Abstract: This is a paper-stacking support with segmented shelves that can support paper and can also fold upon being rotated around rollers by a driver belt. Once an upper shelf is fully loaded, it is moved downwardly by the drive belt and another shelf is moved into an upper loading position by the drive belt. This allows for a continuous running of the stacking operation without an interruption during the unloading of the stacked paper.

Abstract: A stacking system and method that utilizes a device control for precisely controlling the downward movement of at least one printed material support at a first speed, while substantially simultaneously permitting upward movement of the at least one support at a second speed which is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.

Abstract: A compact palletizer combines a plate apron and an apron conveyor as a layer build area positionable both vertically and horizontally to implement receipt and organization of items as layers and to stack item layers on a pallet. A puller bar serves to pull item rows into layers in a layer building operation and to act as a backstop in delivering an item layer onto a stack of items. An apron serves to also deliver empty pallets to a stack build area.

Abstract: A stacking aid for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, has wall parts surrounding the goods stacked on the loading aid. It is possible to alter the height of at least one of the wall parts and to remove the stacking aid from the loading aid after completion of the stacking procedure. A method for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, with the aid of the stacking aid entails (a) obtaining a stacking aid which surrounds a stack of goods on the loading aid, (b) loading the loading aid with goods by using the stacking aid, and (c) lifting the loading aid relative to the stacking. The stack of goods lifted out of the stacking aid are wrapped for stabilization. The invention makes it possible to efficiently secure the stack of goods on the pallet during the commissioning through the removable stacking aid and during the subsequent transportation of the goods by the stabilizing the goods, for instance with a film.

Abstract: A stacking aid for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, has wall parts (10, 11, 12) surrounding a stack of goods stacked on the loading aid (3), it being possible to alter the height of at least one (10) of the wall parts and to remove the stacking aid from the loading aid again after completion of the goods-stacking procedure. A method for stacking goods (2) on a loading aid, such as in particular a pallet, with the aid of the stacking aid comprises the steps of: (a) placing in readiness a stacking aid (1), which surrounds a stack of goods stacked on the loading aid (3), (b) loading the loading aid (3) with goods (2) with the aid of the stacking aid (1), and (c) lifting the loading aid (3) relative to the stacking aid (1), the stack of goods lifted out of the stacking aid (1) being at the same time continuously wrapped with a stabilising means (31) for stabilisation.

Abstract: Described is a portable cradle which includes a removable planar surface, a base and a plurality of vertical support members removably coupled to the base and supporting the planar surface above the base. Each vertical support member includes a biasing member urging the planar member upward away from the base with a total biasing force applied to the planar member being selected based on property of materials to be supported on the planar surface so that a position of an upper surface of the supported materials remains substantially constant as a quantity of materials supported on the planar surface is changed.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A bar loading magazine, particularly for feeding cropping machines arranged downstream of the magazine, comprising a supporting element which is divided into a plurality of loading compartments, the loading compartments being provided with supporting elements for the bars which have lifting elements for maintaining the supporting elements at a height, inside the compartment, which allows the operator to easily access the bars supported by the supporting elements, as the bars are gradually unloaded from the supporting element.

Abstract: A device for guiding vertically movable sheet pile carriers for receiving thereon sheets of a substantially horizontally oriented, continuous stream of sheets including a pile lifter having a main pile support and an auxiliary pile support displaceable back and forth between a readiness position located outside the sheet stream, and a catching position located inside the sheet stream and, when the main pile is being changed, temporarily carrying, in the form of an auxiliary pile, some of the sheets coming from the sheet stream, includes an auxiliary pile frame embracing the displaceable auxiliary pile support and being guidable, jointly with guiding devices of the auxiliary pile support, in vertically extending guide elements.

Abstract: A storage device for card-shaped data carriers has at least one storage unit with a magazine support and a magazine mounted on the magazine support. The storage unit has a support bottom on which data carriers are stacked and has an upper end with a dispensing slot. An individualization roller is positioned at the upper end for removing the uppermost data carrier from the storage unit through the dispensing slot. A transport device for transporting the data carrier exiting from the dispensing slot to a processing unit of a dispenser is provided. A carriage is mounted in the magazine support and vertically slidable in the magazine support. The support bottom is fastened to the carriage. A motor is provided that drives an endless, flexible pulling element connected to the motor, and the motor and pulling element drive the carriage. Two guide pulleys are connected to opposite ends of the magazine support and the pulling element is guided about the guide pulleys.

