Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing and a drive system. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing outlet, and a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed.

Abstract: A system including a load assembly configured to hold a plurality of deposit beverage containers, a tray configured to receive the deposit beverage containers from the load assembly, and one or both of a sort bar and a chute be disposed on the tray. The sort bar is configured to stop individual deposit beverage containers from sliding across the tray long enough to allow a user to sort individual deposit beverage containers and the chute is configured to direct the deposit beverage containers in a path across the tray. The system further includes a feed channel that receives the deposit beverage containers from the tray, with the feed channel being coupleable to one or both of the following components: a count module configured to receive and count the containers from the feed channel and a holding module configured to receive and hold the containers from the feed channel.

Abstract: A transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: The distribution table (3) is arranged downstream of an introduction table (2) and upstream of single file channels (12) and comprises an entry zone (10) which is provided at the sides with sensors (17) which detect the presence of bottles and connected to control means for controlling and regulating the introduction flow of said bottles at said entry zone (10) and also between said entry zone (10) and the single file channels (12) and distribution channels (11) of transverse alignment the number of which corresponds to half the number of single file channels (12). The distance separating channels (11) from the channels (12) is of the order of one quarter of the diameter of the bottles. The distribution channels (11) are defined by longitudinal walls (21) supported by a mobile structure (15), said structure being moved in a continuous circular sweep of low amplitude in front of said single file channels (12).

Abstract: Two supply streams (1.1 and 1.2) of printed products are combined to form a combined printed-product stream. For this purpose, the supply streams are conveyed into a combining region (V) in a main conveying direction (F) in a state in which they, for example, rest loosely on conveying surfaces (3.1 and 3.2), are parallel to one another, adjacent to one another and on the same level, inner and outer edges of the printed products (P) of the two supply streams (1.1 and 1.2) being oriented parallel to the main conveying direction (F). At the entrance to the combining region (V), the inner edge region of each printed product of the first supply stream (1.1) is raised and, as they are conveyed through the combining region (V), the printed products of the two supply streams (1.1 and 1.2) are pushed transversely to the main conveying direction (F) and towards one another. An inner edge region of a printed product of the second supply stream (1.

Abstract: A conveying and orienting system for handling eggs including a main conveyor for supporting thereupon a plurality of eggs and for segregating the same into individual file lines prior to delivery to a spool bar conveyor for subsequent egg handling operations. One or more return conveyors are positioned alongside the main conveyor and communicate with the main conveyor at first and second end locations. A control mechanism independently adjusts a travel speed of at least one of the main and return conveyors, this in order to redirect, along the return conveyors for reintroduction onto upstream locations of the main conveyor, a plurality of eggs which exceed of the present handling capabilities of the individual segregating lanes and spool bar.

Abstract: The distribution table (3) is arranged downstream of an introduction table (2) and upstream of single file channels (12) and comprises an entry zone (10) which is provided at the sides with sensors (17) which detect the presence of bottles and connected to control means for controlling and regulating the introduction flow of said bottles at said entry zone (10) and also between said entry zone (10) and the single file channels (12) and distribution channels (11) of transverse alignment the number of which corresponds to half the number of single file channels (12). The distance separating channels (11) from the channels (12) is of the order of one quarter of the diameter of the bottles. The distribution channels (11) are defined by longitudinal walls (21) supported by a mobile structure (15), said structure being moved in a continuous circular sweep of low amplitude in front of said single file channels (12).

Abstract: A fruit guide assembly may include a frame to be positioned between a fruit conveyor and a multi-position fruit feeder, a vibrator removably fastened to the frame to be removable therefrom in the upward direction, and a fruit guide body removably fastened to the frame to be removable therefrom in an upward direction. The fruit guide body may have an upper surface with alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes. The fruit guide body may include spaced apart upper and bottom walls so that the fruit guide is a hollow fruit guide body in some embodiments. The hollow fruit guide body may comprise rotationally molded polyethylene, for example.

