Abstract:
A method and apparatus for nesting a plurality of containers into a stack having a desired quantity of containers are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container guide, a container hold back, a counter and a shuttle. The container guide includes an input end and output end and provides at least one guide surface adapted to direct the plurality of containers from the input end to the output end. The container hold back is proximate the output end and includes a stop surface actuatable between a first hold back position in which the stop surface engages a frontward most container of the plurality of containers such that successive containers nest within the frontward most container and within each other and a second retracted position. The counter is proximate the input end and is configured to count the plurality of containers moving towards the output end prior to the containers nesting with each other. The shuttle is situated proximate the guide and is configured to engage and push a counted and nested stack of containers toward the output end past the hold back based upon the number of nested containers that have moved past the counter. The method includes the steps of directing a plurality of containers including a first container and a last container in succession, reducing a rate of movement of the first container at a first downstream location causing successive containers to nest with the first container and to nest with one another, counting each of the plurality of containers to produce a container count as the containers move past a second upstream location prior to becoming nested with preceding containers and engaging the last container and pushing the last container and the plurality of containers past the first downstream location in response to the container count equaling a predetermined quantity.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to machines or assemblies for counting and stacking nestable containers. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that accurately and reliably counts nesting containers in a continuous fashion. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Containers are used for containing and storing a wide variety of products. In most cases, such containers are manufactured at a site different from the site where the container is actually filled with the product. In many circumstances, the containers are manufactured, boxed, sold and delivered to a distinct purchaser which fills the containers. To facilitate the packaging and transport of the finished containers, such containers are often nested within one another. At the same time, the containers must be arranged and counted for invoicing and for inventory management. Although the process of nesting and counting such containers has been automated with a variety of different apparatuses, such known apparatuses are prone to undesirable stoppages and provide inaccurate and unreliable container counts. 
     Thus, there is a continuing need for a machine or apparatus that accurately and precisely nests and counts containers in a continuous and efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for nesting a plurality of containers into a stack having a desired quantity of containers are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container guide, a container hold back, a counter and a shuttle. The container guide includes an input end and output end and provides at least one guide surface adapted to direct the plurality of containers from the input end to the output end. The container hold back is proximate the output end and includes a stop surface actuatable between a first hold back position in which the stop surface engages a frontward most container of the plurality of containers such that successive containers nest within the frontward most container and within each other and a second retracted position. The counter is proximate the input end and is configured to count the plurality of containers moving towards the output end prior to the containers nesting with each other. The shuttle is situated proximate the guide and is configured to engage and push a counted and nested stack of containers toward the output end past the hold back based upon the number of nested containers that have moved past the counter. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for nesting a plurality of containers into a stack having a desired quantity of containers. The method includes the steps of directing a plurality of containers including a first container and a last container in succession, reducing a rate of movement of the first container at a first downstream location causing successive containers to nest with the first container and to nest with one another, counting each of the plurality of containers to produce a container count as the containers move past a second upstream location prior to becoming nested with preceding containers and engaging the last container and pushing the last container and the plurality of containers past the first downstream location in response to the container count equaling a predetermined quantity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a container nesting and counting apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary container which may be nested and counted by the apparatus of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus. 
     FIG.  4 . is the top elevational view of the apparatus of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a left end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.  3 . illustrating containers moving past a container break of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 illustrating the containers adjacent the container hold back and the tail lifter of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 taken along lines  8 — 8 . 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic sectional views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating actuation of a shuttle to move containers through the apparatus. 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a kick off assembly in a receiving tray of the apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of container nesting and counting apparatus  10  adapted to nest and count container  12  shown in FIG.  2 . Container  12  generally includes a closed end  14 , an open end  16 , and at least one sidewall  18  defining an interior  19 . Although apparatus  10  is especially suited for nesting and counting non-round containers such as container  12 , apparatus may also be used for nesting and counting round containers as well. 
