Separator system and method for separating groups of product for separate processing

A separator system includes a conveyance assembly and one or more blocking components. The conveyance assembly moves a leading group of product and a trailing group of product along a feed direction toward a packaging system to separately package the leading group of product into a first container and the trailing group of product into a second container. The one or more blocking components are disposed upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction. The one or more blocking components stop movement of the trailing group of product upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction while allowing the leading group of product to move toward the packaging system.

BACKGROUND

A product and method relating to the batch manufacturing of products comprising multiple sequential operations is disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A product and method relating to the batch manufacturing of products comprising multiple sequential operations is disclosed herein, wherein a reduction of the delay between various batches is disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presently described subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “comprises,” “including,” “includes,” “having,” or “has” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

One or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein provide systems and methods for separating groups of products from each other after labeling the product with a stamp, indicia, or other marking but prior to separately packaging the groups of product. The different groups may be separately packaged by placing each group into a different container, such as a different box. The stamp, indicia, or other marking is referred to herein as a label that is applied or printed onto the product. In one aspect, a separator system is provided that separates different batches of products (such as boxes of cigarettes) from each other after attaching stamps (such as tax stamps) to the products, but prior to packaging the different batches in boxes or other containers. The different groups of product can be fed along a conveyance mechanism from a labeling system toward a packing system that packages the groups of product into different boxes or other containers. A separation device is disposed between the different groups of product and is moved toward the separation system by the conveyance assembly. As the conveyance assembly moves the different groups of product segregated from each other by the separation device, the separator system engages the separation device so that a leading group of product on one side of the separation device is able to continue to be moved toward the packaging system.

A different, trailing group of product on the opposite side of the separation device is prevented from moving toward the packaging system by the engagement between the separation device and the conveyance assembly. When the leading group of product has been packaged by the packaging system and/or removed from the packaging system, the separator system may eject the separation device from the path of the trailing group of product. The ejected separation device may then no longer block movement of the trailing group of product such that the conveyance assembly moves the trailing group of product toward the packaging system. The trailing group of product is then packaged by the packaging system. One or more additional separator devices may be disposed between the trailing group of product and one or more additional groups of product so that the additional separator devices can block the additional groups of product while the trailing group of product is packaged, similar to as described above. For example, the systems and methods described herein can be used as a continuous process where several groups of product can be separated from each other and packaged in a continual manner. In one embodiment, a first leading group of product is packaged before a first trailing group of product. The first trailing group of product also may be a second leading group of product relative to another, second trailing group of product. The first leading group of product is packaged first, followed by the first trailing group/the second leading group of product, followed by the second trailing group and any other additional groups.

In one embodiment, the separation device can be placed between the different orders prior to the orders being placed into a processing system that processes the different groups of product. For example, the separation device can be positioned between the leading group of product and the trailing group of product before the groups are loaded into the labeling system. A sensing device (e.g., a sensor) can detect the presence of the separation device before the labeling system labels the separation device and direct the labeling system to not label the separation device. For example, an electromagnetic sensor can detect a magnetic or other marker or object connected or imbedded in the separation device, an optical sensor can optically detect the separation device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter can electromagnetically detect an RFID tag on or in the separation device, and the like, before the separation device is labeled by the labeling system. The labeling system may then label the leading group of product, skip labeling the separation device (and/or skip otherwise processing the separation device, such as by avoiding opening the separation device and/or closing the separation device as would otherwise be done to label the product), and then label the trailing group of product.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of one embodiment of a separator system100. The separator system100is shown as being disposed above a conveyance assembly102. The conveyance assembly102moves the groups of product along a feed direction104below the separator system100. The conveyance assembly .102moves the product from an entry end106of the conveyance assembly102to an exit end108of the conveyance assembly102. The product may be loaded onto the conveyance assembly102at the entry end106and the groups of product may be loaded into a packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) at the exit end108. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyance assembly102includes a substantially planar surface112with a conveyor114(e.g., a conveyor belt) disposed over the surface. The conveyor114may be coupled to a motor or other actuator that moves the conveyor114relative to the surface112in order to transport the product along the feed direction104. Alternatively, one or more other mechanisms may be used to move the product along the feed direction104. The conveyor114may continuously move relative to the surface112.

