Shock absorbant single filer

Abstract

The multiple rows of containers are brought into an alignment zone, arranged in nested relationship, merged into an equilateral triangular configuration with mutually touching side edges in a nesting section within the alignment zone and accelerated into a high pressure buffer section of the alignment zone where they are separated from each other and converged into single file. The buffer section eliminates the possibility of transmission of upstream forces through the single file apparatus due to engagement of the single file containers by downstream equipment. In one embodiment, the imperforate sidewalls in the buffer section slope downwardly away from an imperforate top cover to provide gradual relief of air pressure within the buffer section. In another embodiment, the imperforate sidewalls have an upper edge which is contiguous with a top cover which is in the form of a plenum having rows of jet openings positioned above the jet openings in the air table. The imperforate sidewalls extend downstream to a point where the air buffer zone is less than two container diameters in width. The containers provide a self-valving action wherein the most downstream container moves away from the imperforate sidewall on one side and relieves the air pressure so that the next upstream container moves downstream. In another embodiment, the top cover is imperforate except for the downstream end which has a plurality of rows of apertures for gradually relieving the static pressure as the containers sequentially pass the apertures.