Patent ID: 6381925
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping with an apparatus comprising a rotatable body including a receiving area positioned on a peripheral surface of said body and extending lengthwise along said body for receiving a plurality of objects from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position, and compression members adjacent said rotatable body for forming a compressed grouping at a transfer position, and a transfer conveyor for transporting said compressed grouping away from said transfer position, said method comprising the steps of:a. receiving a plurality of objects from said infeed conveyor into said receiving area at said receiving position; b. rotating said rotatable body to said transfer position; c. compressing said objects together from opposite sides of the rotatable body between said compression members to form a compressed grouping; d. pausing said rotation of said rotatable body when said receiving area having said plurality of objects reaches said transfer position; e. positioning a capturing element of said transfer conveyor immediately behind an end object from said receiving area when said objects arrive at said transfer position; and f. transporting said compressed grouping away from said transfer position during said pausing of the rotation of said rotatable body.