Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a separator sheet handling assembly 10 that includes a lifting assembly 20 adapted to receive a pallet 12 containing a stack of separator sheets 14. The lifting assembly 20 positions the stack of separator sheets 14 into a predetermined location where a feed assembly 30 engages a separator sheet 16 positioned at the top of the stack of separator sheets 14. The feed assembly 30 removes the separator sheet 16 and transports it to a test assembly 50 where the separator sheet 16 is monitored for a particular characteristic such as cleanliness or structural integrity. The separator sheet 16 is delivered to a first storage assembly 60 if the separator sheet 16 has the particular characteristic, or a second storage assembly 70 if the separator sheet 16 does not include the particular characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a separator sheet handling assembly (10) that includes a lifting assembly (20) adapted to receive a pallet (12) containing a stack of separator sheets (14). The lifting assembly (20) positions the stack of separator sheets (14) into a predetermined location where a feed assembly (30) engages a separator sheet (16) positioned at the top of the stack of separator sheets (14). The feed assembly (30) removes the separator sheet (16) and transports it to a test assembly (50) where the separator sheet (16) is monitored for a particular characteristic such as cleanlines or structural integrity. The separator sheet (16) is delivered to a first storage assembly (60) if the separator sheet (16) has the particular characteristic, or a second storage assembly (70) if the separator sheet (16) does not include the particular characteristic.

Abstract: A palletizer for stacking a series of items on a pallet, the palletizer including a pallet hoist for supporting a stack of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets, the pallet lift assembly including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members mounted on the pallet lift assembly for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser for supporting a supply of top frames; and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist and the top frame dispenser, respectively.

Abstract: A palletizer assembly is comprised of a conveyor (14), a pattern-making apparatus (18) for arranging objects received from the conveyor into a pattern, a main hoist (26) for supporting a pallet in position to receive a layer of objects, a sweep apparatus (22) for moving a discrete number of objects from the pattern-making apparatus into a layer of objects on the pallet, and a separator sheet handler assembly (50) for delivering separator sheets to the main hoist for separating layers of objects on the pallet. The separator sheet handler assembly (50) includes a first stage handler (70) including a chute (86), for moving a single separator sheet into the chute. The separator sheet handle assembly (50) also includes a second stage handler (74) for moving the sheet from the chute (86) into position in the main hoist (26).

Abstract: A container handling system (10) comprises a first belt conveyor (14), an air bed conveyor (16) adjacent the outlet (34) of the first belt conveyor (14), a second belt conveyor (18) adjacent the outlet 54) of the air bed conveyor (16), a pattern forming apparatus (110) including first and second partitions (114) defining therebetween a lane (118), a top cover (154) slidably positionable over the air bed conveyor (16) and over a portion of the pattern forming apparatus (110), and an alignment mechanism (170). The lane (118) has an inlet (138) positioned over the air bed conveyor (16) and an outlet (142) positioned over the second belt conveyor (18). The top cover (154) is movable along the direction of flow of containers (C) between covered and uncovered positions. The top cover includes a solid portion (158), and a perforated portion (162) allowing air to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A palletizer for stacking a series of items on a pallet, the palletizer including a pallet hoist for supporting a stack of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets, the pallet lift assembly including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members mounted on the pallet lift assembly for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser for supporting a supply of top frames; and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist and the top frame dispenser, respectively.

Abstract: A palletizer (10) for stacking a series of items on a pallet (P), the palletizer (10) including a pallet hoist (34) for supporting a stuck of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism (82) mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist (34) adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets (P), the pallet lift assembly (82) including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members (110) mounted on the pallet lift assembly (82) for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member (110) and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member (110) is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser (38) for supporting a supply of top frames (T); and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist (34) and the top frame dispenser (38), respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor frame assembly that does not require the use of conventional fasteners and/or welded joints in order to be assembled. The frame assembly includes a base having a slot and a support having a tab extending through the slot. The tab is plastically deformed toward the base in order to couple the support to the base. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a conveyor frame. The method includes inserting a tab on a support into a slot on a base and then coupling the support to the base by plastically deforming the tab toward the base. The invention also relates to a tool for assembling a conveyor frame that includes a base and a support. The tool includes a head that is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the base after a tab on the support has been inserted into the slot. The base and the support are coupled together by impacting the tool further through the slot until an angled surface on the tool plastically deforms the tab toward the base.

Abstract: A palletizer assembly including a sweep assembly including a frame having a pair of generally parallel side members and a pair of cross members extending between respective ends of the side members, the sweep assembly also including a pair of forward stanchions that extend vertically upward from respective side members, and a pair of rearward stanchions extending vertically upward from the upstream ends of the side members, a pair of generally vertically extending slides, each having a lower end connected to a side member and an upper end, plunger assemblies including a plunger support slidably supported by a respective slide between a lowered position and a raised position, each plunger assembly including a plurality of plungers which are fixed to, and extend downwardly from, the respective plunger support, and a container shift assembly supported by the frame and including a pair of shifter slide rails extending rearwardly of the rearward plunger support, the upstream ends of the shifter slide rails being o

Abstract: The method can be performed by receiving at least one sheet and guiding the sheet through an apparatus for cleaning sheet providing tension to the sheet for processing; and processing both planar surfaces of the at least one tensioned sheet.