A separation device110is disposed between the different groups of products that move below the separator system100by the conveyance assembly102. The separation device110may be placed between the different groups of product when the product is loaded onto the conveyance assembly102at the entry end106of the conveyance assembly102. The separation device110moves with the groups of product toward the separator system100. Although not shown inFIG. 1, one or more blocking components208(shown inFIG. 2) may be coupled with and/or disposed near the conveyance assembly102such that the blocking components208engage the separation device110(or a trailing group of product, as described below) when the separation device110(or the trailing group of product) moves toward a processing system, such as toward a packaging system. The blocking components208contact the separation device110(or trailing group of product) so that the separation device110(or trailing group of product) is prevented from continued movement in the feed direction104. The conveyor114of the conveyance assembly102may continue to move along the feed direction104.

The continued movement of the conveyance assembly102with the separation device110prevented from moving by the blocking components208allows the group of products on a leading side116of the separation device110(e.g., a leading group of product) to continue moving toward a packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) while the group of products on an opposite trailing side118of the separation device110(e.g., the trailing group of product) remains stationary. The leading side116of the separation device110includes the side of the separation device110that faces the exit end108of the conveyance assembly102. The group of product on the leading side116of the separation device110is disposed between the separation device110and the exit end108of the conveyance assembly102. The trailing side118of the separation device110includes the side of the separation device110that is opposite of the leading side116and that faces the entry end106of the conveyance assembly102.

FIGS. 2 through 5are schematic views of the separation device110operating to separate different groups200,202of product204from each other in accordance with one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the product204represents boxes of tobacco products arranged in cartons, such as boxes of cigarettes in cartons, Alternatively, the product204may include a different object or thing that is labeled by the labeling system and packaged by the packaging system206. Each of the groups200,202of product204may include one or more sets of the product204, such as one or more cartons of cigarette boxes. The group200is referred to as the trailing group200because the group200is on the trailing side118of the separation device110relative to the feed direction104of the conveyance assembly102. The group202of product204is referred to as the leading group202because group202is on the leading side116of the separation device110relative to the feed direction104of the conveyance assembly102.

In operation, the groups200,202of product204and the separation device110travel as a moving set in the feed direction104toward the packaging system206(schematically shown inFIGS. 2 through 5). When the separation device110approaches the blocking components208of the conveyance assembly102, the blocking components208actuate to engage the separation device110. The blocking components208are shown in dashed lines inFIG. 2to represent the blocking components208in a retracted state. The blocking components208may be bodies, such as pins, blocks, or other shapes, that retract into the conveyance assembly102below the surface112of the conveyance assembly102and extend out of the conveyance assembly102above the surface112. The blocking components208are shown in the conveyance assembly102on opposite sides of the conveyor114. When retracted, the blocking components208allow the product204and separation device110to pass over the blocking components208toward the packaging system206. The blocking components208remain retracted to allow the leading group202to pass over the blocking components208, but actuate to extend out and engage the separation device110.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate one embodiment the blocking components208in an extended state to engage the separation device110. When the leading group202of product204has passed or substantially passed the blocking components208of the conveyance assembly102, the blocking components208may extend from the surface112of the conveyance assembly102to engage the separation device110. By “passed or substantially passed,” it is meant that the leading group202of product204has moved sufficiently far in the feed direction104that extending the blocking components208up from the surface112of the conveyance assembly102to engage the separation device110does not stop the leading group202of product204from continuing to move in the feed direction104, For example, the blocking components208may extend and partially lift part of the leading group202of product204such that the leading group202of product204is not blocked from continued movement in the feed direction104and lowers back onto the conveyor114once the leading group202of product204has passed the blocking components208. The blocking components208are shown in dashed lines inFIG. 3even though the blocking components208are extend upward from the surface112of the conveyance assembly102because the extended blocking components208are disposed beneath the leading group202of product204in the illustrated embodiment.

Once the blocking components208have extended upward, the leading group202of product204continues to be moved toward the packaging system206while the blocking components208engage the leading side116of the separation device110, as shown inFIG. 4. For example, the blocking components208are located upstream of the packaging system206along the feed direction104such that the blocking components208allow the leading group202to continue moving while movement of the trailing group200is stopped. The engagement between the blocking components208and the separation device110prevents the separation device110from continuing to move in the feed direction104. This engagement also prevents the trailing group200of product204from moving in the feed direction104toward the packaging system206. The conveyor114of the conveyance assembly102may move relative to and beneath the separation device110and the trailing group200of product204while the conveyor114moves (but does not move relative to) the leading group202of product204. For example, the conveyor114may continue to move at a constant or approximately constant speed to move the groups200,202of product204until the groups200,202of product204are stopped from continued movement by a stationary separation device110, the blocking components208, the end of the conveyor114, and the like. Alternatively, the separation device110may include one or more recesses (not shown) that are disposed within the thickness of the separation device110(e.g., between the leading side116and the trailing side118) that accept the extended blocking components208when the separation device110is disposed over the blocking components208. These recesses can accept the blocking components208to prevent further movement of the separation device110in the feed direction104.

