US2794534A - Carton spacing device for conveyers - Google Patents

Description

w. A. FORRESTER 2,794,534

CARTON SPACING DEVICE FOR CONVEYERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 4, 1957 Filed May is, 1954 All/5,110 e: WILL/HM .9. FORQESTER,

HTTDRHEYS J1me 1957 w. A. FORRESTER CARTON SPACING DEVICE FOR CONVEYERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 1954 United States Patent CARTON SPACING DEVICE FOR CGNVEYERS William A. Forrester, Herrin, Ili., assignor to International Staple and Machine Company, Herrin, 111., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 13, 1954, Serial No. 429,585

14 Claims. (Cl. 198-34) This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for automatically spacing cartons or other articles upon conveyor belts and the like and, in particular, is concerned with a trip mechanism which is adapted to be actuated by a guide on a conveyor to interrupt and control the feeding of cartons on the conveyer.

In certain fields, such as automatic stapling of cartons, flap gluing, or performing any operation upon articles on a conveyer belt which are to be sequentially treated as they pass a permanent station on the belt, it is desirable to cause the articles, such as the cartons, to be automatically spaced. This is especially to be preferred where the articles, such as cartons, are worked upon by automatic apparatus which staples the flaps or performs marking operations automatically. In such operations the articles behind the article being worked upon must be stopped a spaced distance behind the article being treated or jamming will occur.

By means of this invention there has been designed an automatic spacing device which is adapted to be used with a conventional roller conveyer in such a manner that it may be easily inserted in one small section of the conveyer. Power driving means are provided which work in conjunction with the standard power driven roller conveyer in such a manner that the desired article to be worked upon which, for the purpose of example, will be hereinafter described as a carton, can be advanced to the working station.

Automatic stop means insures the stopping of all cartons behind the carton in the spacing device so as to prevent any jamming of the apparatus. The spacing device is further designed so as to permit the spacing of cartons of varying sizes to provide for adaptability of operation.

The invention has been so devised that a stop means at one end of a roller section and a carton driving roller at the other end of the section are spaced from one another to allow for the reception of one or more cartons in between and operate in conjunction with a tripping mechanism. The foremost carton is then advanced by the driven roller to a working station or other desired region on the roller conveyer while the cartons to the rear are stopped from advancement by means of the stop mechanism.

The carton spacing device is particularly well adapted to be used with a roller conveyer wherein the carton after leaving the carton spacer is moved by an endless conveyer belt having pusher bars connected to the sides of the belt which move the carton along on top of the rollers. A control mechanism for efiecting the operation of the carton advancing roller and the stop means has been devised which may be actuated by the pusher bars that are spaced in such a manner as to effect the desired movement of the cartons along the rollers after having been correctly separated and spaced by the spacing apparatus.

The control means which, as mentioned above, may cause actuation by the use of the pusher bars as a trip ping means, can be employed in conjunction with an electrical relay switching circuit that, by means of a conventional operating force such as a solenoid valve, controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to a fitting cylinder to eifect the pivotable operation of the carton advancing roller and, through it, the stop means. The control circuit is of such adaptability as to enable the spacing to be varied, and the feeding of the cartons by the spacing device may be speeded up or slowed down, as desired.

It is a special feature of this invention that the stop means and carton advancing roller are separated by an intermediate pivotable roller section of the spacing device and are all in the form of roller mechanisms, which are actually a part of the roller conveyer and are not in the form of extraneous overhead or side structures. By this means a space saving and safety advantage is provided since no cumbersome or unwieldy structure is provided adjacent the roller conveyer.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a carton spacing device for a conveyer in which a selected carton may be fed to a conveyer section in advance of the spacing device in a selected manner while the cartons to the rearward thereof are stopped.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a carton spacing device wherein a pivotable roller section is provided which has a carton stop means at one end and a carton driving means at the other end adapted to feed a carton in a spaced and controlled manner forwardly to a Working conveyer section.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a carton spacing device comprising an intermediate roller section having a carton stop means at one end, and a pivotable carton advancing roller at another end wherein the stop means is in operative employment when the carton advancing roller is pivoted into a plane with the remainder of the roller conveyer apparatus.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a carton spacing device having a pivotable roller section wherein the stop means at the rearward portion of the roller section is out of operative engagement when the section is pivoted downwardly, and wherein the carton advancing roller in the section is also out of engagement with the bottom of cartons employed therein, and a forward stop means is provided in proximity to the carton advancing roller at the leading edge of the section.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a carton spacing device having an intermediate roller section provided with a retractible stop means which may be moved out of operative engagement with the roller section, and a pivotable carton advancing roller which is adapted to be pivoted independently of the roller section, and by its pivotal movement to effect the operation of the retractible stop means in said roller section, and bring about the proper spacing of the cartons.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a carton spacing device which is adapted to be actuated by an endless belt that moves the carton along theroller conveyer after the spacing is effected, and wherein the operation of the carton spacing mechanism is efiected by guides upon the endless belt.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a control mechanism actuated by the guides on an endless belt in a carton spacing device wherein electrical relays are adapted to be energized and deenergized by the controlled movement of said guides in actuating the carton spacing apparatus.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a carton spacing device for a roller conveyer or the like wherein stop means and carton advancing means are so integrated within the roller conveyer that no superstructure or side structure on the conveyer are required,

