Abstract: A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.

Abstract: A conveyor lift table for a conveyor system comprises a conveyor including a frame and a plurality of rollers for supporting a load thereon and a lift mechanism connected to one end to said frame and configured to move the conveyor with a load supported thereon from an uppermost position to a lowermost position. A guard assembly is provided that includes plurality of U-shaped panel sections, each of the panel sections defining a successively larger perimeter. The panel section having the smallest perimeter is attached to the conveyor frame. Each panel section is connected to the next larger perimeter panel section by a plurality of slide members so that the guard assembly is configured to telescopically completely enclose the lift mechanism on three sides as it moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions.

Abstract: A conveyor lift table for a conveyor system comprises a conveyor including a frame and a plurality of rollers for supporting a load thereon and a lift mechanism connected to one end to said frame and configured to move the conveyor with a load supported thereon from an uppermost position to a lowermost position. A guard assembly is provided that includes plurality of U-shaped panel sections, each of the panel sections defining a successively larger perimeter. The panel section having the smallest perimeter is attached to the conveyor frame. Each panel section is connected to the next larger perimeter panel section by a plurality of slide members so that the guard assembly is configured to telescopically completely enclose the lift mechanism on three sides as it moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions.

Abstract: A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.

Abstract: A dunnage removal apparatus is situated adjacent a load conveyor and more particularly at a transfer device that moves a unitized load from the load conveyor to a pre-feeder. The dunnage removal apparatus includes a guide chute that funnels a loose flap of the dunnage sheet toward a sheet stripper mechanism. The mechanism includes a motor driven drive roller and a pair of pinch rollers that pinch the flap and pull the dunnage sheet from beneath the load. The pinch rollers are supported for movement relative to the drive roller to accept dunnage sheet(s) of variable thicknesses. A backstop plate is provided that moves with the pinch rollers. The load bears against the backstop plate as the dunnage sheet(s) is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring an article onto a pallet is situated between conveyor sections. The apparatus includes a pusher mechanism arranged to push the article from a location at or adjacent to the first conveyor section toward a pallet disposed on the second conveyor section. An extension fork assembly is provided between the pusher mechanism and the pallet. The extension fork assembly defines a stationary transfer surface over which the article travels on its path toward the pallet. The assembly also includes a plurality of extension forks that are extended over the pallet. The article is pushed onto the extension forks until the article is situate over the pallet. The extension forks are then retracted while the article is held in position over the pallet by the pusher mechanism. When the forks are completely retracted the article is safely sitting directly on the pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring an article onto a pallet is situated between conveyor sections. The apparatus includes a pusher mechanism arranged to push the article from a location at or adjacent to the first conveyor section toward a pallet disposed on the second conveyor section. An extension fork assembly is provided between the pusher mechanism and the pallet. The extension fork assembly defines a stationary transfer surface over which the article travels on its path toward the pallet. The assembly also includes a plurality of extension forks that are extended over the pallet. The article is pushed onto the extension forks until the article is situate over the pallet. The extension forks are then retracted while the article is held in position over the pallet by the pusher mechanism. When the forks are completely retracted the article is safely sitting directly on the pallet.

Abstract: A transfer car is configured to travel along an aisleway between arrays of conveyor sections. The transfer car includes a chassis that carries ground engaging wheels and a transfer conveyor assembly movably supported on said chassis. A transfer motor drives a rack and pinion mechanism that translates the conveyor assembly from side-to-side over the edges of the transfer car. Thus, with the transfer conveyor assembly in its neutral position centered over the chassis, the transfer car maintains a wide gap between the car and the ends of the conveyor array to prevent injury to persons standing near the gap. The transfer conveyor assembly can be shifted to one side adjacent an end of a conveyor section to receive items from that section, and then shifted to the opposite side adjacent an end of an opposing conveyor section to discharge the items.