Abstract: A tooling apparatus may include a pair of elongated tooling dies independently rotatable about a common central axis. Each tooling die may have a layup surface including a web layup surface and at least one flange layup surface oriented non-parallel to the web layup surface and configured to receive at least one composite ply to form a stringer layup half having a web and at least one flange. The tooling dies may be rotatable into side-by-side relation causing the webs of the stringer layup halves to be positioned in back-to-back mating contact with one another.

Abstract: A turnover apparatus for turning over a workpiece includes a first support frame, a second support frame, and a workpiece turnover mechanism. The workpiece turnover mechanism includes a lifting assembly and a turnover assembly. The lifting assembly includes a first driving element, a movable gripper driven by the first driving element, and a suction cup positioned on the movable gripper. The turnover assembly includes a first rotating driver, a clamp connected to the first rotating driver, and a first clamp driver. The first rotating driver is capable of rotating the first clamp driver and the clamp. The first clamp driver is capable of driving the clamp to clamp or release from the workpiece.

Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment for transporting and inverting material, such as a mail item, and exchanging the lead and trail edge of the material along a transport feed path. The equipment conveys material to a holding mechanism that rotates to a suitable angle to the transport feed path and within the plane of the flat material. The direction of the material is reversed while contained in the holding mechanism. The holding mechanism is rotated to turning over the material, e.g., face-up to face-down, and exchanges the lead and trail edges with respect to the feed path.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for processing an object just as semiconductor chips and dies. The first embodiment comprises two or more pick and place heads (FIG. 1) which operate sequentially (ie leap frog) to pick components from a first location to a second. The second embodiment (FIG. 8) comprises a flipping head combined with a pick and place heads where an object is picked up by the flipping head, turned over and then presented to a pick and place head for relocation to an output.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus of a line end of a folder-gluer for cardboard boxes includes a transfer bed (1) with a double, opposite array of transmission belts (C1a, C1b, C2a, C2b) which define a transfer track for the displacement of flattened, folded boxes, wherein the transfer bed (1) is oscillatingly mounted about a horizontal axis (a-a?) on a U-shaped support structure (21, 22, 24) which is in turn rotatingly mounted according to a vertical axis (b-b?) on a base frame (26), the rotation according to the horizontal axis (a-a?) and according to the vertical axis (b-b?) occurring through a first (M1) and a second (M2 M2?) motor, respectively.

Abstract: A turnover apparatus includes a tower configured to travel on abase, a lifter configured to rise and fall along the tower, a target holding portion configured to hold a turnover target, a wheel traveling base, a wheel axle rotatably attached to the target holding portion, and a wheel axle lock. The wheel axle includes a wheel configured to roll on the wheel traveling base. The target holding portion is attached to the lifter via a rotation shaft parallel to the wheel axle. The wheel axle lock is configured to lock the wheel axle such that the wheel does not roll on the wheel traveling base and the wheel axle can rotate with respect to the target holding portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for rotating a structural profile quickly and easily on a single spindle drill line without the use of a crane. The apparatus has two arms which can lay flat or create any angle less than 180 degrees between the two. The apparatus can move horizontally along the drill line and can lift the structural profile vertically for movement and during rotation. This will allow a drill machine operator to rotate large and heavy structural profiles on a drill line and position them with the datum blocks in order to drill the different sides without the need for an overhead crane or other lifting device and without any additional labor to assist with manual flipping and positioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection system 10 for rolled products 20 of a milling station, comprising at least one plate turning device 11 with an arrangement of transferring turning arms 12 located on a turning shaft 14 and of receiving turning arms 13 located on a turning shaft 15. According to the invention it is thereby provided that the turning shaft 15 of the receiving turning arms 13 is arranged offset with respect to the turning shaft 14 of the transferring turning arms 12. The invention relates in addition to a method for examination of the surface of rolled products 20 of a milling station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the alignment of a sheet in a direction transverse (cross-track) to its transport direction in a sheet-printing machine, in particular in a digital printing machine, preferably in an electrographically operating printing machine. The object of the invention is to improve, in a simple manner, a method and a device of the aforementioned generic types in view of a first rough alignment of the individual sheet. Referring to the method, this object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the individual sheet is flipped about a preferably non-physical, mathematical or imagined flipping axis extending in transport direction, and that this flipping produces a transverse offset of the sheet in transverse direction.

Abstract: A device for inspecting and rotating electronic components, particularly flip chips, includes a component which is rotatably mounted at a position of rotation and which is used to rotate electric components. A first receiving element is fixed to the outer side of the component in order to receive a single electronic component of a carrier and to secure it during a rotational movement of the component. A second receiving element is arranged on the outer side of the component opposite the first receiving element in relation to the point of rotation such that when the component is rotated by 180° it respectively faces the carrier, and a through opening is arranged in the component between the receiving elements such that when the component is rotated by 90° or 270° the through opening faces the carrier. Also a method for inspecting and rotating electronic components, particularly flip chips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a board inverter and a boarding inverting system. The board inverter includes a support, a first board picking device, an second board picking device and a controller. Each of the first board picking device and the second board picking device includes a driving mechanism and a first board picking device. The driving mechanism comprises a first linear driving means mounted on the support, a second linear driving means mechanically coupled to the first linear driving means, and a rotary driving means attached to the second linear driving means. The controller is connected to all the power supply members. The controller controls the motion of the first board picking device and the second board picking device such that the first board picking device and the second board picking device cooperatively inverting workpieces transmitted on a production line. The board inverter can be installed on a production line without altering the arrangement of existing production line.

