Indexing apparatus for aligning articles in parallel rolls

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus for aligning articles in parallel rows as the articles are being moved forward on a conveyor in a single row. A plurality of spaced apart dividers are provided for defining parallel lanes into which the articles are to be conveyed. A pivotally mounted guide chute is used for directing the articles into the respective parallel lanes. The guide chute can be readily exchanged for another guide chute by merely disconnecting various quick release mechanisms. A fixed frame member is carried above a conveyor which transports the articles and is used for supporting the guide chute. The guide chute includes a top plate which has a forward end that is pivotally mounted on the fixed frame member. A plurality of stops are carried on the top plate and are spaced apart a predetermined distance corresponding to the spacing between the various parallel lanes. Indexing mechanism is provided for indexing the guide chute between the various lanes. In order to control the flow of articles through the guide chutes to the throat of the lanes, pivotally mounted shoes are carried adjacent the outer end of the space rails forming the guide chute. These shoes, when in a first position, extend the length of the guide rail by means of planar side surfaces. When the shoes are shifted to a second position, a curved trailing surface provided on the shoes enter the path of travel of the articles between the rails, preventing the articles from passing between the rails.