Stack turner and replenisher and method

US5743374A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Claude E. Monsees · Charlotte, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 25, 1995
• Grant date: Apr 28, 1998
• Expiry date: Aug 25, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2405/50
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A stack turner and replenisher 10 is provided for keeping a hopper of a carton prefeeder P filled with carton blanks, traditionally a job that requires a human worker and causes carpal tunnel syndrome due to the inverting motion required. Stack turner 10 allows for the movement of a stack of blanks in a lateral direction as well as in an inverted u-shaped path. Clamp 53, with adjustable upper and lower plates 54,55, is used to pick up a stack of blanks from a source of such blanks. Clamp 53 then moves upwardly, laterally, and downwardly along groove 52, while an upper portion 50 of stack turner 10 simultaneously moves laterally toward prefeeder P. Clamp 53 then deposits the blanks in the hopper of prefeeder P. Finally, stack turner 10 retraces its path in order to pick up another stack of blanks and repeat the procedure, thus ensuring that the hopper of prefeeder P is always filled with carton blanks. Stack turner 10 also squares the stack of blanks both vertically and horizontally.