US 4,537,550 AGranted

Automatic stack developing and loading system

AssigneeFleetwood Systems, Inc.

InventorsWallace W. Mojden, Robert E. Darr

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Abstract

Apparatus for supplying a stack of can ends or the like to a downstream processing unit is provided. The apparatus comprises a transport system having a trough for accumulating, in stacked array, can ends delivered from an upstream source. Transport clamp means engage at least some of the stacked, accumulated can ends, and a transport drive moves the clamp means and can ends along the trough to a transfer station. The transfer system includes a pocket for supporting a stack of can ends transported thereinto by the transport means. A transfer clamp means engages at least some of the upstream can ends inserted into the pocket. A shelf is inserted into the pocket bottom for supporting the stack of can ends in the pocket when the transfer clamp means are withdrawn. The stack of can ends supported on the shelf can then be transferred to a carousel-type rotory infeed unit, or to a bagging machine, or to some other sort of downstream processing unit.

Claims13

Dependent claims

Apparatus for supplying can ends or the like to a downstream processing unit, such as rotary carousel feed unit or the like, said apparatus comprising;

in combination;
a generally horizontal trough section for accumulating in stacked array can ends delivered from an upstream source;
a transfer pocket disposed generally vertically and above said trough section for receiving a quantity of can ends in stacked array from said trough section;
an intermediate transition chute means of generally arcuate configuration extending upwardly from said trough section to said transfer pocket to interconnect said trough section and said transfer pocket;
transport means for driving at least a portion of the stacked accumulated ends in said trough sectiona long said trough section and upwardly into said arcuate chute means and further into said transfer pocket;
means for maintaining a quantity of stacked ends in said vertically disposed transfer pocket upon retraction of said transport means which retractive movement will result in the provision of a gap below the quantity of stacked ends;
and pusher means disposed adjacent said transfer pocket for transferring a quantity of stacked ends supported therein laterally from said transfer pocket to a downstream processing unit.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.