Bulk mail container unloading system, apparatus and method
US6565308B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G65/23
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A Bulk Mail Container (BMC) unloader uses a simple crossed four bar-linkage to move a predetermined point on a BMC unloader in a substantially straight line while the overall BMC unloader rotates about that predetermined point so as to upend the BMC container. This takes advantage of the crossed four-bar's substantially straight-line motion over a limited range of its motion, as well as the rotational motion of the particular unloader link disclosed herein. This is advantageous for unloading. In use, a BMC container is simply rolled into the BMC unloader, and the entire combination of the BMC container and BMC unloader is then actuated to produce substantially straight line motion along a suitably selected “center” point of the BMC unloader while the overall combination rotates about the center point so as to upend the BMC for unloading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.