Retractable transfer device metering apparatus and methods

摘要

Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor ( 12 ) unto a transfer plate ( 32 ) and a transfer device ( 42 ). The transfer device ( 42 ) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor ( 22 ). In a preferred form, the transfer device ( 42 ) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor ( 22 ) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller ( 46 ). Product is transferred from the transfer device ( 42 ) to the sweep conveyor ( 22 ) as the transfer device ( 42 ) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar ( 52 ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor ( 22 ) to match the meter conveyor ( 12 ) until the product group leaves the transfer device ( 42 ). With nested product, the leading edge of the transfer device ( 42 ) is scalloped to represent the product bottom leading edge.