and all stopping and advancing features are built in within the roller conveyer.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the detailed description which follows and will further be apparent to those skilled in the art.

An illustration of this invention appears in the accom panying drawings, but it is to be understood that these drawings are for the purpose of description only and that this invention may take other forms, aswill be further described.

In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the carton spacing device of this invention shown at the left of a roller conveyer provided with an endless chain carton pusher;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in F g- Fig; 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1 showing the roller conveyer and endless belt to which the spaced cartons are to be fed;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view in elevation taken on the line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken similarly to that shown in Fig. 4, but with the carton spacing mechanism shown in the downwardly pivoted position;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the lines 66 of Fig. 1 showing the carton advancing roller and associated mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view showing a portion of the right hand end of the pivotable roller section framework;

Fig 8 is a top plan view showing the framework of the carton stopping roller mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a portion of the yoke for the carton advancing roller;

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control means for the carton spacing apparatus; and

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the control means for the carton spacing apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, and Figs. 1 and 2 in particular, a forward roller conveyer is generally indicated at and is shown at the right hand of these drawings provided with an endless pusher belt 21. In the center of these two drawings is shown a pivotable roller section 22, with cartons being shown at dotted lines at 23 and 24, supported upon the forward roller conveyer and the pivotable roller section, respectively. At the left hand end of the drawing in Fig. 2 there is shown in dotted lines a conventional roller conveyer 25 which abuts against the rear of the pivotable roller section and upon which is supported a carton 26. The other end of the rearward roller conveyer 25 is adapted to be charged with cartons or other articles in random fashion so that the cartons thereon are fed then to the pivotable roller section 22 and automatically spaced, as will further be described.

The pivotable roller section 22 which forms part of the carton spacing device includes a plurality of rollers 27 mounted upon a rectangular frame 28. This frame, as shown in Fig. 7, is provided with a notch 31 for a reason to appear. The frame is pivotally supported about a pin 32 which is journaled in a stationary rectangular support 33. The support 33 is connected to legs 34 and 35 so as to provide a stationary base.

As best shown. in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, a carton stopping frame 36 is provided with openings 37 at one end for connection to pin 38 which pivotably connects the frame to the support 33. An upstanding journal support 42 is provided at the rear edge of the frame '36 for supporting a carton stopping roller 43. Intermediate the ends of the frame 36 two links 44 are connected at each side to the roller frame 28, as shown in Figs. 4 and S, to provide for simultaneous pivotable operation of the carton stopping frame when the roller frame 28 is pivoted.

shaft 46 which is journaled in a bifurcated journal support 47. The journal support 47 is mounted on a pivotable U-shaped base 48 journaled upon a shaft 51 extending through the rectangular support 33. Also fixed to the shaft 46 is a sprocket wheel 52 which is connected to a sprocket wheel 53, likewise fixed upon shaft 51, by a sprocket chain 54 that provides a driving force to the shaft 46 for moving the carton advancing roller 45.

The pivotable operation of the base 48 to efiect the pivotal rotation of the roller 45 about the shaft 51 is effected by an arm 55 connected at one end to a bracket 56 upon the base 48, and at its other end to a hydraulic cylinder, as best shown in Fig. 5. The hydraulic cylinder is not shown in Fig. 5, but is shown in schematic form in Figs. 10 and 11 in the control circuits therein. When the arm 55 is retracted the pivotal roller section rests upon stop 39, as portrayed in Fig. 5.

