Disc type pattern maker and method

Claim 2

Pattern forming apparatus for assembling food products, such as packaged loaves of bread, in a predetermined array, comprising: longitudinally extending conveying means for conveying products in a path of travel and in a predetermined orientation; product turning means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning said products through at least a partial revolution so as to reorient said products; means adjacent said conveying means for moving said articles from said cOnveying means to said product turning means comprising a pair of longitudinally disposed, end-to-end transfer means selectively movable to move selected ones of said products from said conveying means onto said product turning means; and means for selectively moving one or both of said pair of product transfer means to move selected ones of said products from said conveying means onto said product turning means.

Claim 3

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveying means comprises a longitudinally extending conveyor extending along only one side of said product turning means, said pair of transfer means compriseS a pair of end-to-end pusher means, and means mounting said pair of end-to-end pusher means for movement in a lateral path to sweep said products from said conveyor onto said product turning means.

Claim 4

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for selectively moving said pair of product transfer means comprises means for moving one of said pusher means individually to move at least one product from said conveying means to said turning means, and means for then simultaneously moving said pair of pusher means to move a plurality of products from said conveying means into abutting relation with said one product moved onto said turning means.

Claim 5

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said article turning means comprises a rotatable turntable, and means for selectively rotating said turntable through 90* or 180* to reorient said products.

Claim 6

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including a product guide member pivotally movable from a generally transversely extending guide position in juxtaposition with said turning means to a removed, inoperative position out of the path of the products moving through said partial revolution on said turning means.

Claim 7

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said end-to-end transfer means comprises a pair of relatively movable pusher members which are longitudinally adjustable relative to each other to selectively span selected ones of said products on said conveying means.

Claim 8

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including sweep means for moving the products off said turning means.

Claim 9

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping products, such as packaged bread loaves, into predetermined patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying a series of products in a longitudinal path; product turning means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning them through at least a partial revolution to reorient said products relative to their former position on said conveying means; means for laterally transferring a first portion of said products from said conveying means to said product turning means; means for selectively turning said product turning means to reorient the transferred portion relative to its former position on said conveying means; and means for laterally transferring a second portion of said products from said conveying means to a position on said turning means adjacent, and in a common plane with, the reoriented first portion to form a grouping of products in a predetermined common plane pattern.

Claim 10

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping products, such as packaged bread loaves, into predetermined patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying a series of products in a longitudinal path; product turning means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning them through at least a partial revolution to reorient said products relative to their former position on said conveying means; means for laterally transferring a first portion of said products from said conveying means to said product turning means; means for selectively turning said product turning means to reorient the transferred portion relative to its former position on said conveying means; and means for laterally transferring a second portion of said products from said conveying means to a position on said turning means adjacent, and in a common plane with, the reoriented first portion to form a grouping of products in a predetermined common plane pattern.

Claim 11

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said turning means comprises a rotatable turntable, and said means for selectively turning said product turning means includes means for selectively rotating said turntable 90* or 180*.

Claim 12

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said conveying means includes means for moving at least a part of said second portion forwardly to occupy space vacated by said first portion of said products prior to transfer of said second portion to said turning means.

Claim 13

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said product turning means comprises a rotatable turntable; said means for turning said product turning means comprises means for rotating said turntable 180* to turn the transferred products of said first portion end-for-end; a discharge station; and means for sweeping the group of products transferred to said turntable from said turntable to a discharge station.

Claim 14

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said turning means comprises a rotatable turntable and said means for selectively turning said product turning means includes means for turning said turntable 90* to turn the transferred products of said first portion crosswisely relative to their previous position on said conveying means to form a group of prOducts in a predetermined pattern.

Claim 15

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 12 including means for transferring a third portion of products from said conveying means into abutting relation with the transferred products of said second portion on said turning means to form a group of products in a predetermined pattern.

Claim 16

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for transferring said first portion of said products comprises means for transferring at least one product endwisely onto said turntable and then transferring at least a second product endwisely into end-to-end relation with said one product positioned on said turntable; said means for selectively turning said product turning means includes means for turning said first and second products to a position crosswisely of their positions on said conveying means; said means for transferring said second portion includes means for laterally transferring a plurality of said products endwisely from said transfer station to a position adjacent said first and second turned products to group the products in a predetermined pattern; a discharge station; and means for sweeping the group of transferred products from said turntable to said discharge station.

