Packaging apparatus and method

摘要

The present invention comprises a machine for the packaging of goods in a box. A conveyor receives a designated number of goods between a series of successive flights situated on the top surface of the conveyor. The conveyor transports the goods up an incline and then over a steep decline, or waterfall. The waterfall nests the goods on a surface of the lead flight. The waterfall is covered so that the goods do not fall off of the conveyor as it goes over the waterfall. The conveyor then reaches a belt return, wherein the lead flight moves out from underneath the goods and drops the goods into the box. The box is positioned underneath the waterfall to receive the goods by the action of an intermittent conveyor. A sensor is positioned to verify that the queued box has received the goods. If the sensor does not indicate to the second conveyor that the queued box has not received the goods, the intermittent second conveyor will not move the box. After the box has received the goods, the intermittent conveyor moves the box away and queues another box to receive goods.