Item handler for sorting and packing

US6578700B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IBP, inc. · US

Inventors

• Ronald D. Smith · Phoenix, US
• Larry W. Fallin · Dakota Dunes, US
• Andrew Courier · Mansfield, US
• Stephen N. Forti · Stoneham, US
• William G. Leary · Cockatoo, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 2002
• Grant date: Jun 17, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B43/39
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An item handling system that sorts and packs items in a storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically designed to handle items such as sub-primal cuts of beef or pork or items of like size and weight. The system is adapted to sort items based on product type or based on system capacity. The packing mechanism is adapted to properly orient the item prior to placing the item in the storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes.