John Robert Heim

US Patent:

56114206, Mar 18, 1997

Filed:

Jul 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/508050

Inventors:

John P. Heim - Sewell NJ
John Carmichael - Etiwanda CA

Assignee:

J & J Snack Foods Corp. - Pennsauken NJ

International Classification:

B65G 3700

US Classification:

1983712

Abstract:

Apparatus is disclosed for prioritized distribution of dough logs from a dough mixing or supply system to a series of production lines. The device includes an input conveyor and an output conveyor, each having an upstream end and a downstream end, a plurality of distribution conveyors placed in succession to one another along a conveying path and capable of transversely carrying dough logs downstream thereon in a first direction. Each of the distribution conveyors has an upstream end and a downstream end and is upwardly inclined in one direction with the downstream end of each of the distribution conveyors overlapping an upstream end of a successive one of the distribution conveyors. Sensor are provided and associated with each of the input conveyor, the distribution conveyors, and the output conveyor, for detecting dough logs transported thereon. A programmable controller is provided for controlling the operation of each of the input conveyor, the distribution conveyors, and the output conveyor based on information received from the sensors, for selective discharge of dough logs.