Abstract:
A thermoformed article stack segmenting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a stacked article guide channel, a forward engaging drive finger, a reciprocating actuator and a rearward engaging holding finger. The stacked article guide channel is carried by the frame and configured to receive and guide a stack of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press. The reciprocating actuator is coupled with the finger to drive the finger forward in engagement with one separated stack of articles. The actuator also drives the finger rearward in a retractable state to separate another, successive stack of articles. The rearward engaging holding finger is supported by the frame and is configured to hold the another, successive stack while driving the forward engaging drive finger forward.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for transferring trimmed molded articles from a thermoforming trim press for further processing and/or storage. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for generating segmented stacks of thermoformed articles from a continuous stack of articles leaving a trim press for further processing and/or storage. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Apparatus and methods are known for delivering inter-nested articles from a single row of dies on a thermoforming trim press to a conveyor for further processing and packaging of stacks of the articles. Continuous stacks of inter-nested articles are delivered in a single row onto a table from the adjacent female dies of a thermoforming trim press. However, the provision of a single row of stacked articles means that the male and female cutting dies on the trim press are arranged to cut a single row of articles with each cycle. Therefore, the thermoforming trim press is required to run at a very high cycle speed. For the case of a thermoforming machine that forms eight rows of articles in a single operating cycle, a corresponding trim press has to operate eight cycles for each cycle of the thermoforming machine. Therefore, it is desirable to trim multiple rows of articles with each operating cycle of the trim press, and to separate continuous stacks into segments to facilitate handling and movement. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,212 illustrates one apparatus and method for stacking thermoformed containers from a molding machine. More particularly, molded and punched containers are transferred from a molding machine using stacking magazines. The articles can either be ejected directly into the stacking magazines, or they can be transferred into the stacking magazines disposed in a stacking station. However, a stack cage and a transfer device are used to shuttle accumulated containers from multiple rows of dies on a thermo-molding machine to a transverse ejector. Such an apparatus and method is relatively complex, requiring multiple stack cages that interrupt the continuous stacking of containers in order to shuttle discrete stacks of containers to the transverse ejector. Furthermore, such an apparatus is difficult and time consuming to maintain if a container jambs in the stack cage during use. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, improvements are needed in the manner that thermoformed articles are delivered in continuous sheets from a thermoforming machine to a transfer table for further processing, such as during rim rolling and packaging of cups. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An improved apparatus and method are provided for processing continuous stacks of thermoformed articles being received from a thermoforming trim press for delivery in manageable segments, or discrete stacks, to a processing table for further processing. Using an article stack segmenting apparatus, a continuous stack of thermoformed articles is segmented into discrete stacks for delivery to a conveyor table for further processing and transport. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect, a thermoformed article stack segmenting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a stacked article guide channel, a forward engaging drive finger, a reciprocating actuator and a rearward engaging holding finger. The stacked article guide channel is carried by the frame and configured to receive and guide a stack of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press. The reciprocating actuator is coupled with the finger to drive the finger forward in engagement with one separated stack of articles. The actuator also drives the finger rearward in a retractable state to separate another, successive stack of articles. The rearward engaging holding finger is supported by the frame and is configured to hold the another, successive stack while driving the forward engaging drive finger forward. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view representation of a thermoformed stack segmenting apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the stack segmenting apparatus incorporated into a thermoformed article stack processing apparatus with a stack guiding apparatus and provided downstream of an article thermoforming trim press. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an alternative perspective view taken from an opposite direction of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1  and further illustrating the article stack segmenting apparatus in relation to a segmented stack conveyor table. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the stack segmenting apparatus and stack guiding apparatus of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an exit end view taken from the right relative to the plan view depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a vertical sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a vertical sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a right side view taken from the front relative to the plan view depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged right side view of the stack segmenting apparatus of  Fig. 7 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged component assembly perspective view of a beak rack assembly from the stack segmenting apparatus of  FIGS. 1-8 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a further enlarged partial component view, in breakaway, of one pair of beaks for the beak rack assembly taken from the encircled region  10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a further enlarged partial component view, in breakaway, of the actuator assembly for the beak rack assembly taken from the encircled region  11  of  Fig. 9 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a simplified component left side view of the beak rack assembly of  FIGS. 9-11  showing raised pairs of beaks with a continuous stack of thermoformed cups prior to segmenting the stack with a pick assembly (not shown). 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a simplified component left side view corresponding to that shown in  FIG. 12  after lowering of pairs of beaks to engage with cups prior to segmenting a continuous stack of cups. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged partial plan view of a portion of the beak rack assembly and a pair of corresponding, adjacent pick assemblies. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of the beak rack assembly and the pick assembly for four adjacent stacked article guide channels on the stack segmenting apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of a pivot arm assembly taken from an encircled region  16  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a simplified side view of the pick assembly and beak rack assembly for two adjacent rows, or guide channels, on the stack segmenting apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a simplified partial side view of the beak rack assembly and pick assembly while the pick assembly is being retracted in an upstream direction to begin segmentation of a new stack of cups. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a simplified partial side view taken subsequent in time to  FIG. 18  of the pick assembly and beak rack assembly engaged between two adjacent cups at the initiation of a cup stack segmenting operation. 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a simplified partial side view taken subsequent in time to  FIG. 19  showing separation of a new segment of stacked cups via movement of the pick assembly away from the stationary beak rack assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8). 