     Apparatus  10  generally includes container guide  20 , container hold back  22 , tail lifter  23 , container brake  24 , counter  26 , shuttle  28 , kickoff assembly  30 , controller  32  and receiving tray  34 . Container guide  20  provides at least one guide surface  36  adapted to continuously or intermittently engage containers  12  so as to direct containers  12  along a container channel or passageway  38  from an input end  40  to an output end  42 . Input end  40  is positioned proximate a source  44  of manufactured containers  12  which directs manufactured containers  12  into passage  38  of guide  20  as indicated by arrow  46  with an initial velocity towards output end  42  and container hold back  22 . 
     Container hold back  22  is positioned proximate output end  42  and includes a stop surface  48  actuatable between a hold back position and a retracted position. In the hold back position, surface  48  engages a frontward most of the plurality of containers  12  being directed through guide  20  to stop movement of the frontward most container  12 . As a result, successive containers  12  nest with the frontward most container and with each other. In particular, the internal volume or interior  19  of each container  12 , except for the frontward most container  12 , receives the closed end  14  and at least one sidewall  18  of a preceding container  12 . When stop surface  48  is in the retracted position, nesting containers  12  may be moved past containers hold back  22  into kickoff assembly  30  and receiving tray  34 . 
     Tail lifter  23  is positioned between container hold back  22  and input end  40  proximate to hold back  22 . Tail lifter  23  includes a lift surface  49  which extends into engagement with sidewall  18  of container  12 . Lift surface  49  lifts the sides of sidewall  18  of containers  12  to elevate closed end  14  to facilitate nesting of containers  12 . Lift surface  49  of tail lifter  23  is especially advantageous when apparatus  10  is nesting and counting containers with tapering sidewalls such as container  12 . 
     Prior to being stopped by container hold back  22 , containers  12  are braked by container brake  24 . Container brake  24  is located between input end  40  and output end  42  and between input end  40  and container hold back  22 . Container brake  24  includes at least one braking surface  50  adapted to contact containers  12  and allow continued movement of containers  12  towards output end  42  and towards container hold back  22  while braking containers  12  to slow the movement of containers  12  from the initial velocity to a reduced velocity. In the exemplary embodiment, once container brake  24  has sufficiently braked the movement of containers  12 , container brake  24  also urges containers  12  towards container hold back  22  to insure complete and compact nesting of containers  12 . 
     Counter  26 , shuttle  28  and controller  32  cooperate to count and eject a predetermined number of nested containers  12  past output end  42  of container guide  20  to kickoff assembly  30 . Counter  26  counts the number of containers  12  transferred past input end  40  into passage  38  prior to containers  12  becoming nested with one another. Counter  26  generates signals representing the number of containers  12  moving past it and transmits those signals to controller  32  for control of shuttle  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, counter  26  comprises a conventionally known photo eye positioned proximate to input end  40 . Counter  26  may alternatively comprise other sensing devices configured to sense or count movement of containers  12  past a preselected point. Counter  26  may also be positioned in a variety of alternative locations so long as counter  26  is able to count containers  12  prior to containers  12  becoming nested with one another. 
     Shuttle  28  extends adjacent to guide  20  and is configured to engage and push a counted and nested stack of containers  12  towards output end  42  and past container hold back  22  based upon the number of containers  12  that have moved past counter  26  as sensed by counter  26 . Shuttle  28  is electronically coupled to controller  32  so as to receive control signals from controller  32 . In response to such control signals, shuttle  28  actuates between a starting position proximate input end  40  and a finishing position proximate output end  42 . Although less desirable, shuttle  28  may alternatively be directly coupled to counter  26  and be configured to actuate between the starting position and the finishing position in direct response to signals from counter  26 . 
     Once shuttle  28  has been actuated to the finishing position so as to engage and push a counted and nested stack of containers  12  past output end  42  of guide  20  into kickoff assembly  30 , kickoff assembly  30  ejects the stack of containers  12  into receiving tray  34  for packaging or transport to another processing station. Kickoff assembly  30  generally includes container guides  54  and ejector  56 . Kickoff guides  54  engage the stacked and nested containers  12  while guiding their movement from output end  42  to a position adjacent to ejector  56 . Ejector  56  is positioned proximate to kickoff guide  54  and is actuatable between a loading position and an ejecting position. When ejector  56  is in the loading position, stacked and nested containers  12  are loaded adjacent to ejector  56 . During actuation to the ejecting position, ejector  56  engages the stacked series of containers  12  and ejects the stacked series of containers  12  from guides  54  into a holding area such as receiving tray  34  as indicated by arrow  58 . In the exemplary embodiment, ejector  56  is actuated between the loading position and the ejecting position in response to control signals from controller  32 . Alternatively, ejector  56  may actuate between the loading position and the ejecting position in response to manual input from an operator or in response to other sensing devices such as in response to the sensed presence of containers  12  adjacent to ejector  56 . 
