[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/646,509 filed March 22, 2018, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to an ahgnment device, and more particularly relates to an alignment device for a conveyor assembly.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Multi -lane conveyor systems are well known. In these systems, rows of products are advanced by conveyors between processing stages, such as interleaving, stacking, etc. It is desirable to ensure that the rows of products are advanced by the conveyor along a predetermined centerline or path. If products deviate from this predetermined centerhne, then the subsequent processing procedures experience complications and issues. For example, attempting to stack misahgned products results in the product stacks being unsteady and off-center. Misaligned product stacks cause production issues and/or require production personnel to manually align the product stacks. Fixing misaligned product stacks is time-consuming and cost- prohibitive.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need to provide an ahgnment configuration that ensures ahgnment of advancing products on a conveyor.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] An improved alignment system is disclosed herein that aligns advancing products in accordance with a predetermined centerline.

[0011] In one embodiment, the alignment system includes an ahgnment assembly including at least one arm including a plurahty of fingers, and a linkage bar connected to the at least one arm. A sensor is adapted to detect a presence of a product. A controller is configured to selectively drive the linkage bar based on a signal from the sensor such that the plurality of fingers are driven between: (1) a first position in which the plurality of fingers are adapted to extend into a conveying path of a product conveyor, and (2) a second position in which the plurality of fingers are adapted to be positioned away from the conveying path of the product conveyor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one arm includes a plurality of arms.

[0013] In another embodiment, a conveyor arrangement is provided.

The arrangement includes a product conveyor and the ahgnment system disclosed herein.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hnkage bar is mounted above the product conveyor. In another embodiment, the hnkage bar is mounted below the product conveyor, and the plurality of fingers extend between a plurality of bands of the product conveyor in the first position.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method of ahgning products on a product conveyor is provided. The method includes providing the conveyor arrangement. The method includes advancing products on the product conveyor into engagement with the plurality of fingers such that the products are shifted to ahgn with a predetermined centerline. The method includes detecting a presence of the products within an area defined between the plurality of fingers via the sensor. The method includes driving the plurahty of fingers between: (1) a first position in which the plurality of fingers extend between into the conveying path of the product conveyor, and (2) a second position in which the plurality of fingers are positioned away from the conveying path of the product conveyor based on the signal from the sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to (1) wait a first determined time period after the sensor detects the presence of the products, and (2) wait a second predetermined time period before driving the plurahty of fingers back to the first position from the second position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the products being aligned by the ahgnment system are meat patties. [0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The foregoing Summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an alignment system according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 is a top view of the alignment system of Figure 2.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view a linkage bar for the alignment system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] Figure 4A is a side view of the alignment system of Figures 1 and

2 with the linkage bar in a first position.

[0024] Figure 4B is a side view of the alignment system of Figures 1 and

2 with the linkage bar in a second position.

[0025] Figures 5A-5H illustrate a top view of a product advancing towards one set of fingers of the ahgnment system, engaging the set of fingers, and advancing beyond the set of fingers.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ahgnment system with an overhead hnkage bar.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of logic for a controller of the alignment system.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "front," "rear," "upper" and

"lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from the parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft. A reference to a list of items that are cited as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, an alignment system 1 is provided that generally includes an alignment assembly 10, a sensor 20, and a controller 23, which are each described in more detail below.

[0031] The alignment assembly 10 includes at least one arm 12 that includes a plurality of fingers 14. In one embodiment, the at least one arm 12 includes a plurality of arms 12. A linkage bar 16 is connected to the plurality of arms 12. In one embodiment, the plurality of arms 12 includes five arms. In one embodiment, the plurality of fingers 14 on each arm 12 includes four fingers. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize from the present disclosure that the number of arms and fingers can be varied depending on the specific apphcation and requirements. The fingers 14 are preferably formed from food-grade plastic or metal. As shown in the drawings, the arms 12 and fingers 14 generally have an L-shaped profile. In another embodiment, the arms 12 and fingers 14 have an S-shaped profile. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the shape of the arms 12 and fingers 14 can vary. The linkage bar 16 is shown in more detail in Figure 3.

[0032] As best shown in Figure 2, the set of fingers 14 on each arm 12 have an arcuate orientation. As shown in Figure 2, the profile of the tips of the fingers 14 on each arm 12 generally correspond to the profile of the leading edges of the products 2. As shown in the drawings, the leading edge of the products 2 generally has a rounded profile. A centerline defined by the arcuate orientation of the fingers 14 corresponds to a predetermined centerline, described in more detail below.

