초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for handling can tops separates single layer can top grid frames from palletized stacks and loads and unloads the can tops automatically without damaging the can tops. The apparatus has five work stations interconnected by conveyors. Conveyors move the grid frames through the

A method and apparatus for handling can tops separates single layer can top grid frames from palletized stacks and loads and unloads the can tops automatically without damaging the can tops. The apparatus has five work stations interconnected by conveyors. Conveyors move the grid frames through the stations sequentially from the first station to the fifth station to depalletize or palletize can tops.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of loading a row of thin flat objects of indeterminate length onto a plurality of grid frames each having a plurality of pockets and palletizing said grid frames, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pallet containing a stack of empty grid frames in a first pallet receiving area and an

A method of loading a row of thin flat objects of indeterminate length onto a plurality of grid frames each having a plurality of pockets and palletizing said grid frames, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pallet containing a stack of empty grid frames in a first pallet receiving area and an empty pallet in a second pallet receiving area; said first and second pallet receiving areas being transversely adjacent to one another; (b) automatically transferring a single grid frame from said stack of empty grid frames to a single grid frame receiving area longitudinally adjacent to said first pallet receiving area; (c) transversely conveying said single grid frame on a conveyor to a transfer area such that a first one of said pockets is located in a loading position; (d) separating a string of objects of predetermined length from said row of thin flat objects and depositing said string into said pocket in said loading position; (e) transversely advancing said conveyor such that the next adjacent empty pocket is in said loading position; (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) until the pockets on said grid frame are filled; (g) transversely advancing said conveyor such that said filled grid frame is moved to a single grid frame off-loading area; (h) automatically transferring said filled single grid frame to said pallet in said second pallet receiving area longitudinally adjacent said single grid frame off-loading area; (i) repeating steps (b) through (h) until said pallet in said first pallet receiving area is empty and said pallet in said second pallet receiving area is full; (j) removing said filled pallet from said second pallet receiving area to a first pallet parking space; (k) automatically transversely conveying said pallet in said first pallet receiving area to said transversely adjacent second pallet receiving area; and, (l) conveying a pallet containing a stack of empty grid frames from a second pallet parking space to said first pallet receiving area.