Combined pushing mechanism and dead plate for stacker accumulation tray
US6302638A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/082
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retractable arm serves as a combined pushing mechanism and dead plate for holding and moving articles that have been stacked onto an accumulation tray for a stacking station in an article sortation conveying system. The stacking station stacks articles sequentially onto the accumulation tray standing upright on edge and in series side-by-side. While the articles are being stacked, the retractable arm is positioned in the down position and positioned so that a first side of the arm holds the articles on edge without tipping, much like a bookend. A linear motion actuator, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, moves the retractable arm along the length of the elongated accumulation tray. During the stacking procedure, the pneumatic cylinder is deactivated (i.e. a dead cylinder), and the stacked articles push the retractable arm incrementally along the accumulation tray towards an unloading area. When the order is complete, the arm retracts and is returned to a home position in which a second side of the arm is ready to push the articles towards the unload end of the accumulation tray. Movement of the articles towards the unload end of the accumulation tray is controlled in response to a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.