In order to provide for the pivotal operation ofthe base 48 in the carton advancing roller 45' up to a plane even with the rear roller conveyer section 25 and the forward roller conveyer section 20, cut-out portions 57 are provided at both sides of the support 33 to receive the shaft 46. In addition, the notch 31 previously described for the frame 28, as shown in Fig. 7, is adapted to receive the shaft 46 when it is pivoted upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 5 in a clockwise fashion around the shaft 51.

The forward roller conveyer section 20 includes a rear roller 61 journaled in the support 33. This roller, as best shown in Fig. 5, forms a forward stop for the carton 24 when the intermediate pivotable roller section 22 is pivoted downwardly. A main forward roller frame 63 is supported on a crossbrace 64 connected to the sides of the support 33. This frame supports a plurality of rollers 65. A secondaryearton advancing roller 70 is fixed to the shaft 51 to advance the cartons from the carton advancing roller 45 and the pivotable roller section onto the forward conveyer roller section where they can then be advanced by the endless belt 21. The endless belt 21 is provided with a plurality of pusher bars 66 fastened to the belt 21 and which in turn is adapted to be driven by the sprocket wheels 67 fixed to shaft 51. A conventional power source such as motor 68, shown in the schematic diagrams of Figs. 10 and 11, can be used to furnish driving force to the sprocket wheel 69 connected at a forward end of the endless belt 21 in conventional manner.

A control circuit for actuating the pivotable roller section 22 and the carton advancing roller 45 with its base 48 is shown in Fig. 10. In this diagram hydraulic fluid is controlled through a valve 71 adapted to be actuated by the energization of solenoid 72. The valve 71 controls the flow of the hydraulic fluid to a lifting cylinder 73 which in turn operates the arm 55 connected to bracket 56 of the base 48, shown more particularly in Fig. 5.

The control circuit includes a first electrical relay 74 which is held in a normally open position by a weight 75 when deenergized. A second electrical relay is shown at 76 and is kept in a normally closed position by a weight 77. Both the relays 74 and 76 are connected in series to the solenoid 72, and electricity is provided from any convenient electrical source to leads 77. Both the relays 74 and 76 are adapted to be moved by the pusher bars 66 to provide for proper energization and control of the solenoid valve in the hydraulic lifting cylinder 73.

A modification of the control means is shown in Fig. 11 wherein the energization of the solenoid 72 is eifected in a single switch. In this variation a single mechanicalswitch 81 is pivoted about the fixed point 82 and is held in a fixed position until the pusher bar 66 causes it to move in a counterclockwise position about pivot point 82 against the force of the biasing spring 83. A simple on-oif switch provided with a contact plunger is shown at 84 and is in a normally opened position. When the switch 81 is contacted by the pusher bar 66 the plunger 85 of the electrical switch will cause electricity" to how through the solenoid coil 72 and actuate the valve 71 to operate the lifting cyl- I inder 73.

When the lifting cylinder 73 is operated the effect is the same in the diagrams of control circuits for both Figs. and 11. In this case the lifting arm 55 is extended and causes the base 48 and the carton advancing roller 45 to pivot in a clockwise fashion about the shaft 51 to a position in a plane even with the rear conveyor roller section 25 and the forward conveyor roller section 20. As this is effected, the shaft 46 of the advancing roller 45 engages the notch 31 of the pivotable roller frame 28 and causes it to assume a horizontal position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

Operation The carton spacing apparatus of this invention is adapted to receive cartons 26 from a conventional conveyer roller section 25 which may feed cartons stacked up one behind another or in any random fashion. These cartons, when the pivotable roller section 22 is in the position shown in Fig. 2, will strike the conveyer stop roller 43 which will prevent the cartons 26 from being passed on to the roller section 22. The carton 24 already on the roller section 22 will be advanced by the advancing roller 45 which abuts against the bottom of the carton causing it to be fed forwardly in the direction of the arrow onto the secondary carton advancing roller 70. After the end of the carton has passed over the advancing roller 70, the pusher bar 66 fastened to the endless chain belt 21 contacts the end of the carton 23, and because of the spaced regularity of the pusher bars 66 upon this belt, the carton is advanced in the spaced fashion as desired.