Claim 17

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves into patterns, comprising: product support means for supporting a longitudinally extending row of individual products in side-by-side relation; product turning means for receiving said products from said product support means and turning them through a partial revolution in a turning path; transfer means for transferring a portion of said products endwisely from said product support means to said product turning means; guide means movable from an inoperative position to a transversely extending guiding position in juxtaposition with said turning means for guiding the products being pushed endwisely onto said turning means; means for selectively operating said turning means to turn products supported thereon; and means for moving said guide means between said guiding position and said inoperative position out of the turning path of said products on said turning means to permit the products thereon to move in said turning path.

Claim 18

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves into patterns, comprising: product support means for supporting a longitudinally extending row of individual products in side-by-side relation; product turning means for receiving said products from said product support means and turning them through a partial revolution in a turning path; transfer means for transferring a portion of said products endwisely from said product support means to said product turning means; guide means movable from an inoperative position to a transversely extending guiding position in juxtaposition with said turning means for guiding the products being pushed endwisely onto said turning means; means for selectively operating said turning means to turn products supported thereon; and means for moving said guide means between said guiding position and said inoperative position out of the turning path of said products on said turning means to permit the products thereon to move in said turning path.

Claim 19

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 15 including a discharge station and means for sweepng the transferred products from said turning means to a discharge station.

Claim 20

Pattern forming apparatus for assembling food products, such as packaged loaves of bread, in a predetermined array, comprising: product turning means for turning products positioned thereon in a predetermined orientation through a partial revolution to reorient the products; product support means for supporting a series of longitudinally disposed products adjacent said turning means; means for moving said longitudinally disposed products from said support means to said product turning means and including first and second pusher means longitudinally disposed in end-to-end relation and movable in transversely extending paths to selectively move selected portions of said products on said conveying means to said turning means; each of said pusher means including pusher members which are longitudinally adjustable so as to selectively span selected, differing ones of said products positioned on said support means.

Claim 21

Pattern forming apparatus for assembling food products, such as packaged loaves of bread, in a predetermined array, comprising: product turning means for turning products positioned thereon in a predetermined orientation through a partial revolution to reorient the products; product support means for supporting a series of longitudinally disposed products adjacent said turning means; means for moving said longitudinally disposed products from said support means to said product turning means and including first and second pusher means longitudinally disposed in end-to-end relation and movable in transversely extending paths to selectively move selected portions of said products on said conveying means to said turning means; each of said pusher means including pusher members which are longitudinally adjustable so as to selectively span selected, differing ones of said products positioned on said support means.

Claim 24

The method of claim 18 wherein the turning of said first portion is accomplished by turning the products of said first portion end-for-end.

Claim 25

The method of claim 19 wherein the moving of said second portion is accomplished by moving one group of said products transversely into abutting relation with said first portion and then moving another group of said products into abutting relation with said one group.

Claim 26

The method of claim 18 wherein the turning of said first portion is accomplished by turning product of said first portion crosswisely relative to their position at said transfer station and wherein the moving of said second portion is accomplished by moving one group of products endwisely from said transfer station into abutting relation with said crosswisely turned products.

Claim 27

The method of claim 21 wherein the moving of said second portion includes moving another group of products from said transfer station into abutting relation with said one group of products.

Claim 28

The method of claim 18 wherein the moving of said first portion is accomplished by moving one of said products transversely from said transfer station, moving another one of said products into the position vacated by said one product; then moving said other one of said products transversely into end-to-end abutting relation with said one product.

Claim 29

The method of claim 23 wherein the turning of said first portion is accomplished by turning the products positioned in end-to-end relation to a position crosswise to their orientation at said transfer station, and wherein the moving of said second portion is accomplished by moving a group of products endwisely from said transfer station into abutting relation with said crosswisely extending products.

Claim 30

The method of claim 24 wherein the moving of said second portion includes longitudinally moving at least a part of said group of products into the space vacated by the first group of transferred products and then transversely moving said group of products into abutting relation with the product of said first group.

Claim 31

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves, into patterns comprising: conveying means for successively forwardly moving a plurality of longitudinally proceeding products, having a predetermined orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; transversely movable means for moving a first portion of said products transversely from said conveying means; turning means for receiving said first portion and turning it through a partial revolution so as to reorient said first portion relative to its former position on said conveying means; said conveying means including means for moving a second portion of said products immediately following said first portion forwardly so that at least a part of the products of said second portion occupies space on said conveying means vacated by said first portion; and means for transversely moving said second portion from said transfer station to a position adjacent, and in a common plane with, the turned first portion while maintaining the orientation of said second portion the same as its orientation at said transfer station to form a common plane pattern of grouped products.

