Apparatus for grouping products and separating discrete batches, for packaging

Abstract

An apparatus for grouping products and separating discrete batches, for packaging, which comprises a portioning device which has:a belt which can slide between a plurality of movement and transmission rollers, the arrangement of the rollers defining the transverse profile of the belt,a plurality of partitions which extend from the belt at right angles thereto, outward from the transverse profile.The portioning device comprises at least one curved section which is curved substantially outward from the transverse profile of the belt, between two of the rollers.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for grouping products and separating discrete batches, for packaging, which comprises a portioning device which has:
 a belt which can slide between a plurality of movement and transmission rollers, an arrangement of said rollers defining a transverse profile of said belt,   a plurality of partitions which extend from said belt at right angles thereto, outward from said transverse profile,   wherein said portioning device comprises at least one curved section which is curved substantially outward from said transverse profile of said belt, between two of said rollers.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein said portioning device comprises a shape, inside of said transverse profile of said belt, at said curved section, said shape extending between said two rollers that are arranged at ends of said curved section. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein said shape has a profile shaped like a circular arc. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , further comprising, outside said transverse profile of said belt and at said curved section, a chute. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein said chute has a same curvature as said shape and as said section, is arranged at a distance from said belt which is comparable to a height of said partitions, and has a width that is comparable to a width of said belt. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein said chute has an upper end and a lower end, which is arranged at a portion which can be opened by horizontal sliding. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein said portion is a horizontal plane and/or shutter. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein said belt comprises a substantially horizontal section above said curved section. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said movement and transmission rollers is a driving roller which can be actuated both in one direction of rotation and in the opposite direction. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , further comprising a conveyor belt for said products. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein said upper end of said chute is arranged proximate to and below said conveyor belt. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein said portion which can be opened by horizontal sliding is arranged proximate to said conveyor belt, said conveyor belt having a sliding direction substantially at 90° with respect to said transverse profile of said belt of said portioning device. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein said conveyor belt is swiveling.