         [0029]    Reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment of Applicant&#39;s invention comprising an apparatus for segmenting a continuous stack of thermoformed articles, such as cups, into discrete stacks of articles. While the invention is described by way of a preferred embodiment, it is understood that the description is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment, but is intended to cover alternatives, equivalents, and modifications which may be broader than the embodiment, but which are included within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0030]    In an effort to prevent obscuring the invention at hand, only details germane to implementing the invention will be described in great detail, with presently understood peripheral details being incorporated by reference, as needed, as being presently understood in the art. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates a thermoformed article stack processing apparatus  10  that is coupled with a downstream end of a thermoforming trim press (not shown) and incorporating a stack guiding apparatus  12  and a stack segmenting apparatus  14 , according to one aspect of the present invention. In addition to incorporating stack guiding apparatus  12  and stack segmenting apparatus  14 , article stack processing apparatus  10  also includes a stack conveyor or accumulator  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). Stack guiding apparatus  12  is mounted onto a frame  18  of article stack processing apparatus  10 . A plurality of pivot arms and a pair of laterally spaced-apart slotted adjustment bracket assemblies enable a technician to adjust pitch and entrance height of a ramp  13  on apparatus  12  relative to a female die plate on a trim press (not shown). A downstream end of the ramp  13  merely rests on frame  18  of apparatus  10 , and pivot arms  58  (see  FIGS. 2 ,  8  and  16 ) grip individual baffles  20  on ramp  13 . Arms  58  also pivot as ramp  13  is adjusted to a desired pitch. Each arm  58  has an end slot that interfits over a respective baffle  20  on ramp  13 . Stack segmenting apparatus  14  is also mounted onto frame  22 . Ramp  13  is adjusted to a desirable elevational position relative to a female die plate on a thermoforming trim press using bolts that tighten within slots on a bracket joining to frame  18 . Likewise, frame  18  is rigidly fastened onto a trim press using threaded fasteners (not shown). 
         [0032]    Stack processing apparatus  10  delivers a continuous flow of stacked cups from a trim press through stack guiding apparatus  12  where such continuous flow of stacked cups are segmented via stack segmenting apparatus  14  and delivered and stored onto a stack accumulator, or conveyor table  16  (see  FIG. 2 ) where they are conveyed for further delivery, processing and/or packaging. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , stack segmenting apparatus  14  includes an upper tray assembly  28  that is hydraulically supported atop a support base  30  via four hydraulic cylinders  34 - 37  at a vertically adjustable position using a hydraulic hand pump  41  (see  FIG. 2 ). Tray assembly  28  has a bottom wall  68 , side walls  64  and  66 , and a plurality of divider assemblies  70  that define a plurality of longitudinally extending article, or cup channels  76 . A pair of gas springs  32 ,  33  urge tray assembly  28  downwardly toward base  30  which helps bias tray assembly  28  towards base  30  when hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from cylinders  34 - 37  during hand adjustment via hydraulic hand pump  41  (of  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0034]    Each divider assembly  70  includes a longitudinally extending divider plate  71  that cooperates with an adjacent plate  71  or a side wall  64 ,  66  to define a respective channel  76 . A shuttle frame  42  is supported for movement by a pair of rodless cylinders  38 ,  39  along inside surfaces of end walls  64  and  66 , respectively. Shuttle frame  42  supports components that separate continuous stacks of articles, or cups, that are progressively pushed through respective channels  76  from an output die of a thermoforming trim press (not shown), as delivered via stack guiding apparatus  12 . 