     Controller  32  is electrically coupled to counter  26 , shuttle  28 , container brake  24  and ejector  56 . Controller  32  generates control signals which control the speed at which container brake  24  urges containers  12  towards hold back  22 . Controller  32  also generates control signals which control the timing and rate at which ejector  56  ejects containers  12 . Lastly, controller  32  receives signals from counter  26  and, based upon such signals, generates control signals which control the timing at which shuttle  28  actuates between the starting position and the finishing position to move the nesting containers past hold back  22  and past output end  42 . In an alternative embodiment, controller  32  is also configured to control the speed at which shuttle  28  actuates between the starting position and the finishing position. In the exemplary embodiment, controller  32  comprises a conventionally known programmed logic controller including conventionally known control circuits configured to perform such tasks. Alternatively, controller  32  may comprise other control devices such as computer hardware, computer software and the like. In addition, controller  32  may alternatively be configured to control greater or fewer components of apparatus  10 . 
     FIGS. 3-11 illustrate apparatus  10  in greater detail. As best shown by FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 , apparatus  10  additionally includes base  60  and frame  62 . Base  60  supports frame  62  and the remaining components of apparatus  10 . Base  60  further supports shuttle  28  adjacent to frame  62 . In the exemplary embodiment, base  60  cooperates with frame  62  to movably support frame  62  to provide adjustability. Base  60  preferably includes guide rollers  64  and clamp  66 . Guide rollers  64  rollably support frame  62  along rails  68  of frame  62 . As a result, frame  62  may be moved to adjust the relative position of frame  62  relative to shuttle  28  and container source  44 . Clamp  66  comprises a conventionally known clamped position proximate to rail  68 . Upon being rotated, clamp  66  engages an opposite side of rail  68  and presses rail  68  towards guide roller  64  to clamp rail  68  in place in a desired position relative to shuttle  28  and source  44 . Although less desirable, frame  62  may alternatively be fixedly secured to base  60  or may be movably supported relative to base  60  by various other adjustable supporting mechanisms. 
     Frame  62  comprises a base structure for supporting container guide  20 , container hold back  22  and container brake  24 . Frame  62  is movably supported relative to base  60  by a pair of rails  68  received within guide rollers  64 . 
     As best shown by FIGS. 3 and 5, guide surfaces  36  of container guide  20  include an upper most guide surface  69   a  and a lower most guide surface  69   b  provided by a lower guide plate  70  and upper guide plate  72 , respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, guide surfaces  36  also include opposing side guide surfaces  69   c  and  69   d  also provided by plates  70  and  72 . Guide plates  70  and  72  extend opposite one another so as to engage opposite sides of walls  18  of containers  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, guide plates  70  and  72  are elongate arcuate plates which form a substantially enclosed passageway  38 . Plates  70  and  72  are preferably adjustable to accommodate differently sized containers  12 . Plates  70  and  72  are preferably formed from a plastic material, such as LEXAN and are preferably transparent so as to allow visual inspection of containers  12  as containers  12  pass along passageway  38 . Because passage  38  is substantially enclosed, containers  12  more easily move along passage  38  under the initial force of air pressure created by the jets (not shown) of source  44  which blow containers  12  past counter  26  and into container guide  20  as indicated by arrow  46  in FIG.  1 . Although less desirable, container guide  20  may alternatively be provided by a plurality of adjustably positioned rods or bars which extend into engagement with the perimeter portions of containers  12  and which provide upper most and lower most guide surfaces  36 . 
