The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 29, 1993
William J Garvey, Sweetwater, NJ (US);
Francis J Garvey, Newfield, NJ (US);
David W Bintliff, Tuckerton, NJ (US);
David J Roback, Williamstown, NJ (US);
Garvey Corporation, Blue Anchor, NJ (US);
Abstract
A tray loading apparatus for the efficient loading of cylindrical articles onto trays. The apparatus functions to align cylindrical articles in a staggered manner so as to make the most efficient use of space. As such, a subsequent manufacturing process such as freeze drying is allowed to reach the largest amount of articles per operation, thereby saving time, energy and cost. The apparatus uses a conveyor having a staggering mechanism which includes undulated guides located adjacent the edges of the conveyor. The undulated guides have an edge facing the conveyor surface formed from a plurality of triangular peaks and valleys. At least one of the guides is connected to an oscillating mechanism for assisting the staggering of the articles. A slide plate which moves transversely to the conveyor includes a tray loading section. The tray loading section is adapted to be moved into alignment with the conveyor so as to accumulate the articles therein in the staggered pattern. After filling the tray loading section with the articles, the slide plate is moved with the articles loaded therein to a tray loading position. Trays which are positioned for receiving the articles within the slide plate assembly, are then loaded with the articles having been efficiently arranged. The trays are then removed and the slide plate assembly is returned into alignment with the conveying section.