GB829313A - Improvements in the separation of articles from a stack - Google Patents

Abstract

829,313. Packaging machines. FORGROVE MACHINERY CO. Ltd. Feb. 19, 1958 [Nov. 23, 1956], No. 35955/56. Class 94(1). A device for separating a group of articles such as biscuits 11 from a column moved forward on a surface 12 by conveyer belts &c., comprises a step 18 at the end of the surface and a presser for pressing at least the last one of the articles which has been advanced beyond the step against a further supporting surface, means being provided to form positively a gap between the last article past the step and the first of those preceding it. The leading end of the column is supported by a plate, Figs. 1, 2, 9 (not shown), moving with it as it advances and returning during or after removal of the group. In one embodiment, Figs. 3, 5, 7, after the presser 38 has operated, a member 35 having combined horizontal and reciprocating motion rises so that its forward end enters between the articles on either side of the step. It then moves back to form a gap into which separator elements 27 rise, after which the group is ejected by a pusher operating transversely of the direction of movement of the column. The pusher 45 may place the group between fingers 65 which are moved by a rod 66 to sweep it into pockets 62 of a conveyer, Fig. 7. The conveyer may be as described in Specification 684,254. In another embodiment, Fig. 10, two pushers 138, 238 engage the articles, and separation is achieved by a single member 35 which is projected from the step 18 to tilt the articles of the group. The articles may feed directly into a conveyer 61 which forms the further supporting surface. The supporting surface 12 need not necessarily be horizontal. Movement of the leading end support plate operates switches to stop or start article feed and initiate or end the separating action.