Abstract:
Disclosed is a new machine for continuously stacking packages in a vertical orientation for insertion into cases. A lift area is provided having a plurality of lateral lifting panels on either side. The panels are adjustably attached to pairs of continuous rotating bands, such that for each panel on one side there is a corresponding panel on the other side. The panels are provided in two independently operated sets, each set having identical operation, but with alternating action. Two horizontal conveyors deliver packages to the lifting area, the conveyor closer to the lift operating at a faster speed than the more distant conveyor. The faster speed creates a time and space gap between packages delivered to the lifting area, which gap may be increased or decreased by varying the conveyor speed. As the conveyors deliver packages to the lifting area, the two sets of lifting panels are alternatively activated to raise the packages in a stack, providing a continuous stacking operation.