Unitized loading system

US4103789A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Adolph Coors Company · US

Inventors

• Richard E. Andrews · Manchester, US
• Ira D. Hooker, Jr. · Arvada, US
• Daniel Simons · Aathal, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 1977
• Grant date: Aug 1, 1978
• Expiry date: Mar 28, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G67/04
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A unitized loader has a structural framework supporting a plurality of air bearings on its upper surface and on its lower surface, the upper air bearings supporting cargo on the loader and the lower bearings supporting the loader on the floor, the structural framework delivering air to both upper and lower bearings from a blower mounted on the framework. A pusher is movably mounted on the framework to index or discharge the cargo, and the upper air bearings are designed to provide greater lift along the sides of the loader to naturally compact cargo. Loader motion is controlled by a belt and chain system, the belt forming a pathway under the lower air bearings during loader extension and the chain connected by a driven sprocket to a drive motor on the loader framework, the belt and chain forming a loop with one point connected to the floor under the loader. The discharge end of the loader may be equipped with a ramp-like articulating section for guiding cargo to floor level. A photo-electric eye system by automatically control loading and discharge of cargo, and a transfer pusher may collect cargo in convenient unit sizes for delivery to the unitized loader.