| 主权项 |
1. An apparatus for loading articles into packing cases, said apparatus comprising:
an infeed conveyor configured to convey articles onto a grid unit in a plurality of side-by-side lanes, wherein the grid unit is configured to selectively release a charge of articles such that each article drops downward, wherein the grid unit comprises a plurality of finger guides arranged in sets, wherein sets of finger guides are arranged in adjacent rows configured such that each article drops downward through a chute defined by a set of finger guides, wherein each set of finger guides comprises a stationary finger guide configured in a generally vertical position and a movable finger guide that can be moved into an open position to allow an article to drop through the chute or into a closed position, wherein the movable finger guide is positioned at an acute angle to the stationary guide when in the closed position, and a lift platform configured to lift one or more packing cases upward such that the finger guides of each set of finger guides are inserted into an upward facing opening in the one or more packing cases when each movable finger guide is in the closed position. |
