Abstract: A stacking apparatus includes a base, a main conveyor pivotably supported on the base that is pivotable between a first, lowered, position and a second, raised, position, an accumulator section downstream of a discharge end of the main conveyor for receiving articles from the main conveyor, where the accumulator section includes a support for supporting a stack of items fed to the accumulator section by the main conveyor. Also, at least one optical sensor detecting the presence of an object in the main conveyor travel path and at least one controller operatively connected to the main conveyor and the optical sensor, the at least one controller receiving signals from the optical sensor and controlling the main conveyor based on the signals and on the direction of movement of the main conveyor.

Abstract: A rotary die cut stacking system for use with a rotary die cutter having a rotary die configured to output die-cut sheets of material, the system including a stacker and a layboy for carrying die-cut sheets of material in a first direction from the die cutter to the stacker, wherein, the layboy has upper arms and lower arms defining a nip region therebetween for receiving the die-cut sheets, at least some of the upper arms and at least some of the lower arms being moveable transversely to the first direction, the layboy including at least one optical beam generator configured to direct an optical beam against a portion of the rotary die cutter so that a position of the arms relative to the rotary die can be determined based on the location of the optical beam on the portion of the rotary die cutter.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyor support, a main conveyor connected to the conveyor support and having a discharge end movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a transfer conveyor having a intake end roller support holding the intake end roller in a fixed relationship with respect to the conveyor support and a discharge end roller connected to a main conveyor intake end roller, at least one idler roller, and at least one belt supported by the transfer conveyor intake end roller and the transfer conveyor discharge end roller and passing over the at least one idler roller, the main conveyor discharge end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein the transfer conveyor discharge end roller is shifted away from the transfer conveyor intake end roller by the main conveyor discharge end moving from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a support frame, a conveyor and an accumulator at a discharge end of the conveyor, the accumulator having a plurality of elongate fingers, at least one of which includes a rack having teeth along a first side, a rotatable drive shaft extending in a width direction of the conveyor, a gear having teeth mounted on the drive shaft and operatively engaging the rack teeth, and a rotary actuator operably connected to the drive shaft, the rotary actuator rotating said drive shaft in a first and second directions to move an end of the elongate fingers toward and away from the conveyor discharge end of the conveyor. Also a method of operating the device.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus includes a base, a main conveyor pivotably supported on the base that is pivotable between a first, lowered, position and a second, raised, position, an accumulator section downstream of a discharge end of the main conveyor for receiving articles from the main conveyor, where the accumulator section includes a support for supporting a stack of items fed to the accumulator section by the main conveyor. Also, at least one optical sensor detecting the presence of an object in the main conveyor travel path and at least one controller operatively connected to the main conveyor and the optical sensor, the at least one controller receiving signals from the optical sensor and controlling the main conveyor based on the signals and on the direction of movement of the main conveyor.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyor support, a main conveyor connected to the conveyor support and having a discharge end movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a transfer conveyor having a intake end roller support holding the intake end roller in a fixed relationship with respect to the conveyor support and a discharge end roller connected to a main conveyor intake end roller, at least one idler roller, and at least one belt supported by the transfer conveyor intake end roller and the transfer conveyor discharge end roller and passing over the at least one idler roller, the main conveyor discharge end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein the transfer conveyor discharge end roller is shifted away from the transfer conveyor intake end roller by the main conveyor discharge end moving from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: A sheet stacking device includes a support frame, a conveyor and an accumulator at a discharge end of the conveyor, the accumulator having a plurality of elongate fingers, at least one of which includes a rack having teeth along a first side, a rotatable drive shaft extending in a width direction of the conveyor, a gear having teeth mounted on the drive shaft and operatively engaging the rack teeth, and a rotary actuator operably connected to the drive shaft, the rotary actuator rotating said drive shaft in a first and second directions to move an end of the elongate fingers toward and away from the conveyor discharge end of the conveyor. Also a method of operating the device.

Abstract: A rotary die cut stacking system for use with a rotary die cutter having a rotary die configured to output die-cut sheets of material, the system including a stacker and a layboy for carrying die-cut sheets of material in a first direction from the die cutter to the stacker, wherein, the layboy has upper arms and lower arms defining a nip region therebetween for receiving the die-cut sheets, at least some of the upper arms and at least some of the lower arms being moveable transversely to the first direction, the layboy including at least one optical beam generator configured to direct an optical beam against a portion of the rotary die cutter so that a position of the arms relative to the rotary die can be determined based on the location of the optical beam on the portion of the rotary die cutter.

Abstract: A hydraulic barricade comprising a support to which a barricade plate is pivotally attached. At least a first hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly is operably connected with the barricade plate for pivoting the barricade plate between an up and a down position. A pump supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a primary source and a secondary source of pressurized fluid. A directional control valve is interposed between the cylinder and piston assembly and the sources for causing operation of the cylinder and piston assembly and thereby pivoting of the barricade plate. A first check valve is interposed between the sources for permitting pressurized fluid to flow from the pump and the cylinder and piston assembly to the secondary source and for preventing fluid from flowing from the secondary source to the primary source. The secondary source includes an hydraulic accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid under pressure.