Apparatus for processing biscuits or the like

摘要

Apparatus for treating biscuits which are discharged from an oven in the form of several rows has a discrete conveyor system for each row of biscuits. The biscuits of each row are converted into blocks each consisting of several arrayed biscuits, and such blocks are confined in wrapping material on their way to variable-output packing machines, one at the discharge end of each conveyor system, and each provided with turrets which convert blanks into containers for one or more wrapped blocks of biscuits and fill the containers. If a packing machine breaks down, the blocks on or in the respective conveyor system are transferred onto or into the other conveyor systems, and the output of packing machines at the discharge ends of the other conveyor systems is increased. Facilities are provided for temporary storage of blocks when the rate at which one or more conveyor systems deliver blocks to the respective packing machines exceeds the capacity of such machines. The storage facilities are filled prior to transfer of blocks from that conveyor system whose discharge end is adjacent to an idle packing machine. The contents of storage facilities are returned onto the respective conveyor systems as soon as the temporarily arrested packing machine is restarted.