Abstract: A load former assembly (100) for collecting bundles (103) of materials into tiers (121) of selected patterns and stacking the tiers (121), the load former assembly (100) having a power conveyor (104) and a dual pin assembly (106) for horizontal rotation of successive bundles (103) in a first rotational direction or in an opposing second rotational direction, the dual pin assembly (106) extending first or second pins (140) into the path of the bundles (103). The pins (140) can be extended at selected lateral positions on the power conveyor (104). A single pin assembly (112) having a third pin (140) is disposed for rotating the bundles (103) in a set rotational direction. A positioning assembly (116) positions the rotated bundles (103) at selected lateral positions on the power conveyor (104), and the bundles (103) are collected against a tier gate (120) to form the tier (121) in a selected pattern. A sheet dispenser assembly (310) places slip sheets (335) onto the tiers (121).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 29, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 27, 2003
Assignee:
Alliance Machine Systems Intenational, LLC