Abstract: A fruit guide assembly may include a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruit feeder, a vibrator connected to the frame, and a fruit guide body having a series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes. Each pair of adjacent ridges may extend outwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder. This defines integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting the fruit. In other embodiments, the fruit guide body may be used without a vibrator, for example. The fruit guide body may include an upper wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body. For example, the fruit guide body may include rotationally molded polyethylene.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a means for untangling springs (60) contained in a supply bin (12), characterized in that it comprises untangling means (14) with a rail (30) for receiving springs, provided with an open groove (36), means (32) for dynamically calibrating the springs, means for supplying said rail with springs and evacuation means (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting identical flat-bottomed objects has a vibratory conveyor defining a generally horizontal support surface. A plurality of the objects are supplied to an upstream end of the surface standing on their flat bottoms and the objects travel along the surface while standing on their bottoms. A sorting drum rotatable about a horizontal axis at a downstream end of the conveyor is formed with at least one row of radially outwardly open seats generally complementary to the objects and each having a flat floor. The drum is rotated between a pickup position in which the flat floors of the one row of seats are aligned and generally coplanar with the support surface and closely juxtaposed with the downstream end and a handoff position with the one row of seats raised up above the support surface. The objects are taken out of the seats in the takeoff position.

Abstract: An egg transfer apparatus is configured to distribute eggs substantially evenly with reduced breakage on a moving conveyor. The egg transfer apparatus includes a conveyor having opposite first and second ends, a pair of elongated members that extend along the direction of travel of the conveyor between the conveyor first and second ends, and a plurality of spaced-apart, diverging guides positioned downstream from the elongated members. Each elongated member includes opposite first and second end portions. The first end portions of the elongated members are in generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship, and the second end portions have an arcuate configuration and converge to define an opening therebetween through which eggs on the conveyor are conveyed. The diverging guides are positioned downstream from the opening and cause the eggs passing through the opening to be generally evenly distributed at the conveyor second end.

Abstract: An egg transfer apparatus is configured to distribute eggs substantially evenly with reduced breakage on a moving conveyor. The egg transfer apparatus includes a conveyor having opposite first and second ends and a plurality of elongated, flexible guides extending between the conveyor first and second ends in adjacent, spaced apart relationship with each other. The guides define a plurality of channels that are configured to evenly distribute eggs placed on the conveyor. The guides are elevated above the conveyor by an amount that decreases in a direction towards the conveyor second end. In addition, the guides converge toward the conveyor second end.

Abstract: A hopper for cigarettes, having at least one outlet and a number of agitating members over the outlet; at least some of the agitating members are integral with a bar, which is movable cyclically along an annular path to move all the relative agitating members simultaneously, and parallel to themselves, along respective identical annular trajectories.

Abstract: A part supply step feeder or flighted belt conveyor lifts parts from a hopper in a metered fashion to a transfer area, and there supplies parts to a vibratory feeder, which carries the parts from the transfer area through orientation features to an output end. If a part does not achieve the correct orientation before reaching the output end, then at some point it is rejected, passively or actively, preferably back to the part supply hopper, by gravity or by a conveyor, for example.

Abstract: A conveyor system of units that move blocks of wood and while moving align them in single file along one or more paths of travel. First in the system is a conventional vibrating conveyor unit followed by a vibrating type conveyor unit having an undulating upper surface defining parallel flow paths. Next is a combination vibrating and belt conveyor unit having an undulating upper surface followed by deeper spaced apart parallel channels. The upper flight of an endless belt travels along the bottom of each of respective ones of the deeper channels. The last unit is a multi-lane article accumulator, cueing and gated dispensing unit.

Abstract: A feeding, singulating, or orienting device which includes a vibratory feeder bowl having a central receiving section and at least two tracks radiating outwardly from the receiving section. The feeder bowl can be convex, concave, or flat in vertical cross-section depending on the articles to be separated or oriented.

Abstract: A compact article singulation and accumulation conveyor includes a receiving portion which receives articles in random order including clusters of side-by-side articles and a discharge portion from which articles are discharged in a single file singulated stream. A first conveying surface transports articles longitudinally from the receiving portion to the discharge portion. A recirculating bed removes side-by-side articles from a downstream portion of the first conveying surface to an upstream portion of the first conveying surface. The recirculating bed is made up of at least one peel-away conveyor having a second conveying surface adapted to move side-by-side articles laterally off the first conveying surface, at least one coupling conveyor having a third conveying surface adapted to move articles from the second conveying surface upstream and at least one return conveyor having a fourth conveying surface adapted to move articles from the third conveying surface to the first conveying surface.

