Computer controlled system for loading pallets in a confined cargo area
US5794416A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G61/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for configuring a stack of layers of boxes to fill an enclosed compartment or cargo space in sequential stack positions according to measurements of the compartment as stored by a computer and the box layer height as determined by the computer. The computer calculates the maximum height of the stack and each predetermined stack location within the cargo space necessary to fill the enclosed cargo space and, through a programmable logic controller, directs a delayering clamp to index itself relative to a stack of boxes, and then removes as many boxes as necessary from the stack. The remaining layers of boxes in the stack are then fed to a stretch-wrap station where the remaining layers of the stack are rotated while the stretch wrap is being applied. The stretch-wrapped stack is then transferred to a station for holding for a forklift or other device to take it into the enclosed cargo area and stack it. A novel slip sheet is placed under each stack as it is moved into place under the load delayering clamp. It has a front portion that acts as a tongue that can be gripped by a special fork loader. It also has two sides that are folded up and encompassed by the stretch wrap to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.