Patent ID: 9598245
Date: 2017-03-21
CPC Classifications: B65B,B65G

Claim:
1. Transfer ( 34 ) unit for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles ( 10 ) between at least two adjacent modules ( 12 , 14 , 30 ) whilst substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles ( 16 ) constituting the group or layer of articles ( 10 ), comprising: a horizontal support surface ( 24 ) for the layer of articles ( 10 ) that is connected to the transfer unit ( 34 ); at least one first bar ( 46 ) or push bar coupled to a first drive system, the at least one first bar ( 46 ) or push bar positioned to touch the articles from behind in a conveyance or transfer direction, the first drive system comprising a first electric motor, the first drive system configured to cause the at least one first bar ( 46 ) to horizontally move the layer of articles ( 10 ) to an adjacent module ( 14 , 30 ) via a transfer having a constant speed phase whereby the layer of articles ( 10 ) are moved at a constant speed and a deceleration phase whereby the layer of articles ( 10 ) are slowed to a stop; and at least one second bar ( 40 ) or support bar coupled to a second drive system comprising a second electric motor that can be controlled independently of the first drive system, the at least one second bar ( 40 ) or support bar positioned to contact the front of the layer of articles ( 10 ) during the constant speed phase of the transfer, wherein the second drive system is configured to separate the at least one second bar ( 40 ) or support bar from the front of the layer of articles ( 10 ) during the deceleration phase of the layer of articles ( 10 ), after the deceleration of the layer of articles ( 10 ) has commenced and prior to the stop of the layer of articles ( 10 ).