Patent ID: 6953113
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
Classification: B65B,B65G

Abstract:
1. A conveyance unit for conveying a group of items received from an upper stream apparatus, comprising: a conveyance apparatus having first and second annular conveyance members that define a conveyance route of the group of items; a first holding mechanism coupled to said first conveyance member, said first holding mechanism having first and second holding members with a predetermined space therebetween such that said first holding mechanism holds the group of items between said first and second holding members; a second holding mechanism coupled to said second conveyance member, said second holding mechanism having third and fourth holding members with a predetermined space therebetween such that said second holding mechanism holds the group of items between said third and fourth holding members; a placing apparatus having a first rear end holding member that is movable toward and away from said conveyance route of the group of items, such that said first rear end holding member holds a rearmost end of the group of items; and a control unit that is operatively coupled to said placing apparatus to control said placing apparatus such that said first rear end holding member moves in synchronization with the placing of items onto said conveyance route, said control unit being further operatively coupled to said conveyance apparatus to independently move said first and second holding mechanisms.