Method and system for automated stacking and loading of wrapped facemasks into a carton in a manufacturing line
US11059690B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B2220/16
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated method and system for stacking and loading wrapped or unwrapped facemasks into a carton in a facemask production line includes conveying individual wrapped facemasks in a continuous stream to a stacking location. At the stacking location, the facemasks are deposited into a vertical accumulator such that the facemasks are stacked in the accumulator. Upon reaching a predetermined fill level of facemasks in the accumulator, a bottom retainer in the accumulator is opened such that the stacked facemasks drop into a carton placed below the accumulator. Upon opening the bottom retainer, a mid-level retainer is actuated in the accumulator that captures facemasks that continue to be deposited into the accumulator at an intermediate height above the bottom retainer. The bottom retainer is closed after the stacked facemasks drop into the carton, and the mid-level retainer is then opened such that the facemasks captured by the mid-level retainer drop onto the bottom retainer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.