         [0035]    Support base  30  is mounted atop a frame  18  and includes a pair of side plates  72  and  74  (see  FIG. 2 ). Hydraulic cylinders  34 ,  35  and gas spring  32  are mounted onto plate  72 , whereas hydraulic cylinders  36 ,  37  and gas spring  33  are mounted onto plate  74 . Opposite ends of cylinders  34 ,  35  and  36 ,  37  are attached via brackets to end walls  64  and  66 , respectively. Cylinders  34 - 37  are supplied hydraulic fluid via hydraulic hand pump  41  (see  FIG. 2 ). A pair of slots  29  are provided in each side plate  72  and  74  for securing to tray assembly  28  via threaded fasteners  31 . When fasteners  31  are left loose, cylinders  34 - 37  can raise and lower tray assembly  28 . However, a desired position can optionally be locked by tightening bolts  31  and slots  29 , thereby securing the relative position of tray assembly  28  relative to support base  30 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , tray assembly  28  includes a pair of chrome-plated steel cylindrical cross bars  43  and  45  provided respectively along upstream end  20  and downstream end  22 . Each divider assembly  70  includes a linear bearing  47  affixed onto divider  71  at the upstream end  20  and a lockable linear bearing  49  provided at a downstream end  22 . The upstream position of each divider plate  71  is ensured by way of a respective pivot arm provided on the upstream end of plate  71  which interdigitates with a respective top edge on a baffle  24  of ramp  13 . A downstream end of each divider plate  71  is secured into a desirable lateral position by unlocking and locking a respective lockable linear bearing  49  so as to provide a desired and aligned width for each channel, or row  76 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , side plates  64  and  66  are each constructed from aluminum alloy and a bottom wall  68  is constructed of stainless steel sheet metal which is secured along lateral edges to a bottom surface of side wall  64  and  66  via fasteners. Bars  43  and  45  are secured via threaded internal end bores using individual end fasteners that mate with side wall  64  and  66 . The inner surface of each side wall  64  and  66  receives a cam follower guide-type mechanically jointed rodless cylinder  38  and  39 , respectively which are each secured using a plurality of threaded fasteners to side wall  64  and  66  while the cylinders  38  and  39  are used to reciprocate shuttle frame  42  between an upstream position and a downstream position. Movement of shuttle  42  causes corresponding movement of individual separator pick assemblies  50  provided within each channel  76 , causing separation of continuous stacks of thermoformed articles which are ejected from each channel  76  onto a downstream conveyor  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). Each separator pick assembly  50  is pivotably supported for retraction when shuttle frame  42  is moved rearwardly toward an upstream position such that each separator pick rotates upwardly, through contact, to clear a respective stack of cups that were not separated in a previous downstream shuttle operation. 
         [0038]    According to one construction, side plates  72  and  74  are formed from aluminum alloy. Side plates  72  and  74  are secured onto frame  18  where they provide a support base for an adjustably, elevationally supporting tray assembly  28  at desired aligned heights so that bottom wall  68  is presented at a desired elevation for processing and separating of stacks of thermoformed articles, such as cups. 
         [0039]    A stop bar  87  is supported by a pair of pneumatic cylinders  85  at each end for raising and lowering of stop bar  87 . Additionally, a pivot  89  is provided at each end where cylinders  85  attach to tray assembly  28 . Stop bar  87  serves to capture movement of any stray cups. When shuttle  42  is separating and delivering segmented stacks of cups, pneumatic cylinders  85  are raised, elevating stop bar out of the way. However, in the event that cylinders  85  are not properly actuated, pivots  89  enable bar  87  to pivot out of the way as segmented stacks of cups are delivered via shuttle  42  onto an adjacent conveyor table. 
