Article grouper for case packer

摘要

Two chain conveyor systems have two sets of grouper pins mounted on flight bars at a predetermined pitch so that the pins move upwardly between articles fed through a common upper run of the chain conveyors. One chain conveyor system is driven at a speed that varies sinusoidally and is synchronized with the speed of the articles. The other chain conveyor system is driven through a differential device so that its pins move at a speed which varies oppositely to the one chain conveyor system. Also disclosed is an improved chain conveyor and outfeed lug conveyor system for such a grouper.