Multi-Conveyor recently built a series of conveyors to elevate and transport or redirect individual coffee pods. The key was to elevate the odd-shaped pods to the height required to feed a metered scale ahead, the company says. Filled and sealed single-serve plastic cups of coffee initially enter a stainless-steel bulk infeed hopper. The coffee pods are then elevated nearly 11 feet on minimal 1.5-inch tall flights, or cleats, that provide necessary stability of the irregular shape of the product. The incline of the system is 8 inches wide with flights on 5.4-inch centers, moving on practical flat top 900 series belting by Intralox, Multi-Conveyor shares. “Our engineers are masterful at choosing just the right practical belting that provides maximum benefit,” the company said in a statement. The pods are then transported on a 4-foot section to the metered scale. If the counter or scale reach capacity, a stainless-steel, three-sided pneumatic actuated pivoting discharge chute with cover was incorporated to redirect overflow product into a super stack to keep production flowing and moving at all times. Underside guarding is included to ensure operator safety, the company notes. Also included in the design are snap-on bearing covers, clear polycarbonate top covers and expanded metal bottom safety pans. 

Multi-Conveyor LLC P.O. Box 10, Winneconne, Wis. 54986; 800/236-7960; www.multi-conveyor.com