Automatic repacking and accumulation system

Abstract

A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles () from an article supply source (). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (), a first article dimension () extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension () extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set () which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package. In additional aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a metering of the articles, and the inputting of the articles can include a dispensing of the articles () with a rotating, metering drum (). In still further aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a delivering of the articles onto a guide surface, and the delivering of the articles can include a laying of the articles onto a directing slide (), which may be inclined.