Conveying system and method for mixing stacked articles
US5903464A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G1/1378
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Homogeneous layers of articles are mixed in a conveying apparatus, and in accordance with a conveying method. A first conveying path originates at a first working station and terminates at a second working station. A second conveying path originates at the second working station. The first working station selectively moves successive homogeneous layers of articles from respective stacks to the first conveying path. The second working station receives the articles from the first conveying path and distributes the articles into selected ones of a plurality of vertical conveying and storage paths. The articles are supplied to the second conveying path from the vertical conveying and storage paths in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence is established by defining control sequences for the moving, distributing and supplying performed in the work stations. The articles conveyed on the second conveying path can be arranged into groups related to the predetermined sequence.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.