Abstract: A food processing method and system, including a continuous cooker/chiller conveyor system (24) for meat products such as hot dogs and the like, is provided with an automatic unloader (36) having a first discharge transfer mode (FIGS. 1 and 2) automatically transferring the food product (22) to an automatic transfer member (38) for conveyance to a packaging line (32, 34), and a second discharge holding mode (FIGS. 3 and 4) holding the food product (22) on rack-off discharge arms (54, 56) until manually removed. In the event of an interruption in the packaging line (32, 34), rather than automatically transferring the food product (22) from the automatic unloader (36) to the transfer member (38), a rack-off procedure is instituted and the food product (22) is manually unloaded from the automatic unloader (36) and manually transferred to a holding rack (44, 46) on a temporary basis until resumption of operation of the packaging line (32, 34).

Abstract: A tilt hoist for breaking down a lumber stack has an inclined face such that a lumber stack may be translated by sliding upwards over the inclined face. The tilt hoist includes a plurality of tilt masts having translatable hoist arms for receiving the lumber stack from a stack transfer device such as an infeed chain. The tilt masts and corresponding hoist arms are pivotally mounted to the support frame at the pivot points located at the bottom of the tilt masts. A selected first group of tilt masts (the number depending on the tiered material length) are rotated into a stack receiving position where the hoist arms engage the underside of a first lumber stack which has been advanced by an infeed chain to a stack transfer position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical stacking system having a shelf support assembly for supporting the edge surface of the bottom surface of the bottom most signature in a stack of signatures. The shelf support assembly is positioned perpendicular and out of the path of a sliding support which receives the forming stack. The shelf support assembly is moved towards the forming stack and away from the formed stack at the same time forks of the sliding support are extended and retracted for receiving and releasing the stack of signatures.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic forming of packs of trimmed metal sheets for armatures of electrical machinery or the like, the pack (P') is formed by the controlled drop of a sheet stack (P) housed in a tubular magazine (1) open at the bottom. The pack is dropped against an underlying collection bottom (2) which is brought to a predefined distance from the lower end of the magazine (1). A tightening clamp (3,4) at the lower end of the magazine (1) blocks the stack (P) against a further gravity drop after its descent against the collection bottom (2). A subsequent first lowering of the bottom (2) to separate the pack (P') from the overlying stack, by virtue of a detachment device (22, 122), is followed by a detachment from the lower sheet (L') of the stack (P) of a possible sheet (L) which is mistakenly and temporarily held against the lower sheet (L') of the stack (P) but belongs to the overlying pack (P').

Abstract: A hand cart for carrying sheets and other stacked objects has a motorized self-leveling platform, so the things being carried are kept at a constant elevation convenient to a worker, whether things are being added or removed from the platform. For carrying sheets, such as moving sheets of paper in document processing operations, the cart upright and platform are tilted, and the upright has opposing wings extending at 90 degree. Thus, sheets tend to move against the wings and their alignment is either obtained or maintained. When the cart is tilted to move it about, the cart design and load positioning system desirably keep the upward force which a worker must apply to the cart handle at low levels.

Abstract: A materials carrying apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes a frame. A first carrier is supported within the frame for carrying materials thereon. The first carrier is located in an access position for access to and use of the materials by a user. A second carrier is supported within the frame and located in a storage position for carrying materials thereon. The storage position is vertically spaced apart from the access position. An elevator assembly vertically moves the second carrier from the storage position into the access position when the materials of the first carrier have been exhausted.

