Abstract:
Noncircular articles are fed in a single line on a primary conveyor, and a pair of take away conveyors are provided on either side thereof for receiving articles diverted from the primary conveyor. A pair of pocket chain conveyors have facing runs traveling downstream at a slightly slower speed than that of the primary and take away conveyors. U-shaped pockets are mounted at staggered locations on these pocket chain conveyors, and move inwardly to releasably grip the articles to be diverted, and once an article has been so gripped these pockets move outwardly to divert the article onto an associated take away conveyor. An article-stripping bar acts on the article so diverted, releasing it from the U-shaped pocket, which pocket then travels upstream for diverting another article. With two take away conveyors, every third article is allowed to pass between the pocket chain conveyors and three discrete lanes of articles are provided.