Patent ID: 8167530
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A method of loading product into a magazine, comprising: advancing a paddle follower to track a trailing product item in the magazine, wherein the product is advanced into a consuming device by the magazine; applying sufficient pressure against the trailing product item, with the paddle follower, to keep the trailing product item upright and leaning in a direction of product movement; tracking movement of the paddle follower with a first encoder; tracking movement of the magazine with a second encoder; advancing the paddle follower synchronously with the second encoder as product is consumed; moving an EOAT (end of arm tool), carrying additional product to be loaded into the magazine, synchronously with the paddle follower according to the first encoder prior to retraction of the paddle follower; retracting the paddle follower from the trailing product item; moving the EOAT synchronously with the magazine according to the second encoder after retraction of the paddle follower; loading the additional product into the magazine with an EOAT; and advancing the paddle follower to contact a new trailing product item.