Automated apparatus and method for consolidating products for packaging

摘要

The present invention is directed to an automated apparatus for consolidating serial product flow wherein the product flow includes random variations in the flow. The present invention provides a consolidation buffer for receiving the serial products from the production line, and then consolidating random variations in the product flow. The automated robotic handling means then selects a predetermined number and arrangement of product units and transports that number and arrangement to a subsequent packaging station for packaging, sterilization, and final shipment.