Abstract: A heavy article inversion device is provided, in which the inverting operations may be performed in a short time by reducing the size of the heavy article inversion device comprising a pair of inversion boards that may be revolved about a common rotary shaft supported in the center of a base between the horizontal state and the angles of revolution of less than 180 degrees from the horizontal state, and a pair of cam plates each fixed to the corresponding one of the pair of inversion boards and having its proximal end side rotatably fixed to the common rotary shaft, in which each one of the pair of cam plates has a curved lower outer circumferential surface extending from the proximal end side toward the radial outside end and which may be engaged by the rod of each respective one of the pair of linear drive mechanisms when the rod is being moved out of and moved back into the corresponding cylinder of the respective liner drive mechanism, thereby causing the respective cam plate to be rotated about the commo

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection system 10 for rolled products 20 of a milling station, comprising at least one plate turning device 11 with an arrangement of transferring turning arms 12 located on a turning shaft 14 and of receiving turning arms 13 located on a turning shaft 15. According to the invention it is thereby provided that the turning shaft 15 of the receiving turning arms 13 is arranged offset with respect to the turning shaft 14 of the transferring turning arms 12. The invention relates in addition to a method for examination of the surface of rolled products 20 of a milling station.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder is used to orient wood material, such as but not limited to blocks (e.g., finger joint blocks), preparatory to further processing. The rotating cylinder uses gravity and a tumbling action of the blocks to orient the blocks and move them through the cylinder. Unlike known apparatus such as vibrating conveyors, embodiments of the invention are relatively simple, vibration free, not prone to mechanical stress failures, are quiet, and use minimal horsepower to operate. Furthermore, embodiments of invention may advantageously reduce noise-caused fatigue amongst lumber workers, as well as reduce maintenance and power costs. The rotating cylinder may be part of a larger system for orienting wood material, such as blocks, for further lumber processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a board inverter and a boarding inverting system. The board inverter includes a support, a first board picking device, an second board picking device and a controller. Each of the first board picking device and the second board picking device includes a driving mechanism and a first board picking device. The driving mechanism comprises a first linear driving means mounted on the support, a second linear driving means mechanically coupled to the first linear driving means, and a rotary driving means attached to the second linear driving means. The controller is connected to all the power supply members. The controller controls the motion of the first board picking device and the second board picking device such that the first board picking device and the second board picking device cooperatively inverting workpieces transmitted on a production line. The board inverter can be installed on a production line without altering the arrangement of existing production line.

Abstract: A device for overturning mattresses in a hemming machine, comprising a worktable which has an inner side and an outer side, a sewing machine to perform the perimetric hemming of the mattress and an assembly for orienting the mattress on the worktable being arranged on the inner side, and further comprising an articulated arm, which is arranged on the outer side of the worktable and is provided with grippers for gripping a mattress, the arm being able to oscillate between a position for gripping the mattress and a position for releasing the mattress after a rotation sufficient to overturn the mattress.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transferring products from a first conveying line to a second line conveying line operated stepwise in a feeding direction and particularly for feeding a boxing machine a plurality of compartments are aligned along the feeding direction. Each compartment has a bottom and a pair of lateral boards. The compartments receive products released by a manipulator and taken from the first conveying line. An actuator rotates the compartments from a loading configuration for receiving the products, to an overturned configuration, in which the compartments face corresponding, dwelling seats of the second, feeding line. A holding element closes the upper part of the compartments, moving from the loading configuration up to the overturned configuration. A pusher moves into the compartments in the overturned configuration, to push the products into the facing seats of the second, feeding line.

Abstract: An intermediate guide member is provided attachable and removable between a head portion and a supporting frame of a stocker for printing plates. A number of intermediate guide members is an element to set a time of starting downward movement of hooks supporting a leading end of a printing plate. Three conditions in accordance with lengths of non-detection times are set for detecting the printing plate to judge authenticity of the detection. When the hooks reach vicinities of stoppers provided at supporting bars of a reversal unit, the hooks swing, are pulled-in from above the slope, and transfer the printing plate to the stoppers. Thereafter, by rotating the supporting bars and the stoppers integrally around a shaft, the printing plate is pivoted over toward a back plate, and a lower end of the printing plate is transferred from the stoppers to a receiving plate without damaging the printing plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for aligning rolls in a feed system. The rolls are spaced at regular intervals so as to enable incorrectly positioned rolls to be turned to the correct feed position, when necessary, while they are moving forward in a feed direction. The correct position of each roll is identified by detecting the longitudinal hole through the center of the roll.