In another embodiment, instead of the blocking components208engaging the separation device110, the blocking components208may directly engage the trailing group200of product204. For example, the blocking components208may extend to engage a leading side of the trailing group200of product204(e.g., the side of the trailing group200that engages, abuts, or faces the trailing side118of the separation device110). The engagement between the blocking components208and the trailing group200of product204blocks movement of the trailing group200of product204until the leading group202of product204is packaged (or almost finished packaging) by the packing system206. The blocking components208may then retract to allow the trailing group200of product204to move toward the packaging system206.

Alternatively, the blocking components208may be disposed outside of the path of travel of the groups200,202of product204, but still within the path of travel of the separation device110, so that the blocking components208engage and stop movement of the separation device110while allowing the product204to continue moving. For example, the separation device110may be wider than the groups200,202of product204, in contrast to the same or similar widths of the separation device110and groups200,202shown inFIGS. 2 through 5. The blocking components208may be stationary devices (e.g., static components that do not extend or retract) that are separated from each other by a distance that is wider than the width of the groups200,202of product204, but narrower than the width of the separation device110. When the leading group202of product204approaches the blocking components208, the leading group202may continue moving between the blocking components208. When the separation device110moves toward the blocking components208, the blocking components208may engage the separation device110to arrest further movement of the separation device110toward the packaging system206. As described below, the separation device110may then be ejected from the path of travel of the trailing group200of product204. The trailing group200of product204may then move between the stationary blocking components208toward the packaging system206.

FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of movement of the trailing group200of product204moving toward the packaging system206after the separation device110is removed. After the leading group202of product204has moved from the conveyance assembly112into the packaging system206, the blocking components208may continue to prevent the conveyance of trailing group200toward packaging system206while the leading group202of product204is being processed by the packaging system206. The conveyance assembly112may continue to move the conveyor114in the feed direction104, with the separation device110and the trailing group200of product204held in place by the blocking components208. Alternatively, the separation device110may be ejected from the path of travel of the trailing group200of product204in the feed direction104(as described below) so that the trailing group200is engaged by and prevented from continued movement toward the packaging system206by the blocking components208. For example, after engaging the separation device110, the separation device110may be removed from the conveyance assembly112so that the trailing group200of product204moves to and engages the extended blocking components208. The processing of the leading group202of product204by the packaging system206may involve the placing of the product204in the leading group202into a container (such as a box) closing or sealing the container, and/or the removal of the container with the leading group202of product204from the packaging system206. For example, the blocking components208may continue to hold the separation device110and/or the trailing group200of product204in place to prevent the trailing group200from moving toward the packaging system206until the leading group202of product204has passed through, or been purged from, the packaging system206.

When the leading group202of product204has been purged from the packaging system206, the separation device110can be removed in order to allow the trailing group200of product204to return to being moved toward the packaging system206by the conveyance assembly112, as shown inFIG. 5. Alternatively, the separation device110may be removed before the leading group202of product204has been fully purged from the packaging system206. For example, the separation device110may be removed when the leading group202of product204is only partially packaged, but not removed until a time that is sufficiently late to allow the leading group202of product204to be packaged before the trailing group200of product204is received into the packaging system206. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking components208may retract back into the conveyance assembly112to allow the trailing group200to pass. The trailing group200of product204may then travel to and be processed by the packaging system206. As described above, additional separation devices110and groups200,202of product204may follow the trailing group200of product204shown inFIG. 2 through 5. Each separation device110can allow a leading group202to be processed and purged from the packaging system206while the other groups200of product204are prevented from moving toward the packaging system206. As each separation device110is removed, the next trailing group200of product204may return to moving toward the packaging system206.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a sensing assembly600of the separator system100. The sensing assembly600may be provided in the separator system100to determine when the separation device110is approaching or will approach the blocking components208of the conveyance assembly102. The sensing assembly600includes a sensor602that detects when the separation device110passes the sensor602. In one embodiment, the separation device110includes a sensory target604that is detected by the sensor602as the separation device110is moved past the sensor602by the conveyance assembly102. Alternatively, the sensor602may detect when one or more of the groups200,202of product204move past the sensor602. For example, the sensor602may sense when the leading group202of product204moves by the sensor602by detecting a sensory target604on the leading group202of product204. Sensing the sensory target604on the leading group202of product204may be used in an embodiment where the separation device110is not used to separate the leading group202from the trailing group200, For example, in an embodiment where the blocking components208actuate to directly engage the trailing group200of product204(as described above), the sensor602may be used to determine when the leading group202will move by the blocking components208and/or when the trailing group200will arrive at the blocking components208in order to actuate the blocking components208at a time that results in the movement of the trailing group200of product204being blocked while the leading group202of product204continues to move.