         [0040]    According to one construction, pneumatic cylinders  85  are manufactured by SMC Corporation of 3011 North Franklin Road, Indianapolis, Ind. 46226, manufacturer part number NCGWBN20-0300. Gas spring  32  comprises a gas spring/shock manufactured by ACE Controls International Incorporated (in Delaware USA) of Belvedere Road, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, UK WA12 0JJ, sold under the name ACE PUL type gas spring, manufacturer part number GZ-19-100-AA-270. According to one construction, hydraulic cylinders  34 - 37  each comprise a hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Suspa, Inc. of 3970 Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Drive, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49548-3497, sold under the name Movotec CB hydraulic cylinder, manufacturer part number CB415. According to one construction, rodless cylinders  38  and  39  each comprise a cam follower guide type mechanically jointed rodless cylinder manufactured by SMC Corporation of 3011 N. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, Ind. 46226, manufacturer part number MY1C25G-500LS and having a 25 mm. bore and a 500 mm. stroke. According to one construction, hydraulic hand pump  41  is a hydraulic hand pump manufactured by Suspa, Inc., sold under the name Movotec PB Pump 4 cylinder 150 mm. adjustable with small handle, manufacturer part number PB4809FC2. According to one construction, pneumatic cylinder  84  is an SMC pneumatic cylinder having a ¾ inch bore × ½ inch stroke, manufacturer part no. NCME075-0050 from SMC Corporation of 3011 N. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, Ind. 46226. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the details of pivots  58  are shown such that each divider assembly  70  mates via pivot arm  58  with a respective baffle  24  on stack guiding apparatus  12 . Shuttle frame  42  is shown retracted to an upstream-most position, prior to separating each stack of cups into a new segmented stack for delivery onto conveyor table  16 . Hydraulic cylinders  34 - 37  are in fluid communication via flexible hydraulic fluid lines (not shown) with a hand-cranked hydraulic fluid source  41 . Through hand actuation, fluid can be added to or removed from cylinders  34 - 37  to raise and lower the tray assembly to desired elevational positions. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  further illustrates the orientation of rodless cylinders  38  and  39  on stack segmenting apparatus  14 . Likewise, pivot arms  58  are spring-loaded into engagement with a top edge of each of baffle  24  so as to ensure alignment of respective channels on apparatus  14  with channels on apparatus  12  even when baffles  24  change in height. In this manner, an orderly continuous stream of stacked articles, or cups are received from a trim press into guiding apparatus  12  for delivery into segmenting apparatus  14  where the continuous stack of articles is subdivided into segments or segmented stacks for delivery onto a conveyor table. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4-7  further illustrate the mounting of stack segmenting apparatus  14  and stack guiding apparatus  12  onto a frame  18  which has wheels for facilitating movement during assembly and disassembly. As shown in  FIG. 4 , tray assembly  28  can be elevationally raised and lowered relative to support base  30  and frame  18  in order to achieve a desired elevation for respective channels in tray assembly  28 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates components of stack segmenting apparatus  14  in greater detail. More particularly, shuttle frame  42  of tray assembly  28  is shown retracted to a furthest upstream position. Shuttle frame  42  includes a pair of cross bars  78  and  80 . A pneumatic manifold  44  is mounted onto cross member  80 . A pneumatic hose (not shown) receives a supply of pneumatic fluid from a source, such as a compressor or a pressurized tank, and manifold  44  distributes pressurized air for release via air jets  52  (see  FIGS. 14-15 ). In operation, a blast of pressurized air is delivered between a leading cup that is not being separated and a downstream stack of cups that is being segmented and separated from the continuous stack of cups by delivering a blast of pressurized air onto the first cup that is not being separated and segmented. A timed blast of air during initial separation tends to rearwardly push the leading cup that is not being segmented due to the frustoconical outer surface of the cup receiving a blast of air thereagainst. In operation, it is understood that a beak rack assembly  54  (see  FIG. 9 ) further ensures that adjacent cups that are not desired to be separated in a segment remain with the continuous upstream stack during a segmenting operation. Further details will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 9-13 . Support base  30  is shown rigidly affixed atop frame  18  along with hydraulic source  41 , as well as hydraulic cylinders  36 ,  37  (as well as  34 ,  35 ) and gas spring  33  (and gas spring  34 ). 