Pellet loader
US5489184A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A loading device for picking up and repositioning a plurality of upright cylinders arranged in a rectangular array includes a rectangular-shaped frame and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the frame. A first fixed wall depends from a first end of the frame, and a second fixed wall depends from a second end of the frame adjacent the first end. A first movable wall adjacent a third end of the frame opposes the first fixed wall, and a second movable wall adjacent a fourth end of the frame opposes the second fixed wall. The first and second fixed walls and the first and second movable walls surround a rectangular-shaped enclosed area. A first motive mechanism couples the frame and the first movable wall for moving the first movable wall in a first direction, normal to the first fixed wall, for clamping the array between the first movable wall and the first fixed wall while maintaining the first movable wall vertical. A second motive mechanism couples the frame and the second movable wall for rotating the second movable wall about an axis of rotation parallel to the first direction for clamping the array between the second movable wall and the second fixed wall. A resilient surf…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.