The sensor602can include one or more of a variety of systems, assemblies, devices, or components that detect the presence of the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204. As one example, the sensor602may include a Hall effect sensor that detects an external magnetic field generated by a magnet included in the sensory target604of the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204. Alternatively, the sensor602may include a transmitter, such as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, that emits electromagnetic waves and the sensory target604may include a receiver, such as an RF identification (RFID) tag, that is detected by the sensor602. In another embodiment, the sensor602may include a camera and the sensory target604may include one or more indicia on an exterior surface of the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204that are visually identified by the sensor602. The preceding examples are provided as only some of the sensor602and sensory target604combinations that may be used to determine when the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204is approaching the blocking components208. Other systems, assemblies, devices, or components may be used. Alternatively, the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204may not include the sensory target604. For example, the sensor602may be capable of detecting passage of the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204by the sensor602without the sensory target604(such as by visually identifying the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204with a camera).

When the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204passes by the sensor602, the sensor602may report detection of the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204to a control unit606of the separator system100. For example, the sensor602may generate an electric output signal that is communicated to the control unit606by one or more wired and/or wireless communication pathways. The control unit606can include one or more logic-based devices, such as a processor, controller, or other device that operates based on one or more sets of instructions that are stored on a tangible and computer-readable storage medium and/or hard-wired into the logic of the control unit606. The control unit606receives the output signal from the sensor602and determines when the separation device110and/or the trailing group200of product204will reach the blocking components208of the conveyance assembly102. In one embodiment, a distance along the feed direction104between the sensor602and the blocking components208and the speed at which the conveyance assembly102moves the separation device110and/or one or more of the groups200,202of product204in the feed direction is known or monitored such that the control unit606can calculate when the separation device110and/or the trailing group200of product204will arrive at the blocking components208.

The control unit606may then direct the blocking components208to extend from the conveyance assembly102, as described above, to engage the separation device110or the trailing group200of product204when the separation device110or trailing group200of product204arrives at the blocking components208. For example, the blocking components208may be coupled with actuators (such as pneumatic or electrically controlled actuators) that are controlled by the control unit606to extend or retract the blocking components208. While the blocking components208are shown as extending and retracting in vertical directions (e.g., rising and lowering), alternatively, the blocking components208may extend and retract in horizontal or lateral directions, such as from opposing sides of the conveyor114.

In one embodiment, the control unit606may interface with the packaging system206to determine when the leading group200of product204has been processed (e.g., purged) from the packaging system206. For example, the packaging system206may communicate an output signal to the control unit606via a wired and/or wireless communication link that indicates when the product204in the leading group200has been packaged and/or removed from the packaging system206. Alternatively, the packaging system206may communicate the output signal to notify the control unit606when the leading group200of product204will be purged but prior to the actual purging of the product204. In another embodiment, an operator of the packaging system206may direct the packaging system206to generate the output signal when the leading group202of product204is purged. Based on the output signal, the control unit606may determine when to eject the separation device110from the conveyance assembly102. For example, the control unit606may calculate when the separation device110can be removed from the conveyance assembly102such that the separation device110does not block movement of the trailing group200of product204from moving toward the packaging system206and the separation device110does not move toward the packaging system206.

