Back to results
US 5,687,639 AGranted
Rotating variable height clamping device
AssigneeFMC Corporation
InventorsNorman A. Planck, Jr., Eduard Hendrikus Johannes Damhuis, Sherman Howell Creed
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.
Claims4
An apparatus for rotating stacks of various heights, comprising:
- a plurality of top members, where a top member is above each stack;
- a central drive means for raising and lowering the top members;
- means for allowing the top members to stop moving at different heights while the central drive continues to move;
- means for locking the top members in position on top of the stacks;
- means for lifting the stacks such that said means for lifting cooperates with said top members when in a locked position to clamp said stacks therebetween;
- and
- means for rotating the top members, the means for lifting, and the stacks around a horizontal axis.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.