Dale E Haug

US Patent:

6390276, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Jun 8, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/590717

Inventors:

Dale E. Haug - Alexandria MN
Daniel L. Floding - Alexandria MN

Assignee:

Douglas Machine - Alexandria MN

International Classification:

B65G 1732

US Classification:

19837701, 198617

Abstract:

Apparatus ( ) for packaging products (P) includes a mechanism ( ) for accumulating, metering, and creating an array of products (P) in a pack pattern. The array of products (P) in a conveying orientation is transferred to a tray ( ), and the tray ( ) and the entire pack pattern of products (P) supported thereon are rotated to a second arrangement where the products (P) in the conveying orientation in the tray ( ) are perpendicular to the conveying direction. The products (P) are pushed from the trays ( ) moving in the conveying direction into cartons (C) moving at the same speed as the trays ( ). In the preferred form, the trays ( ) are rotatably mounted to carriers ( ) moving along a path defined by roller chains ( ). A cam follower ( ) on a crank arm ( ) extending from a spindle ( ) rotatably mounting the tray ( ) to the carrier ( ) travels in a cam track ( ) to rotate the tray ( ) relative to the carrier ( ) between the first and second arrangements.