Abstract: A foodstuff collating apparatus having a plurality of discrete channels within which foodstuffs are collated. The apparatus is elevated at one end to provide a slide for the foodstuff with the channels converging from one end of the apparatus to the other. As the foodstuff slides down a channel, the former is oriented from a random position to an ordered vertical disposition.

Abstract: A dividing wall for installation above a conveyor belt intended to convey articles such as bottles and the like, which allows conveying of the articles divided up into two flows in an easy manner and without obstacles and which is also suitable for construction on a large scale, comprises a plurality of idle rollers situated externally on each side of the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting blocks made of concrete or concrete-like material, in particular paving slabs, having a vibration arrangement and a sorting arrangement which slopes with respect to the horizontal, has an entry part for the blocks which are to be sorted and a sorting part, which has at least one collecting channel running in the conveying direction. The collecting channel has a central part and two lateral run-on surfaces arranged thereon, the width of the central part corresponding at least approximately to one of the two shorter edge lengths of the blocks which are to be sorted. The run-on surfaces are provided with stop elements, the stop elements on one run-on surface being offset in the longitudinal direction with respect to the stop elements on the other run-on surface.

Abstract: Multiple receiving conveyors receive randomly spaced product from a feeder conveyor and form discrete lanes for further processing. Upstanding wheels positioned between the receiving conveyors extend partially above the conveying surfaces. The outer periphery of the wheel is tapered and a high friction, elastic band is provided along the peripheral apex. The wheels are rotated by a driver. Randomly spaced product being conveyed and contacting the rotating wheel is actively deflected onto one of the juxtaposed receiving conveyors to form the respective product lane. Upstanding outer wheels are also positioned along the side of the outermost receiving conveyors for further assisting in deflecting and guiding the product. Successive series of downstream wheels ensure that misaligned product passing a first series of wheels is ultimately deflected onto the adjacent conveyor to form the lane.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for eggs or like substantially round or ellipsoid articles, comprising at least one endless conveyor having a conveying face above which guiding elements are disposed intended for ordering an unordered flow of articles into a number of ordered flows each having the width of one article, wherein a main surface of each of the guiding elements includes, with the conveying face part extending between the opposite guiding elements, an angle greater than 90.degree., enabling the articles to be gradually pushed upwards along the guiding elements, wherein at the inlet of the dosing apparatus, said dosing apparatus comprises one conveying channel and wherein, viewed in the conveying direction, the number of conveying channels doubles each time, so that at a discharge end of the dosing apparatus the width of the conveying channels at that location is such that, viewed in conveying direction, the articles can only travel therein in file.

Abstract: Manufactured products, for example those produced by a die press, may be cleaned, separated, randomized and stacked with the apparatus of the present invention. A first conveyor system removes contaminants from the products. A second conveyor system separates and randomizes the products, for example, by allowing the products to cascade down an inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor is segmented to capture a portion of the products as they are pulled downward by gravitational forces. The products are aligned on a shaker table with any of several operator stations. In one embodiment the products pass through a funneling array, a slot and into a stacking tube from which operators may remove stacks of the product in preparation for shipping.

Abstract: The present conveyor system includes a single loading or supply conveyor, plural feed conveyors, an alignment conveyor, a tray conveyor, and a return conveyor loop. The downwardly angled supply conveyor delivers randomly distributed articles to the feed conveyors, which carry the articles to the alignment conveyor. The feed conveyors are angled diagonally to the alignment conveyor and pass beneath the alignment conveyor, so that articles which do not enter the compartments at the first portion of the alignment conveyor are carried along with the movement of the diagonal feed conveyors along the path of the alignment conveyor and thereagainst, to enter the alignment conveyor at a later point. The articles aligned in the alignment conveyor compartments are then placed in registry with regularly positioned compartments in product trays carried on a tray conveyor, which passes beneath the alignment conveyor.

