Packet depalletizer

Automatic depalletizing apparatus capable of moving objects disposed on a pallet in superimposed layers separated by cardboard separators and formed of parallel and adjacent rows on a pallet and of bringing the objects one by one to an entry station of a machine, said apparatus being of the type having lift means for lifting the pallet step by step and thereby moving the layers in a vertical direction Z to a predetermined level (Z.sub.a), transfer means movable in a horizontal direction X, a discharge conveyor likewise movable in said direction X, and distribution means for distributing the objects in the entry station, said distribution means comprising a secondary conveyor movable in said direction Y for simultaneously receiving all the objects of said one row moved by said discharge conveyor, wherein the improvement comprises:

• transfer means including a transfer facility capable of moving all the objects of one row in one operation, said one row being oriented in a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the direction of travel X of said transfer means, and of placing all the objects of said one row on said discharge conveyor after a translational movement, said transfer facility comprising a plurality of pincers oriented in direction X and aligned along direction Y and a carriage supporting said transfer means, said pincers being mounted on said carriage and each being capable of grasping one of the objects of a row to be transferred for shifting it onto said discharge conveyor by movement of said carriage, said carriage including a pedestal, a truss adjustable in direction Y relative to said pedestal, a plurality of claws disposed parallel to direction X and pivoted on said truss about a single axis parallel to direction Y, and a jack-type control integral with said truss and capable of causing said claws to pivot simultaneously about said axis.