Mechanism and method for forming a stack of articles
US6419442B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B33/0405
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for stacking articles in a side-by-side stack and feeding the stacks to a discharge conveyor. Articles such as video cassette containers or CD containers, are conveyed in an upright singulated fashion by a guide arrangement. Each individual article enters a transfer location where it is supported by a transfer platform. A pusher device extends to push the article from the transfer location onto a support platform. The support platform supports the individual articles as they are assembled into a stack. After the pusher device has been retracted, a hold-back member is extended to support the outermost article of the assembled stack. Once a stack of articles has been assembled, a stack pusher assembly pushes the stack off of the support platform and onto an outfeed conveyor assembly. A back-up slide assembly supports the outermost article of the stack as the stack is assembled by the stacker mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.