Abstract: Supply hopper for delicate, rod-shaped products, in particular in cigarette packaging machines, which hopper (1) is provided in its lower part with a plurality of separate discharge channels (2), each of which is divided by means of intermediate walls (4) into several ducts (3) which are vertical and parallel to one another, in each of which ducts (3) there is formed at least one substantially vertical row of cigarettes (S) which are superimposed on one another, whereas above the upper end (104) of each intermediate wall (4) there is provided a roller (6) which is horizontal and parallel to the axis of the cigarettes (S) in the hopper (1), and is rotated, preferably with oscillatory motion. According to the invention, in order to prevent to a large extent the formation of bridges of cigarettes which block the ducts (3), the rollers (6) are disposed quincuncially relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. they are alternately offset parallel to one another upwards and downwards.

Abstract: A laning conveyor is provided which may be used as an infeed for a packer. The laning conveyor comprises a central lane guide and a movable lane guide unit including at least two lane guides connected thereto spaced apart a first lane width. The unit is mounted adjacent the central lane guide to form a lane therebetween having the first lane width. The unit is movable to provide the lane with a second lane width. A method of laning articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed tray for singularizing objects. The tray includes at least one guide path extending the length of the tray for transporting and singularizing objects. The path comprises a number of segments, at least some of which define a direction of movement oriented at an angle with respect to the drive axis of the tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing bottles, in which a transfer conveyor define an endless loop belt between an inlet end and outlet end. A plurality of cups are carried along the endless loop. An inlet elevator adjacent the inlet end supplies a quantity of bottles in an open end down orientation to the cups. Fluid injectors are movably mounted on the conveyor to position a nozzle into each open end down oriented bottle to supply fluid to inside of the bottles. An outlet elevator is adjacent outlet end for removing bottles from the apparatus in an open end up orientation.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor apparatus is provided for conveying and orienting articles. The apparatus includes a hopper having an inlet and an outlet. The hopper is vibrated to convey articles in the hopper in a predetermined direction from the inlet toward the outlet. The apparatus also includes a plurality of lane dividers for dividing the hopper into a plurality of article-receiving lanes arranged to conduct articles disposed therein toward the outlet. The apparatus further includes barriers coupled to the lane dividers for disengaging an article riding on the lane dividers as the article is conveyed in the predetermined direction to cause the article to fall into a single article-receiving lane and assume a predetermined orientation therein prior to discharge of the article from the hopper through the outlet.

Abstract: Oscillating lane guide segments define a diverging laterally shifting path for the articles tending to break up the nested articles and to facilitate feeding the articles in orderly rows more suitable for a conventional case packer. Left and right primary lane guide elements are pivotably mounted to the downstream ends of left and right stationary intake lane guides. Left and right secondary lane guide elements are pivotably mounted in turn to downstream ends of the primary lane guide segments. An actuator is provided for oscillating the left and right primary lane guide segments.

Abstract: An object distributing and supplying method, comprising a step of receiving ball-like objects supplied in a bulk from a preceding process line by a wide receiving part formed by starting end parts of a plurality of curved conveyors adjacently connected with each other, a step of distributing the objects into a plurality of separated rows in a curved line, and a step of conveying each of the rows of objects in a streamline into respective downstream apparatuses.

Abstract: A magnetic article laner for use with a conveyor having a conveying surface carrying a plurality of magnetic articles randomly distributed in transverse positions on the conveying surface and moving in a generally horizontal planer path of travel includes magnetic members, disposed in a plane parallel to the path of travel and vertically spaced from the plurality of magnetic articles, for aligning the plurality of magnetic articles into a uniform transverse position defining a lane with a preselected linear path of travel. The magnetic members include north and south magnetic poles defining transverse boundaries of each magnetic lane, and an upstream portion of the magnetic lane has a greater magnetic field strength than a downstream portion of the magnetic lane. The plurality of magnetic articles are urged by divider members and magnetic forces to form an aligned row centered between the north and south magnetic poles of each magnetic lane.

