Automated pusher mechanisms for packaging systems

Abstract

Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has a laterally extending planar forward portion and semi-circular side portions.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated pusher mechanism that cooperates with a clipper, the pusher mechanism having a pusher head, wherein the pusher head reciprocally travels in a product chute, wherein the pusher head is configured with a substantially planar laterally extending forward portion that merges into opposing semi-circular side portions. 
     
     
         2 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 1 , in combination with a product chute having an open cavity extending therethrough with open ingress and egress portions and in combination with the clipper extending downstream of the product chute. 
     
     
         3 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 2 , further comprising a product transfer zone positioned upstream of the receiving end portion of the product chute and downstream of the pusher head when the pusher mechanism is in a retracted configuration. 
     
     
         4 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein the pusher mechanism comprises a single actuation rod that is attached to an actuation cylinder at one end portion and to a medial portion of the pusher head at the other end portion, and first and second guide rods attached to opposing sides of the pusher head and extends axially rearwardly on opposing sides of the actuation rod, the actuation rods reciprocate and travel in concert with the actuation rod into and out of the product chute. 
     
     
         5 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein a forward portion of the pusher head exits the discharge end portion of the product chute at a forwardmost stroke position, while the first and second guide rods reside inside the product chute. 
     
     
         6 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein the product chute is devoid of apertures and has a continuous closed outer wall, and wherein the pusher head as a solid continuous planar product-contacting surface. 
     
     
         7 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the planar forward portion has a substantially oval shape. 
     
     
         8 . A pusher mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the sidewalls extend a distance rearward of the forward portion and define an open interior space therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . An automated pusher mechanism comprising a pusher head having a planar forward plate extending between a pair of spaced apart sidewalls, the pusher head releasably attachable to a rod, wherein the pusher mechanism is configured to reciprocately travel into a product chute residing in cooperating alignment with a clipper mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . An automated pusher mechanism according to  claim 9 , wherein the sidewalls have a semi-circular shape, and wherein the planar forward plate has an oval shape.