Patent ID: 6578614
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: B65B,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for advancing and uniting first and second components into respective single items, comprising:a first stationary slide plate having an end; a second stationary slide plate; a first conveyor for supplying the first components in a series to the second stationary slide plate; said first conveyor having a discharge end; feeding device for supplying the second components in a series to the first stationary slide plate; a second conveyor adjoining said discharge end of said first conveyor; said second conveyor having a direction of motion along a working track; a plurality of first carriers mounted on said second conveyor for receiving a respective first component from said first conveyor at said discharge end thereof and for pushing said first components along the second stationary slide plate; a plurality of second carriers mounted on said second conveyor for receiving a respective second component from said feeding device by passing over said first stationary slide plate and for pushing said second components along the first stationary slide plate; said second carriers being paired with respective said first carriers for advancing respective first components and respective second components together and in alignment with one another, each second component being paired with a respective first component adjacent the end of the first stationary slide plate; and combining means for uniting said first component with said respective second component during advancement of said first and second components by said second conveyor, wherein the combining means comprises a plurality of pressing devices, each of said pressing devices including a vertically displaceable plunger separate from said first and second carriers, said combining means further comprising a vacuum source, wherein said plunger has a lower end for contacting the second component pushed by said second carrier and having a channel having a first end open at said lower end and a second end communicating with said vacuum source during downward motion of said plunger for accurately guiding the second component.