Various embodiments are directed to a finger guard apparatus comprising a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a conveyor assembly such that the mounting bracket defines a first lateral side of the finger guard apparatus; a finger guard plate detachably secured to the mounting bracket; and a lock assembly that secures the finger guard plate in a locked position relative to the mounting bracket and is configured to facilitate selective detachment of the finger guard plate from the mounting bracket, the lock assembly comprising: a lock arm connected to the mounting bracket such that the lock arm is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock arm is configured to engage the finger guard plate in the locked position; and a retention element engaged with the lock arm and configured to bias the lock arm towards the locked position.

Various embodiments are directed to a finger guard apparatus comprising a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a conveyor assembly such that the mounting bracket defines a first lateral side of the finger guard apparatus; a finger guard plate detachably secured to the mounting bracket; and a lock assembly that secures the finger guard plate in a locked position relative to the mounting bracket and is configured to facilitate selective detachment of the finger guard plate from the mounting bracket, the lock assembly comprising: a lock arm connected to the mounting bracket such that the lock arm is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock arm is configured to engage the finger guard plate in the locked position; and a retention element engaged with the lock arm and configured to bias the lock arm towards the locked position.

A control system for an automated singulation system is provided. The control system detects a presence of a first item on a first conveyor and detects a presence of a second item on a second conveyor while the first item is present on the first conveyor. The second conveyor transfers items onto the first conveyor and is at a lower height than the second conveyor. The first conveyor is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second conveyor. In response to detecting the presence of the second item, a location of the first item along a length of the first conveyor is determined. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are controlled based at least on the location of the first item.

A control system for an automated singulation system is provided. The control system detects a presence of a first item on a first conveyor and detects a presence of a second item on a second conveyor while the first item is present on the first conveyor. The second conveyor transfers items onto the first conveyor and is at a lower height than the second conveyor. The first conveyor is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second conveyor. In response to detecting the presence of the second item, a location of the first item along a length of the first conveyor is determined. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are controlled based at least on the location of the first item.

A method of using a conveyor device is provided for conveying food products in stacks or interleaved units made of a plurality of slices of cheese or meat products. The method formats the food products in a specific product format on a plurality of parallel conveyor tracks, and fills a product gap on one of the plurality of parallel conveyor tracks incoming on the input side with a food product so that on the output side all parallel conveyor tracks are supplied with the food products.

A method of using a conveyor device is provided for conveying food products in stacks or interleaved units made of a plurality of slices of cheese or meat products. The method formats the food products in a specific product format on a plurality of parallel conveyor tracks, and fills a product gap on one of the plurality of parallel conveyor tracks incoming on the input side with a food product so that on the output side all parallel conveyor tracks are supplied with the food products.

A conveyor device is provided for conveying food products in stacks or interleaved units made of a plurality of slices of cheese or meat products. The conveyor device formats the food products in a specific product format on a plurality of parallel conveyor tracks, and fills a product gap on one of the plurality of parallel conveyor tracks incoming on the input side with a food product so that on the output side all parallel conveyor tracks are supplied with the food products. At least one product sensor is configured to detect a supply of food product on each conveyor track incoming on the input side.

A conveyor device is provided for conveying food products in stacks or interleaved units made of a plurality of slices of cheese or meat products. The conveyor device formats the food products in a specific product format on a plurality of parallel conveyor tracks, and fills a product gap on one of the plurality of parallel conveyor tracks incoming on the input side with a food product so that on the output side all parallel conveyor tracks are supplied with the food products. At least one product sensor is configured to detect a supply of food product on each conveyor track incoming on the input side.

Systems, devices, methods and computer program products for extendable conveyors are provided. A system includes an extendable conveyor and a separation module. The extendable conveyor is operable to convey items from an upstream side of the extendable conveyor to a downstream side of the extendable conveyor. Further, it is configured to increase the distance from the upstream side to the downstream side. The separation module is operable for conveying items towards the extendable conveyor and configured to decelerate the conveying of the items on the separation module.

Systems, devices, methods and computer program products for extendable conveyors are provided. A system includes an extendable conveyor and a separation module. The extendable conveyor is operable to convey items from an upstream side of the extendable conveyor to a downstream side of the extendable conveyor. Further, it is configured to increase the distance from the upstream side to the downstream side. The separation module is operable for conveying items towards the extendable conveyor and configured to decelerate the conveying of the items on the separation module.