     FIGS. 3-5 and  6  best illustrate container brake  24 . Container brake  24  generally includes upper and lower belt pulleys  78 ,  79  upper brake belt  82 , lower brake belt  84  and drive assembly  86 . Upper and lower belt pulleys  78 ,  79  are rotatably supported by frame  62  above and below passage  38  and are configured to support belts  82  and  84  adjacent to opposite sides of passage  38 . In the exemplary embodiment, apparatus  10  includes three upper pulleys  78  and three lower pulleys  79 . At least one of pulleys  78  and pulley  79  are operably coupled to drive assembly  86 . 
     Upper belt  82  and lower belt  84  extend about upper pulleys  78  and lower pulleys  79 , respectively, and are rotatably driven by drive assembly  86 . As best shown by FIG. 6, upper belt  82  is preferably supported by upper pulleys  78  so as to extend through an opening  90  within upper guide plate  70  and so as to extend below the upper most guide surface  69   a  of plate  70  into engagement with sidewalls  18  and rims  17  of containers  12 . Similarly, lower belt  84  is supported by lower pulleys  79  so as to extend through opening  92  in lower plate  72  above the lower most guide surface  69   b  provided by lower plate  70  so as to engage sidewalls  18  and rims  17  of containers  12 . In particular, each of upper belt  82  and lower belt  84  are preferably spaced apart from one another so as to slightly engage and brake the movement of containers  12  while still permitting the continued movement of containers  12  towards output end  42 . As further shown by FIG. 6, upper brake  82  and lower brake belts  84  are preferably provided with teeth  96  which face output end  42 . As a result, teeth  96  cause containers  12  to ratchet between upper belt  82  and lower belt  84  towards output end  42  during braking. Teeth  96  further enable belts  82  and  84  to catch rims  17  of containers  12  as belts  82 ,  84  are driven by drive assembly  86 . 
     As best shown by FIG. 3, drive assembly  86  generally includes drive pulleys  98 , idler pulleys  100 , drive belt  102  and motor assembly  104 . Drive pulleys  98  are coaxially fixed to one of upper pulleys and one of lower pulleys  79 . Idler pulleys  100  comprise conventionally known idler pulleys rotatably supported by frame  62  so as to maintain drive belt  102  in tension. Drive belt  102  is driven by motor assembly  104  and extends about drive pulleys and idler pulleys  100 . Motor assembly  104  comprises a conventionally known motor assembly having one or more gear reducers coupled to drive belt  102 . Motor assembly  104  drives drive belt  102  which in turn drives drive pulleys  98  to drive upper belt  82  and lower belt  84  in the directions indicated by arrows  106  and  108 , respectively. In lieu of utilizing a belt and pulley system, drive assembly  86  may alternatively utilize chains and sprockets, gear trains or other drive mechanisms configured for being driven by motor assembly  104 . In lieu of utilizing a single motor assembly  104  to drive both upper belt  82  and lower belt  84 , apparatus  10  may alternatively utilize a separate motor and drive assembly for each of upper belt  82  and lower belt  84 . 
     Overall, container brake  24  brakes the movement of containers  12  from container source  44  to a controlled speed to prevent containers  12  from axially moving past container hold back  22 . At the same time, container brake  24  moves and urges any stopped containers  12  further towards container hold back  22  to insure that containers  12  are completely nested within one another for compact packaging or transport. Container brake  24  also allows shuttle  28  to engage and push containers through passage  38  past braking belts  82 ,  84  at a rate faster than the movement of braking belts  82  and  84  and past hold back  22  when a preselected number of containers  12  have passed counter  26 . 