After this operation has been effected, the control mechanism is actuated by the pusher bar 66 so as to lower the lifting arm 55 attached to the hydraulic cylinder and the control circuit. As this is done, the carton advancing roller 45 attached to the base 48 will pivot downwardly counterclockwise about the shaft 51. This causes the forward end of the pivotable roller frame 27 to pivot downwardly also with the frame riding on the shaft 46 which rests in groove 31. The limit of the downward movement is defined by the rest bar 39 upon which the forward end of the frame 28 rests.

(Ionjunctively with the clockwise pivotal operation of the conveyer roller section about the pin 32, the frame 36 to which the stop roller 43 is attached will also be lowered by the lowering of the link 44. The roller 43 and its frame 36 will pivot counterclockwise about the pin 38 attached to the support member 33.

As this takes place a carton will be allowed to move downwardly upon the roller section 22 to the position shown in Fig. 5. In this operation the leading edge of the carton 24 will abut against the roller 61 which is journaled in the sides of the support 33 to effect a forward limiting means.

The carton spacing apparatus is now ready to complete the full cycle, and when the pusher bar 66 comes to the proper point in energizing the different switches in the control circuit, hydraulic fluid will be permitted by the solenoid valve to enter the hydraulic lifting cylinder 73. This causes the upward movement of the lifting arm 55 which raises the base 48 and causes the pivotal movement in a clockwise manner of the conveyer advancing roller 45 about the shaft 51. When this pivotal operation is efiected the shaft 46 engages the groove 31 of the pivotable roller frame 28 and causes the same to be raised to the plane of the conveyer roller. As the roller frame 28 is raised the carton 24 hugs the stop roller 61 which permits the raising of said carton without injury. This raising action returns the roller 45 and the frame 28 to the position shown in Fig. 2 at which point the advancing roller 45 drives the carton 24 forwardly in the direction of the arrow by the frictional engagement with the bottom of said carton.

As this return operation completes the cycle, the stop roller 43 and its supporting frame 36 are pulled upwardlyby the links 44. It will be particularly noted that although the relative movement of the links is small, the roller 43 is moved a substantially larger degree since there is a mechanical advantage due to its distance from the pivot point on the pin 37 compared to the distance of the links 44 therefrom. Thus, a slight movement of the pivotable roller section magnifies the movement of the stop roller 43 so that it may be raised to effectively stop all the cartons to the rearward thereof.

The carton spacing device of this invention is adapted to handle various sizes of cartons so that several cartons could be accommodated upon the intermediate pivotable roller section 22'. Thus, where several cartons are advanced to this intermediate roller section when it is in the position shown in Fig. 5, the return of the carton advancing roller 45 to the horizontal position accompanied by the return of the roller section of this horizontal position, will effect only the movement of the leading carton in this section. Thus, only the carton which rests upon the advancing roller 45 will be caused to move forwardly and the same spacing will be elfected as portrayed for the size of the carton shown in Fig. 2. The operation is then the same as that previously described.

As shown in Fig. 10, the control circuit is adapted to actuate the pivotable base 48 and the advancing roller 45 and through its action the pivotable roller frame 28 to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4 when the solenoid valve 72 is operated. When this valve is not operated, the normal position of the advancing roller 45 and the pivotable conveyor roller frame 28 will be in the downwardly pivoted position shown in Fig. 5. The actuation is effected and brought about in Fig. 10 for the contacting of the switch 74 with a pusher bar 66. When this takes place, the normally open switch 74 is closed and the system will be energized with current flowing through coil 72 and causing the upward movement of the valve in the direction of the arrow. This admits hydraulic fluid through the valve 71 into the lifting cylinder 73 which moves the lifting arm 55 upwardly and causes the carton spacing apparatus to assume the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

When the pusher bar 66 shown at the bottom of the endless drive belt shown in Fig. 10 passes out of contact with the switch 74, the system is maintained in the energized state by virtue of the force of the coil in the switch 74 which holds the switch 74 closed against the biasing effect of the weight 75. As the pusher bar 66 continues in travel in the direction of the arrow, it eventually hits the normally closed switch 76 and causes the switch 76 to rotate in a counterclockwise fashion so that it is drawn upwardly against the biasing forces of the weight 77 and the electrical coil. When this is effected this circuit is broken and the switch 74 returns to its normally opened position and the valve 71 opens. Then the pivotable roller section and the drive roller 45 return to the position shown in Fig. 5.

