US 6,606,841 B1 · Tray lift mechanism

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically loading trays includes a servo motor that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of elongated engagement members. The engagement members are coupled to the servo motor at a first end and include engagement elements at the second end of the engagement member. The engagement elements may be designed to uniquely operate with the type of tray to be lifted by the apparatus. In one embodiment where the apparatus is loading a disposable tray, the engagement member may be an auger-type bit that screws into the trays. The apparatus also includes a lifting mechanism by which the engagement assembly is vertically positioned. The apparatus mechanically engages and retains the tray and moves the tray into position over a carton or other shipping container. The apparatus is vertically displaced to lower the tray into the carton and the servo motor operated in a reverse direction to mechanically disengage the tray. The process may be repeated to automatically load a plurality of trays into a shipping container.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A tray loading apparatus, comprising:

a motor;
a drive mechanism coupled to the motor;
a plurality of rotatable engagement members coupled to the drive mechanism and rotated to screw into a tray, thereby creating an aperture into which the engagement members extend to thereby engage and retain the tray;
and
a lift mechanism to raise and lower the engagement members after the plurality of engagement members have engaged and retained the tray to thereby move the tray.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tray lift mechanism

Life of this patent

Tray lift mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24