Patent ID: 6478139
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
A conveyor system for conveying and aligning pairs of articles having a relatively wide portion and a relatively narrow portion, said conveyor comprising:(a) a pair of substantially parallel conveyors comprising: (1) a first conveyor comprising first dual conveyor bands adapted to engage said relatively wide portion of said first of said articles so as to convey said first of said articles in a forward direction while allowing said relatively narrow portion of said first of said articles to swingably extend therebetween, and a first ramp portion disposed below said first dual conveyor bands and adapted to engage said relatively narrow portion of said first of said articles so that it swings opposite said forward direction as said first of said articles is being conveyed; (2) a second conveyor comprising second dual conveyor bands adapted to engage said relatively wide portion of said second of said articles so as to convey said second of said articles in a forward direction while allowing said relatively narrow portion of said second of said articles to swingably extend therebetween, and a second ramp portion disposed below said second dual conveyor bands and adapted to engage said relatively narrow portion of said second of said articles so that it swings in said forward direction as said first of said articles is being conveyed; and (b) a toggling mechanism adjacent said second conveyor that engages said relatively wide portion of said second article so as to cause said relatively narrow portion of said second of said articles to swing in said forward direction prior to engaging said second ramp portion.