Coil packaging line and method

A processing line for packaging coils of cylindrically wound strips of metal, the processing line comprising:

• a first conveyor adapted and configured to convey a coil from an entrance of the first conveyor to a discharge of the first conveyor;
• a sortation table having a plurality of positions, the sortation table being adapted and configured to rotate in a manner to place any position of the plurality of positions of the sortation table adjacent to the discharge of the first conveyor;
• a pallet loader, the pallet loader being adapted and configured to place a pallet on the sortation table;
• a coil discharge apparatus adapted and configured to move the coil from the discharge of the first conveyor to the sortation table;
• and
• a control for the processing line, the control being adapted and configured to:
• (i) receive a signal representative of an open position of the sortation table;
• (ii) generate a signal to enable the sortation table to move the open position of the sortation table adjacent to the pallet loader;
• (iii) receive a signal that the open position of the sortation table is moved adjacent to the pallet loader;
• (iv) generate a signal to enable the pallet loader to place a pallet in the open position of the sortation table to occupy the open position of the sortation table;
• (v) receive a signal that the pallet occupies the open position of the sortation table;
• (vi) generate a signal to enable the sortation table to move such that the position occupied by the pallet is adjacent to the discharge of the first conveyor;
• (vii) receive a signal that the position occupied by the is adjacent to the discharge of the first conveyor;
• (viii) generate a signal to enable the coil discharge apparatus to move the coil from the discharge of the first conveyor onto the pallet;
• (ix) receive a signal that the coil is on the pallet;
• and (x) generate a signal to move the sortation table such that the position occupied by the pallet is away from the discharge of the first conveyor.