Thermoforming apparatus and method
US8021142B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/2092
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus are provided for thermoforming articles. The apparatus includes an in line series of processing stations including heating, forming, cutting and separating stations. A stacker is provided to receive formed articles and form an x-y array of stacks of formed articles. A stack picker is provided that is operable to pick up the stacks of articles during a sheet pause cycle portion and move the picked stacks from a storage magazine to a deposit area. The movement of the stacks for depositing and the picker assembly back to the stacker can occur while the apparatus is producing and stacking additionally formed articles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.