Abstract: A system for conveying folded web and forming discrete stacks of folded web comprising a conveyor that receives a stack of folded output web from a web folder and separator. The conveyor drives the web from an upstream end, adjacent the web folder and separator, to a downstream end. A supporting surface, which can comprise a plurality of pivoting rails biased by a spring, selectively supports the web remote from and off of the conveyor so that a compressed stack can be formed adjacent the folder and separator. At selected times, the stack is moved by the supporting surface into communication with the folder and separator so that it can be conveyed downstream. An elevator platform can be located at the downstream location for receiving successive stacks thereon. The elevator ascends and descends so that the tops of the successive stacks are aligned with the conveyor for receipt of a further stack thereon.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for supplying a robot for assembling or working on works or component parts, with the works contained in pallets through a supply apparatus. The pallets in stacked state, containing the works, are delivered to an elevator in the supply apparatus, then moved to a work supply position by the elevator, and maintained in this position for effecting the pick-up operation of the works by the robot. When a pallet is emptied, the empty pallet is moved from the work supply position to a discharge position, and the empty pallets are circulated to an empty pallet discharge position.

Abstract: Apparatus for frozen patties wherein one wide and slow conveyor feeds a plurality of narrow and fast conveyors to spread out the patties prior to stacking. Each fast conveyor conveys a stream of patties to a stacking module, each module includes a vertically-extending stacking cylinder. Each stacking cylinder includes a vertically-movable plunger which decrements as a patty is added to the top of the cylinder. When a cylinder contains enough patties for a stack, a patty-blocking member blocks patties from entering that fast conveyor, and the plunger in that cylinder raises the stack vertically out of the cylinder to a horizontal stage platform. A pusher member pushes the stack off the plunger and onto the stage platform. Vertically-hanging spring leaves stabilize the position of the stacks on the stage platform. When a desired number of stacks have accumulated on the stage platform, the stacks are moved to a collection station.

Abstract: An article handling system including a frame defining an upper, horizontal working surface (20). The system further includes a device (24) for supporting a receptacle (22) for final reception of articles, an elongated plate (10) mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot device (72, 74), and a device (26) for retaining the articles. The device for retaining the articles includes an elongated support (28) disposed parallel to the length of the plate in its horizontal position and fixed to remain immovable relative to the upper working surface at least in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically removing a thin sheet of material, such as food dough, from a stack of such sheets and depositing the sheet on a moving conveyor in a desired orientation so that a food filling may be automatically placed on the sheet of material. The apparatus picks up the thin sheet with suction nozzles, carries the thin sheet to the conveyor where pressurized air is delivered to the nozzles to release the thin sheet from the suction nozzles. A combined hydraulic-pneumatic lifting mechanism is provided to incrementally lift the stack of thin sheets to the pick-off apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward positioning tube (11) from a continuous supply of tube (11), into a preselected stacked configuration in a stack forming assembly (12) by movement of a fork member (22) positionable under selected of the tube (11). The invention includes moving the fork member (22) a preselected distance to position a preselected number of the tube (11) in the forming assembly (12) to form a row of preselected length, and then restraining the remainder of the supply of tube (11). The fork member (22) is then retracted a predetermined distance away from the forming assembly (12), and the forming assembly (12) is lowered so that additional tube (11) may be positioned on top of the tube (11) already positioned therein. The remainder of the tube (11) is then released while again moving the fork member (22) a preselected distance to position a preselected number of tube (11) on top of the tube (11) already positioned in the forming assembly (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately positioning a plurality of slotted boxes which are in a flat collapsed state, in a magazine of a box erector. The box erector handles and sets up the boxes into a position having an open top for subsequently receiving items therein while moving bottom closure flaps into a generally closed position. A laser unit is mounted adjacent a box supply loading magazine of the box erector and projects a beam of light against a box placed in the magazine. The magazine then is adjusted until the fixed light beam strikes a predetermined location on the box, preferably the end of a slot formed between adjacent major and minor flaps of the box. This light beam strike location correlates with a location at an unfold station of the erector which receives a bottom corner of the box.

Abstract: A sheet stacking system for stacking the sequential sheet output of a reproducing apparatus, with a sheet stacking tray providing an upwardly inclined sheet stacking surface at a substantial angle above the horizontal for receiving and registering sheets to be stacked thereon from a sheet output against an edge registration surface, and with a tray elevator for linearly repositioning the sheet stacking tray relative to the sheet output for maintaining the top stacking position and inclination, for the accumulation of a large stack; wherein the tray elevator repositions the sheet stacking tray downwardly in a linear but non-vertical movement path which is more perpendicular to the angle of the inclined sheet stacking surface and parallel to the edge registration surface, to provide non-vertical but more squarely superposed sheet stacking in the sheet stacking tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking zippered plastic bags maintains the top bag of the stack in a generally horizontal relationship by controlling the position of a stacking table which supports the stack. At least a portion of the stacking table which supports the stack is gradually pivoted in the area of the bag zippers as a stack forms. Preferably, the stacking table is controlled to also maintain the top of the stack at a generally constant level while the stack is forming.