     Although less desirable, container brake  24  may have many other variations. For example, in lieu of having a pair of oppositely positioned belts  82 ,  84 , brake  24  may alternatively utilize a single braking belt or greater than two braking belts. In lieu of extending both above and below containers  12  moving along passage  38 , braking belts  82 ,  84  may extend along left and right sides of such containers. In lieu of having teeth, braking belts  82 ,  84  may omit such teeth and may be flat so as to rely on friction to brake containers  12 . In lieu of continually moving and urging containers  12  towards hold back  22 , belts  82 ,  84  of container brake  24  may alternatively be stationary, yet configured to brake the movement of containers  12  while allowing containers  12  to continue to move at a reduced rate until engaging container hold back  22 . 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate container hold back  22  and tail lifter  23  in greater detail. As best shown by FIG. 7, container hold back  22  includes the stop surface  48  which projects above the lower most guide surface  69   b  provided by lower plate  72  of guide  20 . Stop surface  48  catches or engages rim  17  of a frontward most container  12  to prevent further movement of the frontward most container  12  past stop surface  48 . As a result, successive containers  12  are further stopped by stop surface  48  and nest together with the frontward most container until shuttle  28  engages and pushes a series of nested containers  12  to kickoff assembly  30  or until a sufficient number of containers  12  has nested between stop surface  48  and braking belts  82  and  84  such that belts  82  and  84  drive containers  12  past surface  48  of hold back  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, stop surface  48  is provided by an arm  112  which is pivotally supported about axis  114  for rotation between the hold back position (shown in solid lines) and the retracted position (shown in phantom). As best shown by FIG. 8, arm  112  is resiliently biased to the hold back position by a spring  116 . Spring  116  preferably has an adjustable spring force sufficient so as to maintain arm  112  and stop surface  48  in the hold back position as containers  12  are urged against stop surface  48 . However, spring  116  preferably has a predetermined spring force that allows arm  112  and stop surface  48  to pivot against the biasing force of spring  116  to the retracted position as containers  12  are pushed against stop surface  48  by shuttle  28  or by braking belts  82  and  84 . To facilitate manual actuation of arm  112  of stop surface  48  to the retracted position for manual unloading of containers  12 , container hold back  22  additionally includes an optional retraction arm  120  coupled to arm  112  on an opposite side of axis  114 . Pivotal movement of arm  120  about axis  114  pivots arm  112  to the retracted position as shown in FIG.  7 . 
     Although less desirable, container hold back  22  may have a variety of other alternative configurations and may be actuated between the hold back position and the retracted position by various other means. For example, in lieu of pivoting between the hold back position and the retracted position, stop surface  48  may alternatively reciprocate horizontally or vertically between the two positions, wherein stop surface  48  is resiliently biased towards the hold back position by a spring, a resilient living hinge or other conventionally known resilient biasing structures. In lieu of being resiliently biased to the hold back position wherein stop surface  48  is actuated to the retracted position under the force of containers  12  being pushed by shuttle  28  or belts  82 ,  84 , stop surface  48  may alternatively be actuated both to the hold back position and to the retracted position by rotary, linear, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or mechanical actuators which are under the control of controller  32  or a separate controller so as to actuate surface  48  to the retracted position prior to or as shuttle  28  or belts  82 ,  84  are pushing containers  12  towards output end  42 . 
     As further shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, tail lifter  23  generally includes support arm  124  and lift arm  126 . Support arm  124  extends from support shaft  110  of frame  62  towards input end  40  (shown in FIG.  1 ). Support arm  124  is preferably secured to support shaft  110  in an adjustable fashion for rotational repositioning of support arm  124  about axis  114  to vary the extent at which tail lifting surface lifts containers  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, support arm  124  is angularly secured to shaft  110  by bolts  128 . Removable bolts  128  enables support arm  124  to be rotated about axis  114 , wherein refastening of bolts  128  secures support arm  124  in place in a desired position. 
     Lift arm  126  is a generally V-shaped member extending from support arm  124  towards input end  40  (shown in FIG. 1) below plate  72  and extending towards output end  42  above plate  72  and the lower most guide surface provided by plate  72 . Lift arm  126  provides lift surface  49  which extends above lower most guide surface  69   b  provided by plate  72  to engage a side of containers  12  to elevate the side of containers  12  above the lower most guide surface  69   b.  As shown by FIG. 7, tail lifter  23  engages each of the sides of containers  12  to lift the sides of containers  12  such that closed end  14  is also lifted above lower guide surface  69   b  so as to easily nest within interior  19  of the next succeeding container  12  without catching upon rim  17  of the succeeding container  12 . Tail lifter  23  is especially advantageous when apparatus  10  is nesting and counting containers having tapering sidewalls such as container  12 . 
