Patent ID: 8678170
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A device for dividing a single file of products into at least two files, comprising: a main conveyor transporting the single file of products; a first outfeed conveyor having an infeed end and a second outfeed conveyor having an infeed end, the first and second outfeed conveyors transporting the at least two files of products; a linking mechanism interposed between the main conveyor and at least one of the infeed ends of the outfeed conveyors, movable between an active configuration of supporting and transferring the products and an inactive configuration of disengagement from the products; wherein the infeed end of the first outfeed conveyor and the infeed end of the second outfeed conveyor are positioned at different heights, and the linking mechanism is interposed between the main conveyor and an uppermost one of the infeed ends; wherein the linking mechanism comprises two belt conveyors looped around end rollers turning on vertical axes, and combining to create a channel by which the main conveyor is connected to the uppermost one of the infeed ends; wherein an outer surface of at least one of the belt conveyors includes, along a portion of predetermined length, a mechanism for gripping the products when the mechanism for gripping the products passes along the channel; wherein the main conveyor includes an end portion that moves from a first position adjacent the infeed end of the first outfeed conveyor to a second position adjacent the infeed end of the second outfeed conveyor.