Abstract: A continuous downstacker apparatus is operable for continuously stacking product in a predetermined stacked pattern. The downstacker apparatus includes a pair of lowerating-pushing heads which continuously move in a vertical elliptical walking beam pattern for receiving, stacking and pushing stacked product from a stacking chamber. The product is delivered to the stacking chamber by conveyor means and the lowerating-pushing heads are shiftable on a support frame for vertical and horizontal components of movement during the stacking and pushing cycle.

Abstract: A dual independent hoist arrangement for a breakdown station is shown. The breakdown station includes an input conveyor depositing loads on an L-shaped tilting frame. The tilting frame pivots the load into a transport path whereat one of the two independently operable lifting hoists accepts the load directly from the tilting frame and moves the load along a transport path to a fixed discharge point. Load engaging forks of each lifting hoist move into and out of the load transport path for coordinated use and sequencing of the tilting frame and lifting hoists.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward positioning tube (11) from a continuous supply of tube (11), in a preselected stacked configuration in a stack forming assembly (12) by movement of a fork member (22) positionable under selected of the tube (11). The invention includes moving the fork member (22) a preselected distance to position a preselected number of the tube (11) in the forming assembly (12), and then restraining the remainder of the supply of tube (11). The fork member (22) is then retracted a predetermined distance away from the forming assembly (12), and the forming assembly (12) is lowered so that additional tube (11) may be positioned on top of the tube (11) already positioned therein. The remainder of the tube (11) is then released while again moving the fork member (22) a preselected distance to position a preselected number of tube (11) on top of the tube (11) already positioned in the forming assembly (12).

Abstract: A method of controlling a drive unit of a pile-lifting device located at a sheet-fed printing machine includes starting-up the drive unit with a first mode of operation selected by an electronic current wherein rated torque is high and rated speed is low for respectively lifting and lowering the pile and, after a given period of time, following the starting-up of the drive unit, switching to a second mode of operation of the drive unit wherein the rated torque is low and the rated speed is high if the speed has exceeded a preset value during a lifting of the pile, and has not exceeded a preset value during a lowering of the pile; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate storage system mounted adjacent to a bending furnace in a windshield production line, said system comprising a first intermediate storage (1) for pairs of flat glass sheets and a second intermediate storage (2) for pairs of bent glass sheets. Each intermediate storage includes a number of separate storage racks (3) for pairs of glass sheets and a carrier trolley (5, 9) for pairs of glass sheets. A carrier trolley (5) in first storage (1) is controlled for carrying pairs of glass sheets one at a time from storage racks (3) to the proximity of the loading end of a bending furnace (11) and carrier trolley (9) in second storage (2) is controlled for carrying pairs of bent glass sheets from the proximity of the end of bending furnace (11) onto the storage racks (3) of second storage (2).

Abstract: A sheet feed arrangement is provided in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or the like and is comprised of a sheet cassette for accommodating a plurality of sheet materials, a lifting mechanism disposed below the sheet cassette for lifting end portions of the sheet materials only when the sheet materials are fed from the sheet cassette, a level detector disposed above the sheet cassette for detecting that an upper end surface of a topmost sheet material has been lifted up to a predetermined level, and a control system for stopping an upward movement of the sheet materials when the level detector detects that the upper end surface of the topmost sheet material has reached the predetermined level and for subsequently lowering the end portions of the sheet materials by a predetermined vertical length.

Abstract: An arrangement in a press feed line for picking up and conveying metal blanks at generally the same rate of speed they exit speed from the press, and automatically stacking them on a stacker car, or the like. The stacker car has a rotatable base supporting a pallet, which in turn supports the stacked blanks, and is designed for side-shifting and raising and lowering of the base, in the stacking station, thereby allowing the desired positioning of the stacked blanks on the pallet and the pallet on the base. Automated adjustable devices which may conform to the configuration of the blank neatly stack the blanks and variations to the arrangement allow more than one blank to be removed from different sources in the press, thereby permitting more than one stack to be made simultaneously.

