Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to providing a product delivery apparatus which includes a fan wheel or the like having a modified arrangement for interacting with a product feed device, to enhance the control with which products are delivered into the pockets of the fan wheel. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, characteristics of the fan wheel are adjusted with regard to the product feed to accommodate product delivery requirements. More particularly, exemplary embodiments are directed to modifying a fan wheel to include a receiving area in each fan tip for receiving a product feed device (e.g., conveyor belt, tape drive, roller and so forth), such that the product feed devices can be placed in alignment with the fan blades of the fan wheel. Such a feature provides better control of the products as they are transported into the fan blades, since the product feed can be placed in closer proximity to a fan arrangement along the direction of product transport. Further, such a feature allows for the use of wider fan tips, which can produce increased frictional surface contact with products being received from the product feed, and thereby reduce the possibility of product crashing within the fan pockets. Exemplary embodiments can therefore achieve enhanced product control without increasing the number of tape drives and/or delivery fans.

First Claim