport speed of the containers is reduced by stages in this direction of transport.

Abstract: The take-out mechanism comprises first and second container gripping structures (50a, 50b) and independently operable moving structures (58a, 70a, 72a; 58b, 70b, 72b) therefor. Each moving structure comprises a first horizontally-disposed linear motor (70a; 70b) operable to move the gripping structures horizontally along the center-line of the machine, a second horizontally-disposed linear motor (72a; 72b) disposed perpendicularly relative to the first horizontally-disposed linear motor and operable to move the gripping structures horizontally perpendicular to said center-line, and a vertically-disposed linear motor (58a; 58b) operable to lower the gripping structures from the level at which they are moulded in the machine to a level at which they can be released on to a conveyor (30).

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a continuous stream of filled beverage bottles moving in a single row in one linear direction into a plurality of spaced apart rows of filled beverage bottles moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to such one linear direction using at least first, second and third continuously moving conveyors moving in spaced apart parallel linear directions and a continuously moving collection conveyor moving in a linear direction substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the middle filled beverage bottle of three successive filled beverage bottles is moved at spaced apart intervals over the second or third continuously moving conveyors and onto the continuously moving collection conveyor to form spaced streams of filled beverage bottles thereon and wherein the filled beverage bottles remaining on the third continuously moving conveyor are transferred to the continuously moving collection conveyor to form another stream of filled beverage bottles thereon.

Abstract: A wood processor is disclosed for cutting a log into a series of shorter lengths and subsequently splitting the shorter lengths into individual pieces of firewood or the like. The processor includes a carriage for receiving the log. Clamps engage the log from both sides to secure it in the carriage which advances the log into contact with a plurality of parallel rotating saws. After the carriage is retracted a pusher rod moves the cut log pieces along an axis onto a plurality of cradle members, one cradle supporting each log section. The cradle members are tilted to dump the log sections alternately onto opposite sides of the axis of log movement. The logs dumped from the cradles are fed to a plurality of individual hydraulically operated log splitters.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprises a plurality of side-by-side arranged first conveyors lying in a first plane. Each first conveyor has a pivotal first conveyor belt portion adapted to assume a first pivotal position in which articles continue to be advanced on the first conveyor and a second pivotal position in which articles are deviated from the first conveyor. The conveyor apparatus has a second conveyor which lies in a second plane spaced vertically from the first plane and which traverses each first conveyor at a location of crossing downstream of the downstream end of the first conveyor belt portions. The second conveyor includes a plurality of pivotal second conveyor belt portions adapted to assume a first pivotal position in which the upstream end of the respective second conveyor belt portion is in alignment with the second conveyor, and a second pivotal position in which the upstream end of the second conveyor belt portion is out of alignment with the second conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for positioning slices of meat or other foodstuffs by converting M input streams of products into N output streams of products where M is an integer greater than one and N is an integer not equal to M comprises an input conveyor (15, 55) for conveying M input streams and an output conveyor (16,58) for conveying N output streams. It also includes a multi-element strip conveyor (17, 18, 56, 57) having its upstream input end arranged to receive products (P) from an input stream and having its downstream end arranged to move laterally to deposit products from the input stream into an output stream shifted laterally with respect to the input stream. The conveying elements (37, 41, 67) of the multi-element strip conveyor (17, 18, 56, 57) are arranged to conform as its downstream and moves laterally.