Claim 32

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves, into patterns comprising: conveying means for successively forwardly moving a plurality of longitudinally proceeding products, having a predetermined orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; transversely movable means for moving a first portion of said products transversely from said conveying means; turning means for receiving said first portion and turning it through a partial revolution so as to reorient said first portion relative to its former position on said conveying means; said conveying means including means for moving a second portion of said products immediately following said first portion forwardly so that at least a part of the products of said second portion occupies space on said conveying means vacated by said first portion; and means for transversely moving said second portion from said transfer station to a position adjacent, and in a common plane with, the turned first portion while maintaining the orientation of said second portion the same as its orientation at said transfer station to form a common plane pattern of grouped products.

Claim 33

Apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into selected ones of a plurality of different patterns, comprising: means for successively conveying a plurality of products in a longitudinal path to a transfer station; means responsive to the positioning of products at said transfer station for selectively halting the flow of products on said conveying means; rotatable means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning them relative to their former position at said transfer station; first and second pusher means for puShing the halted products from said conveying means to said turning means; first and second drive control means for selectively driving said first and second pusher means; third drive control means for selectively driving said turning means; control circuit means adapted to be connected to a source of power and including first, second and third actuating means selectively energizable for selectively coupling said first, second and third drive control means to said first and second pusher means and said turning means, respectively, and selector switch means for selecting the sequence in which said first, second and thrid actuating means are energized from a number of possible sequences.

Claim 34

Apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into selected ones of a plurality of different patterns, comprising: means for successively conveying a plurality of products in a longitudinal path to a transfer station; means responsive to the positioning of products at said transfer station for selectively halting the flow of products on said conveying means; rotatable means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning them relative to their former position at said transfer station; first and second pusher means for puShing the halted products from said conveying means to said turning means; first and second drive control means for selectively driving said first and second pusher means; third drive control means for selectively driving said turning means; control circuit means adapted to be connected to a source of power and including first, second and third actuating means selectively energizable for selectively coupling said first, second and third drive control means to said first and second pusher means and said turning means, respectively, and selector switch means for selecting the sequence in which said first, second and thrid actuating means are energized from a number of possible sequences.

Claim 37

Pattern forming apparatus for selectively grouping products into any one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for conveying products in a longitudinal path; turning means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning the received products through a partial revolution; first and second transfer means for transferring products from said conveying means to said turning means; and control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power and comprising: first drive control means for selectively causing said first transfer means to be driven; second drive control means for selectively causing said second transfer means to be driven when the first transfer means is driven; third drive control means for selectively causing said turning means to be driven when at least one of said first and said second transfer means have been driven to transfer products to said turning means; and selector switch means connected in circuit with said first and second drive control means for selectively connecting said first and second drive control means with said power source to selectively operate said first drive control means individually for individually driving said first transfer means to transfer products to said turning means and to selectively operate said first and second drive control means simultaneously to simultaneously drive said first and second transfer means to transfer products from said conveying means to said turning means; said selector switch means including means for selectively connecting said third drive control means with said source of power to selectively operate said third drive control means for selectively driving said turning means after said first transfer means individually, or first and second transfer means collectively, have transferred products thereto.

Claim 38

Pattern forming apparatus for selectively grouping products into any one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for conveying products in a longitudinal path; turning means for receiving products from said conveying means and turning the received products through a partial revolution; first and second transfer means for transferring products from said conveying means to said turning means; and control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power and comprising: first drive control means for selectively causing said first transfer means to be driven; second drive control means for selectively causing said second transfer means to be driven when the first transfer means is driven; third drive control means for selectively causing said turning means to be driven when at least one of said first and said second transfer means have been driven to transfer products to said turning means; and selector switch means connected in circuit with said first and second drive control means for selectively connecting said first and second drive control means with said power source to selectively operate said first drive control means individually for individually driving said first transfer means to transfer products to said turning means and to selectively operate said first and second drive control means simultaneously to simultaneously drive said first and second transfer means to transfer products from said conveying means to said turning means; said selector switch means including means for selectively connecting said third drive control means with said source of power to selectively operate said third drive control means for selectively driving said turning means after said first transfer means individually, or first and second transfer means collectively, have transferred products thereto.

Claim 39

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 29 wherein said control circuit includes logic circuit means connected in circuit with said selector switch means for controlling the sequence in which said first, second and third drive control means are connected with said source of power to selectively operate said first drive control means individually to drive said first transfer means to deliver at least one of said products to said turning means and then to operate said first and second drive control means simultaneously to deliver a first group of products to said turning means after said drive control means operates to turn said one product moved to the turning means by said first transfer means.

