Abstract: A continuously moving stream of pieces taken from a storage bin is separated into precisely counted batches, for bagging, or the like. The flow speed of the pieces is optimized and substantially constant at a highest possible speed of flow higher than the batcher operating speeds will handle. Thereby this invention provides an alternative to eliminate the need for reducing flow speed because batchers require relatively long operating times and to avoid the disadvantage that reduction of the flow line speed when handling many successive batch pieces which is a slow process because of the high inherent inertia to changes of speed. In order to increase the flow speeds to higher effective batch handling rates, some of the pieces are removed from a high speed stream flow to create gaps in the flow stream between batches, thereby permitting optimized time interfacing with the necessary batching operations which thereby may proceed at a slower rate than the average piece by piece flow rate.

Abstract: A conveying system adapted for use with a screen printing machine having an endless printing blanket for supporting and indexing a work piece during a screen printing operation. The system includes transfer apparatus disposed adjacent the discharge end of the indexing printing blanket which includes removing apparatus in the form of belt strips having gripping pins to peelingly remove the work piece from the printing blanket. Elevating apparatus for first lifting the leading edge of the work piece away from the printing blanket so as to suspend the leading edge until the work piece is advanced in a position for engagement by the gripping pins is provided such that the leading edge bridges any spacing between the discharge end of the printing blanket and the removing apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for conveying similarly shaped articles in a single file is disclosed comprising drive and return conveyors with said drive conveyor having a loading portion and a discharge portion. A plurality of similarly shaped articles are loaded at the loading portion of the drive conveyor. A separator separates the articles in a single file on the drive conveyor and ejects articles from the drive conveyor which vary from the single file. The return conveyor forms an angle relative to the drive conveyor for receiving the ejected articles from the drive conveyor to return the ejected articles on the return conveyor to the drive conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking articles in columns and loading the columns into conveyor buckets in side-by-side relationship in which articles are fed by a conveyor to a set of dual wheels having article engaging serrations. The wheels carry the articles downwardly and set them on edge on a pair of rails extending downwardly at an angle from between the wheels. An air blast starts the articles down the rails and air jets along the rails keep the articles upright and moving along the rails. The first article in the column is supported by a finger which extends upwardly between the rails and moves from the wheels toward a turret at a rate about equal to that of the growth of the column. The rails lead to a turret having its axis parallel to the rails and having pockets for receiving columns of articles. A conveyor positioned over the turret carries projecting plates which extend downwardly for supporting the article column as it is moved into the turret recess.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing items wherein there is a rotatable sorting table for orienting items and delivering the properly oriented items to a discharge passage, and an air jet for driving the items along the discharge passage, a pressure responsive device operable by blocking of the air jet to stop rotation of the sorting table.