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows construction details for a beak rack assembly  54  that helps retain rows of stacked cups that are not being separated and segmented from the continuous stacks being delivered from a thermoforming machine. More particularly, beak rack assembly  54  comprises a plurality of individual pairs of beak arms  56  that are aligned for pivotal positioning within respective channels of the tray assembly on the stack segmenting apparatus of  FIGS. 1-8 . Pairs of beak arms  56  are supported in spaced apart relation along a hexagonal shaft  82  that is pivoted between up and down positions via a crank arm  84  using a pneumatic cylinder  86 . Hexagonal shaft  82  is supported within individual bores via a cylindrical bronze bushing  83  supported in each divider plate for each divider assembly  70  (see  FIG. 14 ). Each bushing is sized to receive and support hexagonal shaft  82  for smooth rotation therein. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  illustrates in greater detail the construction of one pair of beak arms  56 . More particularly, a pair of crank arms  90  are rigidly clamped onto shaft  82  using individual threaded fasteners  94 . Crank arms  90  have a complementary hexagonal clamp surface. A cylindrical spacer tube  92  holds beak arms  56  at a desired spaced apart orientation between crank arms  90 . Crank arms  90  also support a drive pin  92 . Drive pin  92  articulates within a respective slot  96  in each beak arm  56 . In this manner, beak arms  56  are not rigidly affixed onto shaft  82 , but provide some rotational “give” so that shaft  82  does not necessarily need to be precisely oriented between raised and lowered positions when gripping cups and releasing cups in a continuous stack. Each end of shaft  82  extends through sidewall  64  and sidewall  66  where it is retained using an end clamp  88  and fastener  94  placed outside the respective sidewall  64  and  66 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  illustrates in greater detail the construction of pneumatic cylinder  86  having a ball joint rod end  100  that rotatably couples with a radial outer end of crank arm  84  to pivot drive shaft  84  when raising and lowering beak arms  56  to release and capture continuous stacks of cups provided upstream of beak arms  56 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show a retracted position for a pneumatic cylinder  86  of beak rack assembly  54 . When retracted, pneumatic cylinder  86  pulls back crank arm  84 , raising beak arms  56  when pin  92  engages of the top edge of arcuate slot  96 .  FIG. 12  illustrates extension of actuator  86  so as to drive crank arm  84  forward when lowering beak arms  56 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  shows pneumatic cylinder  86  in an extended position, wherein crank arm  84  is driven forward so as to lower beak arms  56  into engagement with an un-rolled lip edge on a cup  60  within a continuous stack of cups  62 . Those cups downstream of cup  60  (that is engaged with beak arms  56 ) will be delivered in a segment using the separator pick assembly  50  (of  FIG. 14 ). Those cups upstream of beak arm  56  are retained by beak rack assembly  54  and prevented from moving downstream. 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  illustrates separator pick assembly  50  at a further upstream location prior to moving a segment of cups in a downstream direction, separating them from a continuous stream of cups being delivered in a channel from a thermoforming trim press. Pick plate  51  is shown between a pair of beak arms  56 . 
         [0051]    Pick plate  51  is formed from a single piece of stamped steel that is secured with a threaded fastener  59  and a washer  60  into an aluminum pivot bracket  53 . Bracket  53  is supported for pivotal engagement within a recess  67  on a downstream end of a longitudinal support bar  46  by way of a pivot pin  63 . Slot  65  has a square back surface and pivot bracket  53  has a mating square lowered surface that engages to form a stop  67  that prevents pick plate  51  from rotating more than 90 degrees out of plane from longitudinal support bar  46 . However, pick plate  51  can pivot upwardly which is necessary when moving pick plate  51  from a downstream position toward an upstream position as pick plate  51  needs to clear top lip edges of individual cups in a stack of cups. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , individual air jet assemblies  52  are threaded into a through bore  77  in each longitudinal support bar  46 . Air jet  52  is coupled through a flexible pneumatic hose (not shown) with pneumatic manifold  44 . Air is supplied from a pressurized air source through manifold  44 , flexible pneumatic tubes (not shown), and air jet  52  to downwardly deliver a blast of air between an upstream cup and a downstream cup being separated during the transfer of a segment of stacked cups in a downstream direction. The blast of air acts on the last cup not being segmented and moved, causing the cup to move upwardly into stacked engagement with the remaining stack of cups that are not being transferred and segmented. Meanwhile, continuous stacks of cups are adjoined as a trim press trims more cups into each stack. In this manner, a tendency to leave stray cups in a respective channel is reduced or eliminated. The articulation and action of beak arms  56  further facilitate retention of the upstream cups which further prevents stray cups from dislodging during the separation and segment operation of stacks of cups. 
