METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SLIP SHEET METERING FOR INDEXING PRODUCT

摘要

Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42) including first and second supports (42A, 42B) each in the form of a thin piece of flexible material. The transfer device (42) is movable between retracted and extended positions extending over a sweep conveyor (22) by securing its trailing and leading ends to flexible belts (106, 206) on opposite longitudinal sides of the sweep conveyor (22). Product is transferred from the second support (42B) to the sweep conveyor (22) and from the first support (42A) to the second support (42B) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52B) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) and by a metering bar (52A) which prevents unmetered product from tipping downstream. A sweep bar (62a) which collects the product on the sweep conveyor (22).