Item handler for sorting and packing

US6625953B1 · kind B1 · 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: Dec 2, 1999
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2003
• Expiry date: Dec 2, 2019

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.