Method and apparatus for automated stacking of sheet material bundles
US8404069B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1085
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for preparing a bundle of sheet material for transport. The automated apparatus includes a cutting assembly for cutting slats, or spacers, from scrap sheet material, a pick and place assembly for positioning and securing the slats to the underside of a bundle, and a stacking assembly for stacking bundles prior to removal for shipping or storage. The slats, once cut, are automatically placed in guide channels and then positioned beneath the bundle while glue is applied thereto. The glued edges are then automatically pressed against the bundle to secure the slats to the bundle, thereby creating space beneath the bundle to allow a forklift to manipulate the bundles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.