Claim 40

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said logic circuit means includes means for selectively continuing to operate said first drive control means to drive said transfer means to deliver at least a second one of said products to said turning means prior to the simultaneous operation of said first and second drive control means.

Claim 41

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein said logic circuit means includes means for selectively continuing to operate said first and second drive means simultaneously after said first group of products has been delivered to deliver a second group of products to said turning means.

Claim 42

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves, into a predetermined array comprising: means for successively conveying products, having a predetermined orientation, forwardly in a longitudinal path of travel to a transfer station; means for moving a first portion of said products transversely from said transfer station and turning it substantially 180 degrees in such a manner that the turned portion is in generally end-for-end opposing relation to its former position on said conveying means; and means for transversely moving a second portion of products from said conveying means to a position adjacent said first portion while maintaining the orientation of the second portion the same as its orientation on said conveying means.

Claim 43

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as packaged bread loaves, into a predetermined array comprising: means for successively conveying products, having a predetermined orientation, forwardly in a longitudinal path of travel to a transfer station; means for moving a first portion of said products transversely from said transfer station and turning it substantially 180 degrees in such a manner that the turned portion is in generally end-for-end opposing relation to its former position on said conveying means; and means for transversely moving a second portion of products from said conveying means to a position adjacent said first portion while maintaining the orientation of the second portion the same as its orientation on said conveying means.

Claim 44

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into a selected pattern of a plurality of different patterns comprising: means for successively conveying a line of products in a longitudinal path of travel; control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power; means connected in said control circuit means for moving the products from the conveying means and grouping the products into at least two adjacent rows disposed in a common plane; and means connected in said control circuit means with said moving and grouping means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in said pattern by said grouping means; said moving and grouping means including rotatable turning means connected in said control circuit for selectively turning the product in at least one of said rows to reorient product in said one row relative to the orientation of product in another row.

Claim 45

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into a selected pattern of a plurality of different patterns comprising: means for successively conveying a line of products in a longitudinal path of travel; control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power; means connected in said control circuit means for moving the products from the conveying means and grouping the products into at least two adjacent rows disposed in a common plane; and means connected in said control circuit means with said moving and grouping means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in said pattern by said grouping means; said moving and grouping means including rotatable turning means connected in said control circuit for selectively turning the product in at least one of said rows to reorient product in said one row relative to the orientation of product in another row.

Claim 46

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 34 wherein said turning means includes first drive means connected in said circuit means for selectively rotating said rotatable means.

Claim 47

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 35 wherein said moving and grouping means includes transversely movable transfer means for transferring products from said conveying means to said turning means, and second drive means connected in said circuit means for selectively driving said transfer means to move products from said conveying means to said turning means.

Claim 48

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 36 wherein said transfer means comprises first and second individually movable pusher members for selectively transferring products from said conveying means to said turning means; said second drive means including first and second drive members selectively operable to selectively operate said first and second pusher members individually or simultaneously.

Claim 51

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: conveying means for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel and sequentially transferring said first and second portions therefrom; and turntable means alongside said conveying means for receiving said first portion of said products from said conveying means and reorienting said first portion end-for-end so that the reoriented first portion is in opposing relation to its former orientation on said conveying means; said conveying means including transversely movable means for moving said second portion of said products transversely to said path of travel to join said second portion with said reoriented portion in a common plane product pattern.

Claim 52

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: conveying means for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel and sequentially transferring said first and second portions therefrom; and turntable means alongside said conveying means for receiving said first portion of said products from said conveying means and reorienting said first portion end-for-end so that the reoriented first portion is in opposing relation to its former orientation on said conveying means; said conveying means including transversely movable means for moving said second portion of said products transversely to said path of travel to join said second portion with said reoriented portion in a common plane product pattern.

Claim 53

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: electrical circuit means adapted to be connected with an electrical power source; conveying means connected therein for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel and sequentially transferring said portions therefrom; product turning means, mounted for turning movement, for receiving said first and second portions sequentially; and means connected in said circuit means for angularly moving said product turning means to a different angular position between the reception of said first and second portions; said conveying means including transversely movable means for moving said products transversely to said path of travel to transversely transfer said portions from said conveying means to said product turning means and to form a predetermined common plane array of products thereon.