Abstract: Automatic service truck with a method for moving sheet packages comprising a base frame (22) surrounded by vertical upright struts (24-30) and housing a plurality of planes or trays (34, 36, 38) for receiving the sheet packages; the truck receives the packages, along first direction (x), moving along a second direction (y) perpendicular with respect to the first direction (x) with the help of wheels (50-54) and subsequently lifting the planes or trays (34, 36, 38) along a third direction (z) perpendicular with respect to both the first directions (x) and the second direction (y) to allow subsequent loading of sheet packages on the planes or trays.

Abstract: A conveying system comprising two conveyors interconnected for adjustment relative to each other and an arrangement of rollers some of which convey and during a set period others serve as drag against the stock items carried thereon to obtain single item feeding.

Abstract: A high-speed mail stacking and separating apparatus (29) and method including a stack forming assembly (41) mounted for movement from a stack forming position to a stack releasing position. In the improved stacking apparatus, the stack forming assembly (41) is a low-inertia assembly mounted for movement during the time interval between sequentially adjacent envelopes (42) to positively displace the stack (S) out of the stacking zone (Z) to enable a new stack to be formed. The stack forming assembly (41) includes a pair of counter-rotating star wheels (52,53) having a plurality of Y-shaped arms (56) with one leg (57) of each arm (56) acting as the stack supporting leg and the other leg (58) of each arm (56) acting as the stack impelling leg. A conveyor (43) for conveying the stack (S) from the stack forming assembly (41) to a banding assembly (31) also is disclosed.

Abstract: A destacking apparatus for stacked pallets has at the destacking station not only a raisable and lowerable destacking platform but at least a raisable and lowerable receiving platform upstream of the destacking platform so that, when the destacking platform is brought to its lowest position, a stacked pallet from the receiving platform can be transferred onto it. Because the receiving platform can receive the stacked pallets at a higher location or level, the time previously required for moving the stacked platform down from this higher level to a position in which destacking can begin from the top of the stack is eliminated and the entire operation is expedited.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking bundles of flat-folded corrugated board comprises structure (2) to feed the bundles (B1,B2 etc) in succession to a pick-up position (4), structure (38,60) to transfer the bundles one at a time from the pick-up position to a stacking position (5) so as to create a number of layers to form a stack of bundles at the stacking position, support structure (6) at the stacking position to receive said bundles, structure (12,11) to lower the support structure as the stack is built up, and a programmable controller (94) for automatically controlling the position and orientation at which each bundle is delivered onto the stack so that the bundles form a predetermined pattern in the stack controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for forming groups of face-to-face contacting flat items comprises a supply conveyor for advancing a column of serially arranged, flat-lying items; a stack-forming unit situated in a charging station and arranged for sequentially receiving the items from the supply conveyor; a plurality of stacking containers for acommodating a stack of the items; an arrangement for positioning an empty stacking container in the charging station; a stop arranged in the charging station for arresting each item in the stack-forming unit upon delivery by the supply conveyor; an intermittent drive for causing the stack-forming unit to cyclically deposit an item in the stacking container to form an article stack therein; and a sensor which generates a signal indicating a presence of an item to be deposited by the stack-forming unit and which is situated upstream of the stack-forming unit. The signal is applied to the intermittent drive for actuating the same.

Abstract: A device and method for holding and delivering a load of particulate material such as wood blocks, wood chips--dry or moist--, and briquettes. A main bin has an open upper end, closed side walls, and a closed bottom wall. A pair of drive shafts are journaled across and in the side walls of the main bin, with a motor therefor. A flexible belt has one end secured to a first such drive shaft on one side of the bin and another end secured to a second such drive shaft on the opposite side of the bin. A continuous chain driven by the motor drives said drive shafts, and there is an idler associated with the chain and one of the drive shafts for reversing the direction of rotation of that drive shaft, so that rotation of the two drive shafts slackens the belt enabling loading. The belt, when tightened and raised, drops the load into said main bin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling stacks of sheets, including a carrier for lowering the sheets in a stacker and having a clamp which applies to the bundle and moves therewith throughout the lowering process. The clamp is mounted on the carrier for movement into and out of clamping position, and in the clamping position it permits the bundles to be lowered without bending or distorting the sheets which are otherwise dragging on a stationary support.