[0033] The sensor 20 is adapted to detect a presence of a product 2. The sensor 20 can detect the presence of products 2 in a variety of ways. The sensor 20 can detect the presence of the products with in an area defined between each set of fingers 14. In one embodiment, the sensor 20 detects a leading edge of a leading product 2 in a row of products. [0034] As shown in the drawings, the products 2 are illustrated as round patties. In one embodiment, the products 2 are hamburger patties. In one embodiment, the products 2 are meat patties and are maintained at 28°F -

32°F. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the products 2 can be any type of food, consumer product, etc. The sensor 20 can be any known type of sensor, such as a photo-sensor, pressure sensor, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the sensor 20 is mounted in a generally forward position with respect to the fingers 14, and is directed laterally across the underlying conveyor 30. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that sensors could be located in any position relative to the alignment assembly 10, such as above the conveyor 30, below the conveyor 30, or any other position capable of detecting the presence of products 2 proximal to the alignment assembly 10.

[0035] The controller 23 is generally configured to selectively drive the linkage bar 16 based on a signal from the sensor 20. The term controller is used herein to refer to any known type of electronic component capable of an input/output function, including any one or more of the following: driver circuitry, programmable logic controller (PLC), central processing unit (CPU), memory unit, input/output circuit, and control unit. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the controller 23 includes a memory unit 24 and a processor unit 28. The controller 23 is connected to the sensor 20 and an actuator 29, such as a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor.

[0036] The controller 23 is configured to selectively drive the linkage bar

16 based on a signal from the sensor 20 such that the plurality of fingers 14 are driven between: (1) a first position in which the plurality of fingers 14 are adapted to extend into a conveying path of a product conveyor 30, and (2) a second position in which the plurality of fingers 14 are adapted to be positioned away from the conveying path of the product conveyor 30. The first position is shown in Figure 4A, and the second position is shown in Figure 4B.

The fingers 14 are generally maintained in the first position, and are only driven out of the conveying path of products 2 once all of the products 2 are properly ahgned due to engagement with the finger 14. As used herein, the term conveying path refers to a predetermined area of the conveyor 30 designated to move products 2 from one end of the conveyor 30 to an opposite end of the conveyor 30. A conveying direction (P) is illustrated in the drawings.

[0037] In one embodiment, the actuator 29 is a pneumatic cylinder and provides pressurized air to drive the linkage bar 16 between the first position and the second position. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any type of actuator components, including pneumatic cylinders, solenoids, motors, cams, drive shafts, gears, etc., can be used to drive the linkage bar 16 between the first position and the second position. As illustrated, a first end of the actuator 29 engages an end of the hnkage bar 16 and a second end of the actuator 29 is fixed. The second end of the actuator 29 can be fixed to any surrounding structure or frame, such as a frame of the conveyor 30. The actuator 29 can be fixed directly to the linkage bar 16 or connected to some intermediate coupling that attaches to the linkage bar 16.

[0038] In one embodiment, the controller 23 is configured to wait a first predetermined time period after the sensor 20 detects the presence of a product 2 before driving the plurality of fingers 14 from the first position to the second position. A delay counter or other component can be used in the controller 23 to perform the waiting function. One embodiment of the logic 50 used by the controller 23 is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the logic 50 includes the following steps: detect presence of product 52; wait a first predetermined time period 54; drive linkage bar from first position to second position 56; wait a second predetermined time period 58; and drive linkage bar from second position to first position 60. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the logic 50 can include more or less steps than those illustrated in Figure 7. Additionally, this logic 50 can be implemented and cycled through for each of row of products advancing towards the fingers along the conveyor. The logic is configured to wait a predetermined time period to allow all products in a row of products to engage the respective fingers, such that the leading edge of all products in a row of products are ahgned, before moving the fingers 14 away from the conveying path of the products. [0039] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first and second predetermined time periods can vary depending on many factors, including running speed of the product conveyor 30, dimensions of the products 2, speed of the actuator 29, the amount of misalignment, etc.

[0040] In another embodiment, a conveyor arrangement is provided that includes both the alignment system 1 and an associated product conveyor 30. In one embodiment, the product conveyor 30 includes a plurahty of bands 32 that are driven by two end rollers. The ahgnment system 1 is identical to the alignment system described in detail above.