The length of time that the pivotable roller section and the drive roller 45 are maintained in the upwardly pivoted position shown in Figs. 2 and 4 depends upon the length of time that it takes the pusher bar 66 to travel between switches 74 and 76. This time which is sufficient to move a carton from the position shown in Fig. 2 for carton 24 to the position of carton 23 can be varied as desired by rearranging the spacing between the two switches 74 and 76. It will be noted that after the pusher bar 66 has left the switch 76, the carton 24, as shown in Fig. 10, will have been placed upon the advanced conveyer roller 29 and is awaiting ultimate feeding by contact of the pusher bar 66. This pusher bar will come up behind it and then cause it to be fed in the direction of the drive of the endless belt in the desired manner.

A modification of the control circuit shown in Fig. 10 has been provided in Fig. 11. In this variation a mechanical switch 81 is adapted to be contacted by the pusher bar 66 and maintained in a switch energizing position for the. length of time it takes the pusher bar 66 to trave'rse'the long flat portion ofv this switch. After the pusher bar 66 has advanced in the direction of the arrow and left the tip of the switch, the switch will return due to the biasing action of the spring 83 and dcenergize the solenoid coil 72. The operation is identical with that described in connection with Fig. 10, and the length of time for operation can be varied by changing the-length of the long fiat portion of said switch 81.

The control circuit shown in Figs. and 11 can obviously be varied by changing the number of pusher bars 66 uponthe endless belt 21. Thus, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, two cartons will be fed for each complete revolution of the belt 21 to the forward conveyorroller section 20. cartons in proper spaced orientation, a larger number of pusher bars 66 can be installed upon the belt 21. Further, if desired, the spacing may be varied to a preselected arrangement so that the spacing between any cartons can be increased or decreased in a desired sequential arrangement merely by properly arranging the pusher bars 66 upon the belt 21.

This invention has been particularly described with respect to the use of a pivotable intermediate roller section. It is obvious, however, that a stationary section could be used in which case the carton stopping roller would, with its frame 36, be moved up and down directly with the carton advancing roller by a linkage connected to the base 48. or the operating arm 55. Also, it should be clear that other operating means besides the solenoid valve and the hydraulic cylinder could-be used. Thus, an air cylinder, electric motor, or a mechanical linkage actuated by the pusher bars may be employed.

It is also obvious that manual spacing may be efiected by providing a manual switch in the circuitof the solenoid coil 72.. This switch could be operated independently of the pusher bars, as desired. Thus, a very wide range of adaptability has been provided in the control circuit of this carton spacing apparatus. Other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are-within the teaching of this invention as defined by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

.What is claimed is:

1. An article spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rear of said device, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means adapted to have a forward portion pivot downwardly from a horizontal plane about an axis situated rearwardly thereof, retractible article advancing roller means, and operating means including a linkage between said stopping means and the pivotable conveyer means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means.

2. An article spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rear ofsaid device, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means adapted to have a forward portion pivot downwardly about an axis situated rearwardly thereof, retractible article'advancing roller means adapted to be pivoted downwardly out of the plane of the conveyer'about an'axis situated forwardly of said roller, and stationary conveyer means situ-.

ated forwardly of said'article advancing roller including an article stop means adapted to stop the movement of cartons when said pivotable conveyer meansis pivoted downwardly. V

3. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means adapted to be pivoted downwardly out of the plane, of the conveyer about an axis situated forwardly of said roller, and stationary conveyer means situated forwardly of said article advancing roller including an article stop means adapted Where it is desired to speed up the feeding of the 8 to stop the movement of cartons when said pivotable conveyer means is pivoted downwardly.

4. Anarticle spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rear of said device, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said-stopping means adapted to have a forward portion pivot downwardly about an *axissituated rearwardly thereof, retractible article advancing roller means adapted to be pivoted downwardly out of the plane of the conveyerabout an axis situated forwardlyof said roller, and stationary conveyer means situated forwardly of said article advancing roller including an article stop means adapted to stop the movement of cartons when said pivotable conveyer means is pivoted downwardly, said stationary conveyer means further including a second'article advancing roller situated forwardly of said last named stop means.