         [0053]    Each longitudinal support bar  46  is mounted beneath cross bars  78  and  80  using tapped and threaded cylindrical stands or bosses  81 . Threaded fasteners (not shown) engage within opposite ends of each boss  81  to join bar  46  onto a respective one of cross bars  78  and  80 . Optionally, cross bar  78 ,  80 , stand  81  and bar  46  can be welded together. Furthermore, cross bars  78  and  80  are secured to respective end plates with fasteners. Such end plates are then secured onto moving plates provided within each rodless cylinder using threaded fasteners. As shown in  FIGS. 18-20  a top fastener in each stand  81  locks within a receiving groove of each cross bar  78  and  80 , whereas a bottom fastener is received up through a bore in bar  46  (not shown) and into a threaded bore within stand  81 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 15  illustrates in greater detail the orientation of pneumatic cylinder  86 . Pneumatic cylinder  86  mounts through a bore (not shown) provided in a complementary divider plate  71  (see  FIG. 14 ) using a threaded fastener. Pneumatic cylinder  86  is pivotably affixed at an upstream end to raise and lower beak arms  56 . Each beak arm  56  terminates in a sharp finger. Likewise, each pick plate  51  terminates in downwardly extending pair of fingers  73  and a perpendicular ledge  75 . Ledge  75  prevents cups that have engaged with finger  73  from riding in an upward direction during transport in a downstream direction. It is understood that shuttle frame  42  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ) moves longitudinal support bars  46  and separator pick assemblies  50  between upstream and downstream locations during a separation and cup segmenting operation. At the same time, beak arms  56  remain in a single location, but merely rotate between upward and downward pivotal positions to release and engage, respectively, unformed lip edges of cups that are not being separated and segmented until a subsequent cycle operation. 
         [0055]      FIG. 16  illustrates construction details of pivot arm  58 . More particularly, a pair of metal plates  106 ,  107  are secured together with a pair of fasteners. A groove  110  is formed between plates  106  and  107  such that pivot arm  58  is lodged over a top edge of baffle  24  via groove  110 . A stretched coil spring  108  pivotally retains pivot arm  58  securely atop baffle  24  via slot  110 . Pivot arm  58  pivots about a pivot fastener  110  that is provided through a respective divider plate  71 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 17  illustrates beak rack assembly  54  engaged with a lip edge on a cup to prevent all cups upstream of the beak arms on the beak rack assembly from being separated and moved while moving a stack segment in a downstream direction. Meanwhile, shuttle frame  52  is moved from an upstream position identified by reference numeral  42  to a downstream direction identified by reference numeral  42 ′. Each pick plate  51  is moved from a corresponding upstream position identified by reference numeral  51  to a downstream position identified by reference numeral  51 ′. Accordingly, separator pick assembly  50  moves between such upstream and downstream positions. In this manner, beak rack assembly  54  prevents movement of any cups in a continuous stack of cups originating from a thermoforming trim press from being separated with the cups that are being separated and segmented via movement of pick plate  51  in a downstream direction. 
         [0057]    After a segmented stack of cups has been moved in a downstream direction, shuttle frame  42  is moved back to an upstream position, causing each pick plate  51  to pivot upwardly as a rear surface of the pick plate  51  engages on the lip edges of cups until reaching an upstream location. Forward movement of each pick plate  51  causes pick plate to rotate downwardly and engage with a new lip edge so as to initiate separation and segmentation of a new stack of cups in a subsequent cycle operation. Between such cycles, beak arms  56  are raised until it becomes necessary to engage with a new lip edge just before pick plates are engaged to generate a new segmented stack of cups for movement in a downstream direction. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 18-20  illustrate sequential steps in separating a segment of stacked cups and moving the segment of stocked cups in a downstream direction. More particularly,  FIG. 18  illustrates movement of shuttle frame  42  in an upstream direction, causing pick plates  51  to rotate upwardly and bounce along the lip edges of individual cups  16  in a continuous stack of cups  62 . Beak arms  56  are rotated to a raised position so that the stack of cups  62  can be fed in a downstream direction resulting from a trim press driving a stack of cups in a downstream direction as they are trimmed from a web of thermoformed material. 
         [0059]      FIG. 19  illustrates the beginning of a separation cycle, wherein beak arms  56  are lowered via pneumatic cylinder  86  while shuttle frame  42  is in an upstream location, placing pick plates  51  at a coincident location with beak arms  56 . Beak arms  56  are lowered to prevent movement of cups upstream of this location while pick plate  51  is lowered to move all cups downstream of this location to generate a new segment of stacked articles for movement downstream and outwardly to a conveyor table. 
         [0060]      FIG. 20  illustrates beak arms  56  engaged to retain all cups upstream of the separation location, while pick plate  51  locks in a 90 degree orientation relative to the direction of travel so as to move a segment of stacked cups  60  in a downstream direction for delivery onto a conveyor table. 
         [0061]    It is understood that the structural components of stack segmenting apparatus  14  can be constructed from any of a number of suitable materials, such as metals, including steel, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel. 
         [0062]    In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.