Apparatus for unstacking and stacking containers
US4865515A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/112
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for unstacking and stacking containers. The apparatus includes a frame defining a compartment to receive a stack of containers, and a guide mechanism mounted within the frame to guide the stack in vertical movement. Located beneath the compartment is a conveyor, which in the unstacking mode, will deliver a stack of containers to the compartment and discharge individual containers. A vertically movable lift mechanism is mounted in the frame and includes a plurality of pivotable lift members disposed to engage a rim on the second lowermost container, to elevate the stack, and a plurality of holding members mounted on the frame and disposed to engage the upper surface of the rim on the lowermost container to hold the lowermost container against elevation. After elevation of the stack, the separated lowermost container is in a ready position to be conveyed away on the conveyor, depending on a need in the conveying system. In the stacking mode of operation, individual containers are moved on the conveyor to a position beneath the compartment and each container is elevated in the compartment by the lift members and held in the elevated position by the holding members. A seco…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.