Patent ID: 6247577
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: A24C,B65G

Abstract:
Apparatus for transferring successive commodities of a file of elongated commodities having an oval cross-sectional outline with a major axis and a minor axis from a first path wherein the commodities are advanced lengthwise and their minor axes are initially at least substantially vertical into a second path wherein the successively transferred commodities move sideways and their minor axes are at least initially at least substantially horizontal, comprising:means for advancing successive commodities of the file along the first path and for simultaneously changing the orientation of the minor axes by x times 90.degree., wherein x is a whole odd number so that, upon reaching a predetermined portion of said first path, the minor axes of successive commodities are at least substantially horizontal; andmeans for delivering successive reoriented commodities from said predetermined portion of said first path into a preselected portion of said second path, including means for moving the commodities lengthwise with their minor axes remaining at least substantially horizontal.