Abstract: An automatic carton feeding device for a liquid filling machine according to the present invention comprises a carton supply basket assembly divided into an upper and lower basket. The upper basket, which follows the lower basket connected to the liquid filling machine, is installed so as to take an upright and a tumbled position. The lower basket is provided with a receiving plate to receive cartons descending to the lower basket in an upright position of the upper basket. The receiving plate is supported so as to make a vertical motion and lateral retraction using an elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A separating device for a sheet collection apparatus including support arms for interrupting the passage of sheets between the obverse and reverse convey path outlets and the collecting portion of the sheet collection device after a designated number of sheets have entered the collection device. The separating arms are individually movable for interacting and supporting conveyed sheets for a predetermined period of time while the sheets in the collection device are being bundled. The support arms rotate from a neutral position to a primary support position between the obverse and reverse convey path outlets and the collection device. The support arms also rotate to a secondary support position at specified intervals for facilitating the passage of sheets from the obverse and reverse convey path outlets on to the separating device.

Abstract: A machine which handles tea bags includes an elevator platform having a horizontal support surface adapted to support a stack of tea bags; a mechanism which moves the elevator platform from a first upper platform loading position to a second lower platform discharge position; a lead out member located at the discharge position; a pusher which pushes the stacks of tea bags from the platform when it is in the lower discharge position; a horizontal lead out surface on the lead out member; an inclined chamfer surface on the lead out member, the chamfer surface having a free edge; an inclined chamfer surface on the underside of the platform; and the platform and the lead out member being positioned and arranged so that when the platform is in the discharge position, the chamfer surfaces of the lead out member and the platform are in face to face overlappping contact, with the chamfer surface of the platform positioned above the chamfer surface of the lead out member and the horizontal support surface of the platfo

Abstract: A mobile automatic sod harvesting apparatus of the type which severs a sod strip from the ground parallel to the direction of travel, cuts the strips into sod pads of predetermined length and conveys the sod pads rearwardly toward a sod stacking and unloading station is disclosed which features a side unloading configuration to permit a pallet loaded with sod pads to be unloaded laterally of the direction of travel of the apparatus. The side unloading feature is further characterized by a lift fork assembly slideably mounted for horizontal displacement at right angles to the path of travel of the harvesting apparatus. The lift fork assembly which supports a sod receiving pallet is vertically movable at adjustable height to aid stacking the pallet with sod pads and for depositing a loaded pallet onto the ground upon horizontal extension of the lift assembly at a right angle to the path of travel of the apparatus.

Abstract: An arrangement in a press feed line for picking up and conveying metal blanks at generally the same rate of speed they exit speed from the press, and automatically stacking them on a stacker car, or the like. The stacker car has a rotatable base supporting a pallet, which in turn supports the stacked blanks, and is designed for sideshifting and raising and lowering of the base, in the stacking station, thereby allowing the desired positioning of the stacked blanks on the pallet and the pallet on the base. Automated adjustable devices which may conform to the configuration of the blank neatly stack the blanks and variations to the arrangment allow more than one blank to be removed from different sources in the press, thereby permitting more than one stack to be made simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically stacking and storing articles. The apparatus includes, in series, a stacking station, at least one storage storage, and an unloading station. A discharge conveyor is disposed beneath the stations. A stacking carriage is mounted for vertical movement in the stacking station, and with the carriage in an upper position, each article is individually fed onto the carriage and supported by a pair of supports that are movable between an inner supporting position and a release position. After each article is fed to the stacking carriage, the carriage is lowered in increments until the desired number of superimposed articles are applied to the carriage to form a stack.

Abstract: A bin sorter divided by vertical or inclined parallel walls into a plurality of bins, each having a bin floor which can be lowered to a lumber discharge station and a series of rotatable gates extending from the bottom of each bin wall and functioning to control the discharge of lumber from the individual bins.