Claim 54

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: electrical circuit means adapted to be connected with an electrical power source; conveying means connected therein for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel and sequentially transferring said portions therefrom; product turning means, mounted for turning movement, for receiving said first and second portions sequentially; and means connected in said circuit means for angularly moving said product turning means to a different angular position between the reception of said first and second portions; said conveying means including transversely movable means for moving said products transversely to said path of travel to transversely transfer said portions from said conveying means to said product turning means and to form a predetermined common plane array of products thereon.

Claim 55

The combination defined in claim 40 in which said product turning means comprises rotatable turntable means and said control means rotates said turntable means substantially 90*.

Claim 56

The combination defined in claim 40 in which said product turning means comprises rotatable turntable means and said control means rotates said turntable means substantially 180*.

Claim 57

The combination defined in claim 40 in which said product turning means comprises rotatable turntable means; and selector means is connected in said circuit means and is settable to designate the desired rotation of said turntable means to substantially 90* or 180* of rotation, and said control means rotates said turntable means either 90* or 180* dependent on the setting of said selector means.

Claim 58

The pattern forming apparatus of claim 40 wherein said transversely movable means comprises a pair of longitudinally disposed, end-to-end transfer means selectively movable to move selected ones of said products out of said longitudinal path of travel onto said product turning means, and means for selectively moving one or both of said pair of product transfer means to move selected ones of said products onto said product turning means.

Claim 59

The pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein said conveying means comprises a longitudinally extending conveyor extending along only one side of said product turning means, said pair of transfer means comprises a pair of end-to-end pusher means, and means mounts said pair of end-to-end pusher means for movement in a transverse patH of travel to sweep said products from said conveyor onto said product turning means.

Claim 60

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein said means for selectively moving said pair of product transfer means comprises means for moving one of said product transfer means individually to move at least one product to said turning means, and means for thereafter simultaneously moving said pair of product transfer means to move a plurality of products into abutting relation with said one product.

Claim 61

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein each of said end-to-end transfer means comprises a pair of relatively movable pusher members which are longitudinally adjustable relative to each other to selectively span a selected number of products.

Claim 62

The pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 40 wherein said means for moving products transversely comprises first and second transfer means for transferring products to said product turning means; said electric circuit means includes first drive contrOl means for selectively causing said first transfer means to be driven, second drive control means for selectively causing said second transfer means to be driven when the first transfer means is driven, third drive control means for selectively causing said turning means to be driven when at least one of said first and second transfer means have been driven to transfer products to said turning means, and selector switch means connected in circuit with said first and second drive control means for selectively connecting said first and second drive control means with said power source to selectively operate said first drive control means individually for individually driving said first transfer means to transfer products to said product turning means or to selectively operate said first and second drive control means simultaneously to simultaneously drive said first and second transfer means and transfer products to said product turning means; said selector switch means including means for selectively connecting said third drive control means with said source of power to selectively operate said third drive control means to selectively drive said turning means after said first transfer means individually, or first and second transfer means collectively, have transferred products thereto.

Claim 63

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 48 wherein said electrical circuit includes logic circuit means connected in circuit with said selector switch means for controlling the sequence in which said first, second and third drive control means are connected with said source of power to selectively operate said first drive control means individually to drive said first transfer means to deliver at least one of said products to said turning means and then to operate said first and second drive control means simultaneously to deliver a first group of products to said turning means after said drive control means operates to turn said one product moved to the turning means by said first transfer means.

Claim 64

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said logic circuit means includes means for selectively continuing to operate said first drive control means to drive said transfer means to deliver at least a second one of said products to said turning means prior to the simultaneous operation of said first and second drive control means.

Claim 65

Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 49 wherein said logic circuit means includes means for selectively continuing to operate said first and second drive means simultaneously after said first group of products has been delivered to deliver a second group of products to said turning means.

Claim 66

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path oF travel and for transferring said first and second portions therefrom; turntable means for receiving said first and second portions and supporting the portions during pattern formation; means for rotating said turntable means through a partial revolution to a different angular position for reorienting one of said portions relative to its former orientation on said conveying means; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products; said conveying means including means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for transversely moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means to adjacent positions on said turntable support means to cyclically form a common plane pattern; means operative to discharge a pattern formed from said turntable means; and a control connected in said circuit means for cyclically operating said means operative to separately discharge each pattern formed.

Claim 67

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path oF travel and for transferring said first and second portions therefrom; turntable means for receiving said first and second portions and supporting the portions during pattern formation; means for rotating said turntable means through a partial revolution to a different angular position for reorienting one of said portions relative to its former orientation on said conveying means; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products; said conveying means including means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for transversely moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means to adjacent positions on said turntable support means to cyclically form a common plane pattern; means operative to discharge a pattern formed from said turntable means; and a control connected in said circuit means for cyclically operating said means operative to separately discharge each pattern formed.

