Robotic tray loader system, method and apparatus

US5477663A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• WEST CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Bruce Smith · West Chester, US
• William J. Covert · Berlin, US
• Edward Vander Bush · Downingtown, US
• Roy B. Melton · Pottstown, US
• Paul W. Sirgenson · Schwenksville, US
• Frank C. Tammaro · Phoenixville, US
• Bernard F. Sykes · Mont Clare, US
• Eric E. Shoup · Manalapan, US
• J. Donald Birtwell · Pottstown, US
• Thomas A. Stalnaker · West Chester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 17, 1993
• Grant date: Dec 26, 1995
• Expiry date: Feb 17, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B5/08
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a system for transferring groups of containers from one location to another, a loading station including a transfer mechanism for continuously delivering rows of containers from the transfer station to a tray loading station. A device at the tray loading station is included for cycling the tray in a predetermined controlled sequence to receive rows of containers delivered by the transfer mechanism and to position them in a compact array in the tray.