[0041] In one embodiment, shown most clearly in Figure 6, the hnkage bar 116 is mounted above the product conveyor 30. This alignment assembly 100 is otherwise identical to the alignment assembly 10 described in detail above, and similarly drives the hnkage bar 116 between a first position and a second position such that the associated fingers 114 are either in the conveying path of the products or away from the conveying path of the products. The associated arrangement including the alignment assembly 100 would include an identical sensor 20, controller 23, actuator, and other components as described above with respect to the alignment system 1 and the alignment assembly 10.

[0042] As shown most clearly in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the linkage bar 16 is mounted below the product conveyor 30, and the plurality of fingers 14 extend between the plurahty of bands 32 in the first position.

[0043] In another embodiment, a method of aligning products 2 on a product conveyor 30 is provided. The method includes providing: a product conveyor 30 adapted to drive products 2 along a conveying path (P), and an alignment arrangement 1. The alignment arrangement 1 includes a plurality of arms 12. Each arm 12 includes a plurahty of fingers 14 having an arcuate orientation. A hnkage bar 16 is connected to the plurality of arms 12. A sensor 20 is adapted to detect a presence of a product 2 in an area defined between the plurality of fingers 14. A controller 23 is configured to selectively drive the linkage bar 16 based on a signal from the sensor 20. The method includes advancing products 2 on the product conveyor 30 into engagement with the plurahty of fingers 14 such that the products 2 are shifted to align with a predetermined centerline. A plurality of predetermined centerlines (CL1-CL5) for rows of products 2 are shown in Figure 2. These predetermined centerlines (CL1-CL5) represent ideal paths for products being advanced by the conveyor. The centerlines (CL1-CL5) extend parallel along the conveyor 30 surface. The ideal paths for the advancing products 2 can be based on a variety of factors, such as the requirements and characteristics of a subsequent processing assembly that receives the products 2 from this conveyor 30. Any misahgnment of products 2 with these predetermined centerlines (CL1-CL5) causes issues with subsequent processing of the products 2, such as stacking of the products 2. The method includes detecting a presence of the products 2 in an area defined between the plurality of fingers 14 via the sensor 20. The method includes driving the plurality of fingers 14 between (1) a first position in which the plurality of fingers 14 extend between into the conveying path of the product conveyor 30, and (2) a second position in which the plurality of fingers 14 are positioned away from the conveying path of the product conveyor 30 based on the signal from the sensor 20.

[0044] The method includes aligning a row of advancing products 2 via the plurality of fingers 14 of the plurality of arms 12, such that a leading edge of each product 2 of the row of advancing products 2 is ahgned. This alignment occurs based on the fingers 14 each temporarily holding a respective product 2. The leading edges of the products 2 are aligned according to a predetermined perpendicular line extending laterally across the conveyor 30 (shown most clearly by Figure 2). The linkage bar 16 is then moved to the second position to release the products 2, and the leading edges of the products 2 are aligned with each other and each product 2 is centered about its respective predetermined centerline (CL1-CL5).

[0045] Figures 5A-5H show a magnified view for a single lane of product 2 advancing along the conveyor towards a single arm 12 and set of fingers 14. The linkage bar 16 is shown below the conveyor 30. Figure 5A shows the arrangement prior to a product encountering the alignment features. The arm

12 and fingers 14 are maintained in the first position, i.e. the fingers 14 extend into the conveying path of the conveyor. Figures 5B and 5C show the advancing product 2 (i.e. hamburger patty) prior to engaging the fingers 14. A predetermined centerline CLi is illustrated in Figures 5B-5E. As disclosed above, the predetermined centerline CLi is determined based on an ideal position of the product 2 as it advances along the conveyor 30. Figure 5D illustrates a portion of the product 2 engage one of the fingers 14. As the conveyor 30 continues to drive the product 2 in the advancing direction, the finger 14 urges the product 2 to rotate towards the predetermined centerline CLi until a center of the product 2 is ahgned with the predetermined centerline CLi, as shown in Figure 5E. As the product 2 is aligned with the predetermined centerline CLi, the sensor 20 detects the presence of the product 2. Based on a signal from the sensor 20, the controller 23 then provides a signal to the actuator to lower the fingers 14 (moving the hnkage bar 16 from the first position to the second position), as shown in Figure 5F. As shown in Figure 5G, once the product 2 is free of the fingers 14, the product 2 is driven by the conveyor 30 beyond the linkage bar 16 and towards an end of the conveyor 30. After a predetermined time period, the controller 23 then provides a signal to the actuator to drive the linkage bar 16 back to the initial, first position.

[0046] Having thus described the present invention in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be

embraced therein.

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