Abstract: An automated apparatus for palletizing panels or the like fabricated by a press which includes an unloading mechanism for unloading panels from a discharging conveyor of the press. The unloading mechanism includes a first carrier slidable horizontally, a second carrier movable up and down relative to the first carrier and a turning arm mounted to the underside of the second carrier and having a plurality of vacuum cups mounted thereto. A pair of latch conveyor mechanisms are provided opposite sides of the unloading mechanism for receiving panels therefrom. Provided below the latch conveyor mechanism is a first pallet which receives pallets from the latch conveyor mechanism or directly from the unloading mechanism. Also provided is a hanger mechanism for receiving panels having openings formed therein from the unloading mechanism.

Abstract: A bolster travels, with a first set of wheels propelled by a first pneumatic motor, along a first pair of rails into and out of a press and, with a second set of wheels propelled by a second pneumatic motor, along a second pair of rails laid at right angles with the first rail pair. The first set of wheels are mounted to the bolster body via hydraulic lift jacks for up-and-down movement into and out of engagement with the rails. The first and second pneumatic motors communicate with a source of air under pressure via first and second pilot-operated selector valves respectively. The lift jacks communicate with a hydraulic pump, driven from the pressurized air source, via a third pilot-operated selector valve. For pilot-operating the first, second and third selector valves there are provided manual control valves and sensors, the latter being actuated automatically to produce pneumatic signals representative of various working conditions of the bolster.