FIG. 14is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a sensing assembly1400of the separator system100. The sensing assembly1400may be similar to the sensing assembly600(shown inFIG. 6). For example, the sensing assembly1400may detect the presence of the separation device110. The sensing assembly1400may be used to detect when the separation device110is between the leading group202and trailing group200of product204before the groups202,204and separation device110are processed by the labeling system1200. For example, the sensing assembly1400may be positioned upstream of the labeling system1200along a direction of travel of the groups200,202and the separation device110, and/or within the labeling system1200so that the sensing assembly1400detects the presence of the separation device110before the labeling system1200attempts to process the separation device110similar to the groups200,202of product204. For example, the sensing assembly1400may sense the presence of the separation device110and prevent the labeling system1200from attempting to open the separation device110, label the separation device110, close the separation device110, and the like, as the labeling system1200would otherwise do to the groups200,202of product204. The separation device110may then be fed through the labeling system1200similar to the groups200,202of product204with the labeling system1200processing (e.g., opening, labeling, and/or closing) the groups200,202of product204, but skipping the processing of the separation device110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensing assembly1400is communicatively coupled (e.g., by one or more wired and/or wireless communication links) to a control unit1402. The control unit1402may be the same control unit as the control unit606shown inFIG. 6or may be a different control unit. The sensing assembly1400generates an output signal for communication to the control unit1402to notify the control unit1402when the separation device110is approaching the labeling system1200. The control unit1402may be communicatively coupled with the labeling system1200so that the control unit1402can instruct or control the labeling system1200to process the groups200,202of product204, but not the separation device110, as described above.

FIGS. 7 through 9are perspective views of the separator system100ejecting the separation device110from the conveyance assembly102in accordance with one embodiment. The separator system100includes an ejection assembly700that moves the separation device110from the conveyance assembly102and out of the way of the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) so that the trailing group200can continue to be moved toward the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2), as described above. The ejection assembly700includes a guide702and an engagement arm704that moves along the guide702. The guide702is disposed above and separated from the conveyance assembly102by risers708disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor114in the illustrated embodiment.

The guide702is an elongated body disposed transverse to the feed direction104and/or the direction of elongation of the conveyor114of the conveyance assembly102. For example, the guide702may be elongated in a direction that is perpendicular to the feed direction104or is obliquely angled with respect to the feed direction104. The engagement arm704is coupled with the guide702and can move along the length of the guide702such that the engagement arm704laterally moves over the conveyance assembly102, as shown inFIGS. 7 through 11. For example, the guide702may include a rod, channel, or other body that the engagement arm704is slidably coupled with such that the engagement arm704can move back and forth along the length of the guide702.

InFIG. 7, prior to ejecting the separation device110, the engagement arm704is oriented downward (e.g., toward the conveyance assembly102). When the separation device110is to be removed from the conveyance assembly102, the engagement arm704moves along the length of the guide702. For example, the engagement arm704may laterally move from the position shown inFIG. 7across the feed direction104and conveyor114. As the engagement arm704laterally moves, the engagement an704contacts the separation device110and laterally pushes the separation device110, as shown inFIG. 8. The engagement between the arm704and the separation device110and the lateral movement of the engagement arm704moves the separation device110in a lateral direction800(shown inFIG. 8).

The engagement arm704may continue to move the separation device110in the lateral direction800until the separation device110is removed from the conveyance assembly102. For example, the engagement arm704can push the separation device110off of the surface112of the conveyance assembly102and into a holding tray706, as shown inFIG. 9. The holding tray706is a receptacle that can hold one or more of the separation devices110that are ejected for later use. Once the separation device110is ejected from the conveyance assembly102, the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) can continue to be moved by the conveyance assembly102toward the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2), as described above.

In another embodiment, instead of laterally pushing the separation device110off of the conveyance assembly102, the ejection assembly700may otherwise move the separation device110out of the direction of travel of the trailing group200of product204along the conveyance assembly102. For example, the ejection assembly700may lift the separation device110so that the trailing group200can continue moving toward the packaging system206.

FIGS. 10 and 11are perspective views of one embodiment of the ejection assembly700returning to a starting position. The ejection assembly700can return to the position shown inFIG. 7after ejecting the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) from the conveyance assembly102. The engagement arm704may rotate toward the guide702in order to provide additional clearance between the ejection assembly700and the conveyance assembly102. This additional clearance may be used to prevent the engagement arm704from coming into contact with the product204(shown inFIG. 2) as the product204moves between the guide702and the conveyance assembly102, Alternatively, the engagement arm704may be disposed sufficiently far from the conveyance assembly102and the product204that the engagement arm704does not need to move away from the conveyance assembly102and product204to avoid contact with the product204. The engagement arm704then moves along the guide702to the position shown inFIG. 7. If the engagement arm704rotated or moved toward the guide702, the engagement arm704may rotate or move away from the guide702to prepare for ejecting another separation device110from the conveyance assembly102, as shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of one embodiment of the separator system100coupled with a labeling system1200and the packaging system206. The separator system100is disposed between the labeling system1200, which applies the stamps, labels, or other indicia on the product204(shown inFIG. 2), and the packaging system206, which packages the product204into one or more containers, as described above After labeling, an operator may place the separation device110between the different groups200,202. Alternatively; the separation device110may autonomously be placed between the different groups200,202. The separation device110may be placed between the groups200, .202in order to separate product204that is different from each other, such as by being provided by different manufacturers or producers, being different brand named products, being different products that are to receive different labels from the labeling system206, and the like.

