Patent ID: 7959401

Claim:
A tortilla transfer apparatus comprising: a tortilla accumulating device extendable between a retracted position and an extended position, the accumulating device comprising: a first plurality of vertical members having a first gap formed between adjacent vertical members; an elevating table adjacent the accumulating device and extendable between a raised position and a lowered position, the elevating table comprising: a second plurality of vertical members having a second gap formed between adjacent vertical members; a vacuum conveyor disposed above the elevating table near the raised position of the elevating table, the vacuum conveyor comprising: a continuous belt disposed around at least two end rollers, said belt having a lower portion disposed above tortillas and moving longitudinally in a direction of movement of the tortillas; and a plurality of vents formed in the continuous belt; a vacuum system in fluid communication with the plurality of vents and operable to generate a vacuum with airflow through one or more of the vents into a vacuum suction plate disposed above the lower portion of the belt; and a receiving conveyor having a portion disposed below at least a portion of the vacuum conveyor and adapted to receive tortillas released from the vacuum conveyor; wherein the first plurality of vertical members of the accumulating device are aligned with the second gaps of the elevating table, wherein the second plurality of vertical members of the elevating table are aligned with the first gaps of the accumulating device, and wherein the first plurality of vertical members and the second plurality of vertical members intermesh when the tortilla accumulating device is in the extended position and the elevating table is in the lowered position.