Patent ID: 8220614
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: B65B,B65G

Abstract:
1. An alignment mechanism, comprising at least one drive wheel having a cam slot formed within the outer perimeter of the wheel; and a guide member having at least one cam follower formed to be received within the cam slot and a pair of paddles that extend outwardly from the guide member; wherein the cam follower follows a shape of the cam slot formed within the outer perimeter of the drive wheel as the drive wheel rotates; wherein the guide member extends from the drive wheel outwardly over a conveyor; wherein the guide member moves toward and away from the drive wheel as the cam follower follows the shape of the cam slot; wherein the paddles alternately engage ends of a food product as the cam follower follows the shape of the cam slot and the guide member moves toward and away from the drive wheel; and wherein the shape of the cam slot is zigzagged such that the cam follower follows a zigzagged path.