Patent ID: 7650729
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: A22C,B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A packaging system comprising: a clipper; a conveyor mechanism in communication with the clipper, the conveyor mechanism comprising an axially telescoping conveyor with a belt defining a conveying surface having a conveying length configured to reciprocally axially extend and retract; and at least one pair of upwardly extending product guide sidewalls residing at least partially above the conveying surface of the conveyor belt, the at least one pair of product guide sidewalls slidably attached to each other to axially translate substantially in concert with the axially telescoping conveyor between an extended and retracted position, wherein the conveyor belt has a substantially constant length, and wherein the conveyor mechanism comprises opposing receive and discharge ends, wherein the discharge end is substantially axially stationary and the receiving end reciprocally axially translates to extend and retract the conveying length of the belt from a first longer floor length whereby the conveying floor of the belt resides proximate the clipper and a second shorter conveying floor length whereby the conveying floor of the belt is axially spaced apart from the clipper.