Metering drum for an automatic accumulation system

摘要

A method and apparatus ( 20 ) for accumulating articles ( 28 ) can include a dispensing of the articles with a rotating, metering drum ( 40 ) for movement to a first conveyor ( 50 ). The metering drum ( 40 ) has an entry end ( 86 ) and an exit end ( 88 ), and in a particular aspect, the metering drum ( 40 ) can be configured such that a rotation of the metering drum overcomes a static friction which would inhibit a movement of the articles ( 28 ) downstream through the metering drum. In another aspect the metering drum ( 40 ) can include at least one lug member ( 90 ) which is positioned and attached inside the metering drum at the exit end ( 88 ) of the metering drum. In further aspects, a ramp member ( 43 ) can be configured to extend an operative distance into the volume of the metering drum, and can be spaced away from an inside wall surface of the metering drum by a selected offset distance.