Claim 68

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; turntable means for receiving products from the conveying means and supporting the products during pattern formation; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from portions of said line; means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for moving at least first and second rows of products, each of which includes one or more products, from the conveying means to adjacent positions in a common plane on said turntable means to form a common plane product pattern during a cycle; means for driving said turntable means angularly to a 180* reoriented position to reorient one of said rows making up the pattern relative to its former orientation on said conveying means during a cycle; said circuit means including settable means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in a common plane pattern during a cycle; means operative to separately discharge each pattern formed from said turntable means; and a control connected in said circuit means for cyclically operating said means operative to discharge said common plane pattern.

Claim 69

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; turntable means for receiving products from the conveying means and supporting the products during pattern formation; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from portions of said line; means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for moving at least first and second rows of products, each of which includes one or more products, from the conveying means to adjacent positions in a common plane on said turntable means to form a common plane product pattern during a cycle; means for driving said turntable means angularly to a 180* reoriented position to reorient one of said rows making up the pattern relative to its former orientation on said conveying means during a cycle; said circuit means including settable means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in a common plane pattern during a cycle; means operative to separately discharge each pattern formed from said turntable means; and a control connected in said circuit means for cyclically operating said means operative to discharge said common plane pattern.

Claim 70

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; turntable means for receiving products from the conveying means and supporting the products during pattern formation; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from portions of said line; means operative to discharge a pattern formed from said turntable means; a control connected in said circuit meanS for operating said means operative to cyclically separately discharge each pattern formed; means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means to adjacent positions in a common plane on said turntable means to form a common plane product pattern during a cycle; and means for driving said turntable means angularly to a 180* reoriented position between movements of said first and second portions to said turntable means to oppositely reorient one of said portions making up the pattern relative to its former orientation on said conveying means during a cycle; said circuit means including settable means for selecting the number of portions to be grouped in a common plane pattern during a cyclE.

Claim 71

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for successively conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a longitudinal path of travel; turntable means for receiving products from the conveying means and supporting the products during pattern formation; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from portions of said line; means operative to discharge a pattern formed from said turntable means; a control connected in said circuit meanS for operating said means operative to cyclically separately discharge each pattern formed; means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means to adjacent positions in a common plane on said turntable means to form a common plane product pattern during a cycle; and means for driving said turntable means angularly to a 180* reoriented position between movements of said first and second portions to said turntable means to oppositely reorient one of said portions making up the pattern relative to its former orientation on said conveying means during a cycle; said circuit means including settable means for selecting the number of portions to be grouped in a common plane pattern during a cyclE.

Claim 72

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: electrical circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of electrical power; conveying means connected therein for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, and in a longitudinal path of travel; loaf turning means mounted for angular movement for sequentially receiving said first and second portions and for reorienting at least one of said first and second portions; transfer means connected in said circuit means for sequentially transferring said first and second portions from said conveying means to said loaf turning means to form a predetermined common plane array of products thereon; said transfer means including means for selectively moving either one product only, or a plurality of products, from said conveying means; means selectively settable to select whether said transfer means will move one product individually or a plurality of products simultaneously in transferring each of said portions from said conveying means to said loaf turning means; control means connected in said circuit means for angularly moving said loaf turning means to a different angular position between reception of said first and second portions to reorient said one portion; and a control connected in said circuit means responsive to the setting of said settable means for determining whether said transfer means will be operable to transfer one individual product only or a plurality of products simultaneously.

Claim 73

Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: electrical circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of electrical power; conveying means connected therein for successively forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, and in a longitudinal path of travel; loaf turning means mounted for angular movement for sequentially receiving said first and second portions and for reorienting at least one of said first and second portions; transfer means connected in said circuit means for sequentially transferring said first and second portions from said conveying means to said loaf turning means to form a predetermined common plane array of products thereon; said transfer means including means for selectively moving either one product only, or a plurality of products, from said conveying means; means selectively settable to select whether said transfer means will move one product individually or a plurality of products simultaneously in transferring each of said portions from said conveying means to said loaf turning means; control means connected in said circuit means for angularly moving said loaf turning means to a different angular position between reception of said first and second portions to reorient said one portion; and a control connected in said circuit means responsive to the setting of said settable means for determining whether said transfer means will be operable to transfer one individual product only or a plurality of products simultaneously.