'5. 'An article spacing device for use in an intermediate sectionof a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible ar'ticle'stoppingmeans at the rear of said device, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means adapted to have a forward portion pivot downwardly about an axis situated rearwardly thereof, retractible article advancing roller means adapted to be pivoted downwardly out of the plane of the conveyer about an axis situated forwardly of said roller, stationary conveyer means situated forwardly of said article advancing roller including an article stop means adapted to stop the movement of cartons when said pivotable conveyer means is pivoted downwardly, said stationary conveyer means further including a second article advancing roller situated forwardly of said last named stop means, and an endless conveyer means for moving said articles forwardly along said stationary V conveyer means and supplying driving force to said article advancing rollers.

6. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, downwardly pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, and an endless conveyer having means for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence.

7. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means,v

an endless conveyer having means for moving saidarticles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence onto a stationary roller conveyer, and control means cooperating with said operating means including a solenoid operated valve for controlling the operation of said pivotable conveyer means and said retractible article advancing roller, said control means further including spaced indicating means on said endless conveyer: for e'nergizing zsaid solenoid valve at selected intervals. V

8. An-article spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rearof said device, pivotable conveyer means in advance of said stoppingmeans adapted to'have a forward portion pivot downwardly about an axis situated rearwardly thereof, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, anendless conveyer having means provided with spaced guide elements for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spacedsequcnce, onto a stationary roller conveyer, and control'means adapted tobe actuated by'said guide elements and cooperating with said operating means for controlling the operation of said retractible article stopping means, said pivotable conveyer means and said retractible article advancing roller.

9.. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer,

comprising a retractible article stopping, means, conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, and an endless conveyer having means for moving said article forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence, comprising a preselected number of contacting elements spaced in a predetermined manner about the length of said endless conveyer, each of said contacting elements being adapted to cause the operation of said operating means through a complete cycle when coming in contact with a stationary switch means.

10. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, an endless conveyer having means for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence, comprising a preselected number of contacting elements spaced in a predetermined manner about the length of said endless conveyer, each of said contacting elements being adapted to cause the operation of said operating means through a complete cycle when coming in contact with a stationary switch means, said switch means including a first normally open switch and a second normally closed switch situated in advance of said first switch and spaced therefrom, and said operating means being adapted to be held in an operative condition for the length of time it takes a single contacting element to traverse the distance between said two switches.

11. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, conveyer means in advance of said stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, an endless conveyer having means for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence, comprising a preselected number of contacting elements spaced in a predetermined manner about the length of said endless conveyer, each of said contacting elements being adapted to cause the operation of said operating means through a complete cycle when coming in contact with a stationary switch means, said switch means including a switch having an arm of predetermined length adapted to be depressed by said contacting elements, and said operating means being adapted to be held in an operative condition for the length of time it takes a single contacting element to traverse the length of said arm.

12. An article spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rear of said device, retractible article advancing roller means adapted to be pivoted downwardly out of the plane of the conveyer about an axis situated forwardly of said roller, stationary conveyer means situated forwardly of said article advancing roller, said stationary conveyer means including a second article advancing roller situated forwardly of the first named roller, and an endless conveyer means for moving said articles forwardly along said stationary conveyer means and supplying driving force to said article advancing rollers.

13. An article spacing device for use with a conveyer, comprising a retractible article stopping means, retractible article advancing roller means, conveyer means between said article stopping means and said article advancing roller means with both of said last named means being adapted to be positioned above and below the top surface of said conveyer means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, and an endless conveyer having means for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence.

14. An article spacing device for use in an intermediate section of a conveyer, said device comprising a retractible article stopping means at the rear of said device, re tractible article advancing roller means, operating means for actuating said stopping means and said roller means, an endless conveyer having means provided with spaced guide elements for moving said articles forwardly from said advancing roller in predetermined spaced sequence, onto a stationary roller conveyer, and control means adapted to be actuated by said guide elements and cooperating with said operating means for controlling the operation of said retractible article stopping means and said retractible article advancing roller.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,403,673 Mead July 9, 1946 2,638,203 Mayer May 12, 1953 2,679,919 Koning June 1, 1954

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