     As best shown by FIG. 8, lift arm  126  is preferably adjustably supported relative to support arm  124  such that the tail lifting surface  49  may be selectively repositioned between a plurality of positions differently spaced from stop surface  48  of container hold back  22  to accommodate different containers having different angles of taper or having different heights or distances between closed end  14  and open end  16 . In the exemplary embodiment, support arm  124  and lift arm  126  each include the plurality of apertures  130  that enable lift arm  126  to be mounted to support arm  124  at a plurality of locations by aligning different apertures  130  with one another and by securing arm  126  to arm  124  in a desired location with the insertion of bolts  132  through the aligned apertures  130 . As will be appreciated, various other mechanisms may be provided for enabling tail lifting surface  49  to be supported at a plurality of positions relative to stop surface  48 . For example, lift arm  126  may alternatively be telescopically adjustable relative to itself or support arm  124 , may be slidably adjustable or may include multiple segments releasably mountable to one another in an end-to-end overlapping fashion to extend the length of either support arm  124  or lift arm  126 . 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate shuttle  28  in greater detail. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, shuttle  28  engages and pushes a counted and nested stack of containers towards output end  42  past hold back  22  based upon the number of nested containers  12  that have moved past counter  26  as sensed by counter  26 . Shuttle  28  generally includes interrupter bar  140 , interrupter actuator  142  and reciprocating actuator  144 . Interrupter bar  140  comprises an elongate member actuatable in a direction perpendicular to axis  146  of passage  38  between a container engaging position shown in solid in FIG. 9 and a container disengaging position shown in phantom in FIG.  10 . In the container engaging position, bar  140  extends between successive containers  12  to prevent contact between the successive containers  12  and to prevent nesting of the containers  12 . In the container disengaging position, bar  140  is sufficiently withdrawn from passage  38  to allow the successive containers to continue moving towards output end  42  until becoming nested. Interupter bar  140  is coupled to interrupter actuator  142 . 
     Interrupter actuator  142  is coupled to interrupter bar  140  and is, itself, coupled to reciprocating actuator  144  for reciprocating movement between input end  40  and output end  42 . Interrupter actuator  142  actuates bar  140  between the container engaging position and the container disengaging position. In the exemplary embodiment, container actuator  142  comprises a conventionally known pneumatic actuator such as a cylinder piston assembly. Alternatively, reciprocating actuator  142  may comprise other well-known actuators such as hydraulic, cylinder-piston assembly actuators, electrically driven actuators such as electrically driven solenoids or mechanically driven reciprocating actuators such as those using cam and cam follower arrangements. In the exemplary embodiment, interrupter actuator  142  actuates bar  140  between the container engaging position and the container disengaging position in response to control signals from controller  32  (shown in FIG.  1 ). 
     Reciprocating actuator  144  is coupled to interrupting actuator  142  and is configured to move interrupting actuator  142  and bar  140  between input end  40  and output end  42  along axis  148 . In particular, actuator  144  carries or moves interrupter actuator  142  and interrupter bar  140  from input end  40  to output end  42  when interrupter bar  140  is in the container engaging position. Actuator  144  carries or moves interrupter actuator  142  and interrupter bar  140  from output end  42  to input end  40  when interrupter bar  140  is in the container disengaging position. In the exemplary embodiment, reciprocating actuator  144  comprises a conventionally known pneumatic actuator such as a conventionally known pneumatic rodless cylinder. Alternatively, actuator  144  may comprise other well-known actuators or mechanisms for reciprocating along an axis such as hydraulic actuators including pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder-piston assemblies, electrically driven actuators including electrically driven solenoids or mechanical actuators such as those using cam and cam follower arrangements or such as those using endless chains or belts which allow reciprocating movement back and forth along an axis. Reciprocating actuator  144  preferably reciprocates between input end  40  and output end  42  in response to control signals from controller  32  (shown in FIG.  1 ). 
