US 12,434,920 B2
Method and production line for separating conjoined products
Ralph A. Stenvik, Plymouth, MN (US)
Assigned to General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed by General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed on Aug. 16, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/234,422.
Prior Publication US 2025/0058980 A1, Feb. 20, 2025
Int. Cl. B65G 47/88 (2006.01); B65G 59/10 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 47/88 (2013.01) [B65G 2201/02 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of separating first and second conjoined, sticky products during production comprising:
directing sticky products along a first conveyor to a separating apparatus; and
employing a holding mechanism of the separating apparatus to hold the first conjoined, sticky product while a breaking mechanism of the separating apparatus forces the second conjoined, sticky product to be reorientated and broken away from the first conjoined, sticky product;
the breaking mechanism including a second member;
wherein the second member shifts in a vertical direction in separating the first and second conjoined, sticky products.