The separator system100allows the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) to proceed along the conveyance assembly102to the packaging system206while the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204is held in place, as described above. Once the packaging system206has purged the leading group202, the separator system100removes the separation device110to allow the trailing group200of product204to proceed to the packaging system206, also as described above.

FIG. 13is a flowchart of a method1300for separating groups of products to be separately processed in accordance with one embodiment. The method1300may be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the separator system100(shown inFIG. 1), the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2), and/or the conveyance assembly102(shown inFIG. 1) described above. For example, the method1300may be used to separate different groups of product that are to be separately packaged after being labeled.

At1302, a separation device is disposed between different groups of product. For example, the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) may be placed between the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) and the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204. The separation device110may be manually or automatically placed between the groups200,202.

At1304, the groups of product and the separation device are moved toward a processing system. For example, the groups200,202(shown inFIG. 2) and the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) are moved by the conveyance assembly102(shown inFIG. 1) toward the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) for packaging.

At1306, a determination is made as to whether the separation device has passed or is approaching blocking components of the conveyance assembly. For example, the sensing assembly600(shown inFIG. 6) may determine if the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) is approaching the blocking components208(shown inFIG. 2). If the separation device110is approaching the blocking components208, then the separation device110may need to be blocked from continued movement to allow the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) to be packaged by the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) before allowing the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) to continue moving toward the packaging system206. As a result, flow of the method1300may proceed to1308. Alternatively, if the separation device110is not yet approaching the blocking components208, then the separation device110may not need to be blocked from continued movement and the groups200,202and the separation device110can be allowed to continue moving toward the packaging system206. As a result, flow of the method1300may return to1304to continue moving the groups200,202and the separation device110.

At1308, continued movement of the separation device is blocked in order to allow the leading group of product to continue toward the processing system. For example, the blocking components208(shown inFIG. 2) may engage the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) to stop movement of the separation device110and the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2), while allowing the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) to continue moving toward the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2).

At1310, the product in the leading group is processed by the processing system. For example, the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) may package the product204(shown inFIG. 2) of the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) into one or more containers for shipping or sale, while the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) is held back from the packaging system206by the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1).

At1312, a determination is made as to whether the leading group of product has been purged from the processing system. For example, a determination may be made as to whether the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) has completed packaging of the product204(shown inFIG. 2) in the leading group202(shown inFIG. 2) and the leading group202of product204has been removed from the packaging system206. If the leading group202has been purged from the packaging system206, then the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204may now be allowed to move into and be packaged by the packaging system206. As a result, flow of the method1300may proceed to1314. Alternatively, if the leading group202has not been purged from the packaging system206(e.g., the leading group202is still being packaged or has not yet been cleared or removed from the packaging system206), then the trailing group200of product204may not yet be allowed to move into and be packaged by the packaging system206. As a result, flow of the method1300may return to1308, where the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) continues to block movement of the trailing group200of product204toward the packaging system206.

At1314, the separation device is removed to allow the trailing group of product to move toward the processing system. For example, the separation device110(shown inFIG. 1) may be ejected from the direction of travel of the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) along the feed direction104(shown inFIG. 1). Once the separation device110is ejected, the trailing group200can return to moving toward the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2).

At1316, the trailing group of product is processed by the processing system. For example, the trailing group200(shown inFIG. 2) of product204(shown inFIG. 2) may enter into and be packaged by the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2). In one embodiment, flow of the method1300may return to1304where there are additional trailing groups of product and additional separation devices separating the groups from each other, as described above.

While the discussion herein focuses on the separation of different groups of product for separate packaging, alternatively, the groups may be separated for other types of processing. For example, the different groups may be separated from each other for separate labeling, separate quality control or examination, separate types of processing of the product, and the like. For example, the packaging system206(shown inFIG. 2) alternatively may be a processing system that separately performs processing other than packaging on the different groups of product.