     FIG. 11 illustrates kick off assembly and receiving tray  34  in greater detail. As best shown by FIG. 11, guides  54  of kick off assembly  30  consist of a pair of spaced rods or bars which serve as tracks for guiding movement of nested stack of containers  12  to a position between ejector  56  and receiving tray  34 . Ejector  56  generally includes a push bar  152  and an actuator  154 . Actuator  154  actuates push bar  152  between the positions shown in solid and the position shown in phantom, whereby push bar  152  engages and pushes sides of containers  12  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of guides  54  so as to eject containers  12  from guides  54  in the direction indicated by arrow  156  into receiving tray  34 . After the nested stacks of containers  12  have been ejected into receiving tray  34 , guides  54  are now empty and ready to receive the next stack of nested containers  12 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, actuator  154  comprises a conventionally known pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly. Alternatively, actuator  154  may comprise other well-known reciprocating actuators such as hydraulic cylinder-piston assemblies, electrically driven actuators such as electrically driven solenoids or mechanically driven actuators such as cam and cam follower arrangements and the like. Actuator  154  preferably actuates push bar  152  in response to control signals received from controller  32  (shown in FIG.  1 ). As discussed above, actuator  154  may alternatively actuate push bar  152  in response to other control signals. For example, actuator  154  may actuate push bar  152  in response to signals from sensors to sense the presence of a nested and stacked containers  12  on guides  54  or in response to other signals which would otherwise indicate or correspond to the time at which containers  12  are positioned upon guides  54  and ready for ejection into receiving tray  34 . 
     A more detailed description of the counting and nesting of containers  12  by apparatus  10  follows. After the containers  12  are made, containers  12  are moved past counter  26  (shown in FIGS. 1,  9  and  10 ) preferably under the force of pneumatic jets. Counter  26  counts the number of containers passing by it and generates signals which are sent to controller  32  indicating the number of containers  12  that have passed counter  26 . Once counted, containers  12  continue moving towards output end  42  in the direction indicated by arrow  160  (shown in FIG.  9 ). As shown by FIG. 6, containers  12  continue moving in the direction indicated by arrows  160  past braking belts  82 ,  84  of container brake  24 . As containers  12  move between braking belts  82  and  84 , braking belts  82  and  84  frictionally engage opposite sides of containers  12  to slow the movement of containers  12  in the direction indicated by arrow  160 . Because belts  82  and  84  preferably include teeth facing output end  42 , containers  12  ratchet forward in a direction indicated by arrow  160  towards output end  42 . Depending upon the velocity of containers  12 , containers  12  may pass completely through belts  82  and  84  and continue moving towards output end  42  until reaching stop surface  48  of container hold back  22  shown in FIG.  7 . The tail ends and closed ends  14  of such containers  12  are lifted by tail lifting surface  49  of tail lifter  23 . After a sufficient number of containers  12  have nested within one another, the tail ends or closed ends  14  of the rearward most containers  12  of the nested stack of containers  12  will inherently be raised above the lower most guide surface  69   b  without the need of support from tail lifter  23 . For those containers  12  which do not pass completely through and between braking belts  82  and  84  or which do not become completely nested with preceding containers, braking belts  82  and  84  drive or urge such containers towards output end  42  so as to completely nest with preceding containers  12 . 
     Upon receiving an appropriate signal from counter  26  and upon determining that a preselected desired number of containers  12  have past counter  26 , controller  32  (shown in FIG. 1) causes interrupting actuator  142  to actuate interrupter bar  140  from a container disengaging position proximate input end  40  (position A in FIG. 9) in the direction indicated by arrow  166  to a container engaging position proximate input end  40  (identified with reference B in FIG.  9 ). After actuator  142  is actuated, to move bar  140  to the container engaging position B shown in FIG. 9, controller  32  generates a control signal which causes reciprocating actuator  144  to move bar  140  towards output end  42  in the direction indicated by arrow  168 . During such movement of interrupter bar  140  towards output end  42  by actuator  144 , interrupter bar  140  engages the rearward most container  12  and accelerates the movement and velocity of the rearward most container  12  and all preceding containers  12  such that all containers  12  between interrupter bar  140  and hold back  22  become compactly nested. Continued movement of interrupter bar  140  towards output end  42  by actuator  144  causes a frontward most container  12  between interrupter bar  140  and output end  42  to forcefully pivot hold back  22  in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 7 to the retracted position. As shown by FIG. 10, reciprocating actuator  144  continues to move interrupter bar  140  towards output end  42  in the direction indicated by arrow  172  until reaching the complete eject position D at which point the nested stack of containers  12  have been moved in the direction indicated by arrow  174  on to guides  54  (shown in FIG.  11 ). The nested stack of containers  12  is then ejected into receiving tray  34  by kick off assembly  30  shown in FIG.  11 . 