Abstract: A supply device with a vibrating cylindrical container for the supply of products, via a multiple channel device, to machines for blister packaging, in which the container has a vertical axis which is eccentric with respect to the vertical axis of the vibrator device and has an annular base which develops in an ascending manner over a first portion starting from the multiple channel device, followed by a second portion which develops conventionally. Guide and flow stop means are provided along the base sections with ascending and conventional development as well as supply means for supplying the products into the peripheral zone of the container and suction means to suction the dust and/or fragments of products below the base of the container at the opposite sides of the multiple channel device.

Abstract: A method is described whereby asymmetric retroreflecting elements are positioned with their hemispherical sides pointing upwards, made to agglomerate in rows and then deposited onto the road surface or onto a road-marking strip.

Abstract: A counting and batching device for items such as tablets, capsules or caplets is faster than the electronic radial feeder counters, and is more easily adjustable for different quantities, sizes and shapes of items than slat counters or disk counters. The device has a hopper with an adjustable feed gate and a first vibrator to cause items to flow from the feed gate. A V-guide sorting trough is positioned beneath the feed gate having a slot at its base to hold a single row of items, and a second vibrator funnels items into a single row moving along the slot. A moving belt receives items from the trough and transports them in a single row between stationary guides past an electronic counter to a diverter where a predetermined number of items are diverted into at least two diverter streams. Loading positions are provided under each diverter stream with provision for positioning and removing containers independently into each loading position.

Abstract: A container counter for counting elongated objects such as empty beverage cans including a hopper for receiving objects to be counted, a plurality of chutes located below and communicating with the hopper for conveying objects out of the hopper, and an oscillating grid positioned above the chutes to assist objects in becoming properly oriented to pass out of the hopper and into the chutes. A sensing device is mounted on each chute to detect a passing object and emit a signal. A summer is connected to the sensing devices to sum the signals and display a total count.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting slender elongate items, some of which are defective, includes a viewing area with sensing means that sense defects in the items and produces a signal when a defect is sensed, and a removal area with removal means that operate in response to the signals from the sensing means to remove defective items. A conveyor having upstanding walls defining a series of longitudinal side by side channels receives a flow of randomly oriented items and places them in substantially singulated end to end alignment. An endless belt conveyor is arranged as a longitudinal continuation of the first conveyor and has a series of troughs aligned with the series of channels for receiving the substantially singulated and aligned items from the channels of the first conveyor and for carrying the received items through the viewing area and into the removal area in substantially singulated end to end alignment.

Abstract: A plurality of integrated circuit lead clips having a circular top opening and four resilient planar tines are positioned in a holding fixture in a rectangular matrix array. A carrier strip including a plurality of equally spaced, transversely extending projections each having a generally rectangular cross-section is positioned above a row of clips positioned in the fixture. The strip is vibrated and then lowered to pass one projection into the top opening of each clip and through the four resilient planar tines. Vibrations of the projections at the same time the tips of the projections touch the clips causes the clip to rotate in the fixture so that the planar ends of the tines orient with respect to the four flat sides of each projection. The projections are pushed through the clips so that they are held to the projections by the resiliency of the tines.

Abstract: A workpiece loader includes a processing tray having two parallel sets of substantially V-shaped grooves adjacent a surface thereof, the grooves of one set alternating with and having a depth greater than the depth of the grooves of the other set. The workpiece loader further comprises an aligning tray having a plurality of substantially V-shaped grooves adjacent a surface thereof and parallel to each other, the grooves of the aligning tray having a depth greater than the depth of the grooves of the other set and having a periodicity equal to the periodicity of the grooves of the other set, the aligning and processing trays being positioned in tandem so that the grooves of the other set are aligned with the grooves of the aligning tray.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for ordering randomly positioned eggs travelling upon a conveyor into rows. The positioning device includes a plurality of vertically disposed spring abutment members, disposed above the conveyor to contact the eggs as they pass by. The spring abutment members are pivotally mounted for oscillating rotation about an axis perpendicular to the direction of conveyance. The positioning device further includes moving vertical walls, comprising endless belts driven about vertically disposed rollers, whose movement will stop responsive to lateral pressure on the walls caused by egg jams.

