Unscrambler-unloader

Abstract

This invention relates to a multistation apparatus for unloading and unscrambling containers from a storage hopper. The apparatus has unloading means for continuously moving containers from the hopper onto a track structure. The track structure is powered so as to move the containers to the various apparatus stations. At the first station a gate is positioned over the track so that only one layer of unloaded containers is able to travel to other subsequent stations. A second station is provided with orientation plates adjacent the track so that containers which are on the track but which do not have their long axis in the direction of container travel will, upon contact with the orientation plates, be turned so that their long axis will lay in the direction of travel. A gate having an opened and closed position is provided at the third station. This third station gate will strike containers which are hooked together at their necks or which are stacked one on top of the other to effect separation between the containers. Further down the track, a fourth station is provided having a gate which opens and closes to intermittently halt the travel of containers at that station. A fifth station is utilized to flip over containers which are traveling with their bottoms facing in a direction opposite the direction of travel. By having their bottoms facing in the direction of travel, the containers, as they fall from the fifth station onto an optional conveyor belt, will land in an upright stable position so that the conveyor belt can carry them onto subsequent decorating apparatuses or to loading stations.