     Once the counted and nested stack of containers  12  have been pushed out of container guide  20  on to kick off assembly  30  (shown in FIG.  11 ), controller  32  generates control signals which cause interrupting actuator  142  to actuate interrupting bar  140  from the container engaging position D proximate output end  42  to a container disengaging position E in the direction indicated by arrow  176  proximate output end  42 . After interrupter bar  140  has been moved to position E, controller  32  generates a control signal which causes reciprocating actuator  144  to move interrupting actuator  142  and interrupting bar  140  in the direction indicated by arrow  178  from output end  42  to input end  40  and back to container disengaging position A (shown in FIG.  9 ), whereby interrupter bar  140  is ready for the next successive stack of nested and counted containers. 
     As further shown by FIGS. 9 and 10, as interrupter bar  140  moves from the container engaging position B adjacent input end  40  to a container engaging position D adjacent output end  42 , containers  12  continue to be fed into apparatus  10  past counter  26  between bar  140  and input end  40 . Reciprocating actuator  144  preferably moves interrupter bar  140  at a rate sufficient such that interrupter bar  140  does not stop the progression of containers  12  towards output end  42  prior to containers  12  reaching braking belts  82 ,  84 . Upon reaching braking belts  82 ,  84 , containers  12  are further urged towards container hold back  22 . As a result, apparatus  10  counts and nests containers  12  in a continuous, uninterrupted fashion, whereby containers  12  may be continuously fed from source  44 . 
     Although interrupter bar  140  is configured to simultaneously perform two functions: (1) the separation of a rearward most container of a preceding counted stack of containers and a frontward most container of a succeeding to be counted stack of containers and (2) the movement of the preceding counted stack of nested containers past hold back  22  to kick off assembly  30 , such functions may be performed by separate bars or other members. For example, apparatus  10  may alternatively be configured to include a first bar which simply reciprocates between a container engaging position and a container disengaging position to interrupt and separate the rearward most and frontward most containers of successive container stacks and may also be provided with a separate bar or other conveying mechanism that conveys the preceding counted stack of containers past hold back  22  and past output end  42 . 
     Apparatus  10  further enables a nested series or stack of containers  12  larger than the distance between input end  40  and container holder back  22  by allowing the series or stack of the nested containers to extend beyond hold back  22 . In particular, when the number of containers  12  within the stack of nested containers is large enough such that the frontward most container  12  is positioned against hold back  22  and the current rearward most container  12  of the stack is compactly nested and lies against braking belts  82  and  84 , braking belts  82  and  84  will continue to urge the nested stack of containers  12  so as to overcome the biasing force of spring  116  and so as to pivot hold back  22  to the retracted position, allowing the stack of containers  12  to slowly move past hold back  22  towards output end  42 . At the same time, however, the inertia of the stacked containers  12  allows additional containers  12  to continue to nest with the rearward most container  12  of the stack of containers  12  until the stack of containers  12  reaches a desired number of containers  12 . Once the stack of containers  12  reaches the desired number, as sensed by counter  26 , shuttle  28  ejects or pushes the entire stack of nested containers  12  past output end  42  to kick off assembly  30 . 
     Overall, the above-described apparatus  10  accurately and precisely nests and counts round and non-round containers in a continuous and efficient manner. Apparatus  10  also is adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and configurations. The number of containers per stack is adjustable using controller  32 . Because shuttle  28  interrupts the series of containers  12  prior to containers  12  nesting with one another and after the containers  12  have been counted by counter  26 , shuttle  28  projects into a naturally occurring gap when in the container engaging position. As a result, apparatus  10  more reliably counts the stacks of a predetermined number of containers  12 . Braking belts  82 ,  84  assist the movement of containers  12  from input end  40  to output end  42  to thereby eliminate the need for intermediate jets. Hold back  22  enables a nested series of containers  12  larger than the distance between hold back  22  and input end  40  by allowing the series or stack of nested containers  12  to extend beyond hold back  22 . Braking belts  82 ,  84  insure compact nesting for containers  12 . Tail lifter  23  further insures correct nesting of containers  12  having tapered sidewalls. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Because the technology of the present invention is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present invention described with reference to the preferred embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.