Abstract: A distribution and conveyor apparatus for eggs having a smooth horizontally moving supporting surface and baffles which divide the width of said surface in a number of channels, and before said baffles a flat transverse member being fixedly mounted and preferably shaped such, that the resistance to the passing over of the eggs in the center of the supporting surface is stronger than at the edges.

Abstract: A conveyor combiner has a side guide unit, for relieving jammed articles being carried by the conveyor, the unit comprising a longitudinally reciprocating frame carrying an array of freely rotatable rollers which nudge jammed articles free but which are normally kept out of contact with the articles by a retractable side guide rail.

Abstract: This application presents a method and apparatus for arranging and combining bottles standing on end which includes feeding a miscellaneous collection of the bottles toward a conveyor, receiving the bottles and conveying them in a direction along plural parallel paths spaced apart less than the diameter of the bottles, nudging the bottles toward these paths as the bottles move along, then guiding the bottles laterally inward of the parallel paths and again nudging the bottles onto the laterally inward paths.

Abstract: Apparatus for arraying randomly distributed ampoules, bottles or like objects has a longitudinally grooved vibratory conveyor which receives randomly distributed objects from a magazine and converts the objects into files of aligned objects. The discharge end of the vibratory conveyor, or an intermediate conveyor, delivers the objects into a vertical duct having several longitudinally extending sections one of which is adjustable horizontally toward or away from the other section or sections to define a passage of optimum width for the selected objects. The lower end of the duct delivers successive objects onto a platform, and such objects are transferred sideways out of register with the duct by a reciprocable pusher. If the objects are bottles or the like, an orienting device is placed adjacent to the upper end of the duct to insure that the orientation of each bottle which enters the duct is the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and clearing a jam of articles at the entrance to an article lane divider is provided which includes a plurality of parallel guides defining lanes for articles and conveyor means operative to advance articles toward the entrance to the lanes and to move the articles in the lanes. Detecting means are also included for detecting a jam of articles at the entrance to the lanes along with means for moving at least one of the parallel guides transversely to the direction of travel of the articles in response to the detection of a jam of articles at the entrance to the lanes by the detecting means, thereby breaking up the jam and permitting the articles to proceed into the lane divider.

Abstract: A fruit feeder adapted to elevate a plurality of fruit pieces along a diagonal pathway from a bottom position to a top position in a stair-step transfer arrangement. The feeder is operated by fluid cylinder and is adapted to deliver individual fruit members arranged in a row to continuously or discontinuously moving fruit holders located functionally adjacent the upper end portion of the fruit feeder.

Abstract: Resilient element material for a vibratory feeder is molded of a resilient plastic resin to have a base and generally upright elements molded integrally with the base and having upper ends that cooperate to support objects being fed vibrationally. The upright elements are configured so they bend in the feed direction and brace against bending in a direction opposite to the feed direction. This can be done by providing abutments or buttresses adjacent the elements, or configuring the elements so that the weight of the objects places a load on their upper ends spaced toward the direction of feed from respective lines perpendicular to the base through the centers of the bottoms of the elements. The upright elements then bend consistently in the feed direction under the weight of the objects during vibration to convey the objects along. The elements can also be molded to be tapered and to incline from a perpendicular to the base toward the direction of feed to bend reliably in the feed direction.

Abstract: A rotary guide device is used in conjunction with a conveyor belt adapted to have a plurality of randomly positioned articles thereon which must be aligned with each other in a plurality of rows lengthwise of and spaced across the conveyor belt by a plurality of guide plates positioned in essentially parallel lanes across and suspended above the moving conveyor belt. The rotary guide device is comprised of a plurality of rotating spindles disposed directly in front of each guide plate adjacent the upstream end thereof relative to the direction of movement of the belt. Each spindle is motor driven so that when contacted by an article on the moving conveyor belt the rotating spindle will direct the article into an adjacent channel between the guide plates to prevent jamming of the articles at the entrance to the channel. Each rotating spindle may be provided with a suitable friction surface to assist in positively directing an article in engagement therewith.