Abstract: A work reversing system is provided which includes a pair of oscillation drive units, an elevation drive unit, an elevation block, and a pair of oscillation levers. The elevation block is moved up and down by an elevation lever of the elevation drive unit, and has fixed thereto a pair of guide plates which each have a guide recess formed therein. Each oscillation lever has a sliding block provided slidably thereon, which has a guide projection sliding in the guide recess. As the elevation block and oscillation levers are activated, the sliding block is moved in a direction defined by the guide recess. A work is caught by one of clamping members attached to the sliding blocks, and the clamping member is elevated and oscillated. The work is then caught by the other clamping member, and the clamping member is oscillated and lowered, so that the work is reversed.

Abstract: A pedestal for inverting a soft contact lens has been invented. The pedestal of the invention has an inner surface, an outer surface, a dome shape capable of supporting the back surface of the contact lens or the front surface of that contact lens which has been inverted, is made from an elastic material which allows a negative pressure gradient to be generated from the outer surface to the inner surface, and has an elastic top which is capable of collapsing in to invert the contact lens.

Abstract: A material handling method and apparatus for flipping a workpiece. The method involves raising a retracted arm out of the worksurface to pivot the workpiece up and away from an edge of the worksurface. The workpiece is then slid in the direction of the edge before being guided thought the remainder of its 180 degree rotation. The guiding step further slides the workpiece toward the edge so that the workpiece is flipped at least partially in place. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an arm and catcher plate both having an idle position below the worksurface. Pneumatic drives under microprocessor control pivot, slide and flip the workpiece, at least partially in place. An optical sensor array monitors a peripheral area around the worksurface which may be smaller than the workpiece. The drives may be halted upon the array sensing movement of the workpiece beyond a certain distance from the worksurface periphery.

Abstract: A chip removal apparatus, chip removal system, fitting system and method of removing chips from a wafer, involve a removal tool and a turning tool, designed to be rotatable. The removal tool is used for removing chips from a wafer. The chips removed can either be transferred in a turned state to a fitting head at a first transfer position, or can be transferred from the removal tool to the turning tool and rotated by the latter into a second transfer position, where then they can be removed in an unturned state by a fitting head of a fitting system. This allows continuous and flexible removal of chips from a wafer in large numbers.

Abstract: A work support which assists in the inversion of a large workpiece has a supporting frame and a top frame. The top frame is provided with an intermediate hinge and an end hinge along at least one end, so as to be collapsible, and the leg of the supporting frame is hinged along the opposite end. The workpiece can be moved to one side of the intermediate hinge and the top frame can be collapsed, lowering the centre of gravity of the workpiece and standing it partially on edge. One or two workers can then easily shift the workpiece over to the other side of the top frame. When the top frame is raised back to a horizontal position the work surface is in an inverted condition, exposing unfinished surfaces for finishing. In the preferred embodiment the top frame is provided with a flexible membrane overlaying the intermediate hinge. When the top frame is collapsed the membrane curls upwardly and forms a cushion which supports the edge of the workpiece, and thus assists in the inversion process.

Abstract: A turning device for graphic publishing products in a conveyor line and/or packaging machine that can be combined with a push conveyor (14) for the advancement of products (11), spaced out one after the other, including a supporting member (16) bearing in sequence a first conveyor unit (17) to pickup at least one of the products (11) off the conveyor line, a grasping and turnover unit (18) of at least one of the products (11), a second conveyor unit (19) to deposit at least one of the products (11), turned upside down on the conveyor line, the conveyor units (17, 19) being operated to advance in phase with the push conveyor (14) and being movable between a working position and a disengaged position with the conveyor line.

Abstract: A system can re-orient a series of objects, such as containers, including pouches, from a first orientation that is one of several possible orientations, to a pre-selected second orientation. The system includes an orientation apparatus that can move a series of objects from their first orientation to the pre-selected second orientation by a movement sequence. The system includes a sensor system, such as a vision system, for detecting which of said several orientations is the first orientation. The orientation apparatus responds to a signal from said sensor, and performs a pre-determined movement sequence based on the detected first orientation.

Abstract: A material handling method and apparatus for flipping a workpiece. The method involves raising a retracted arm out of the worksurface to pivot the workpiece up and away from an edge of the worksurface. The workpiece is then slid in the direction of the edge before being guided thought the remainder of its 180 degree rotation. The guiding step further slides the workpiece toward the edge so that the workpiece is flipped at least partially in place. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an arm and catcher plate both having an idle position below the worksurface. Pneumatic drives under microprocessor control pivot, slide and flip the workpiece, at least partially in place. An optical sensor array monitors a peripheral area around the worksurface which may be smaller than the workpiece. The drives may be halted upon the array sensing movement of the workpiece beyond a certain distance from the worksurface periphery.

Abstract: A work support which assists in the inversion of a large workpiece has a supporting frame and a top frame. The top frame is provided with an intermediate hinge and an end hinge along at least one end, so as to be collapsible, and the leg of the supporting frame is hinged along the opposite end. The workpiece can be moved to one side of the intermediate hinge and the top frame can be collapsed, lowering the center of gravity of the workpiece and standing it partially on edge. One or two workers can then easily shift the workpiece over to the other side of the top frame. When the top frame is raised back to a horizontal position the work surface is in an inverted condition, exposing unfinished surfaces for finishing. In the preferred embodiment the top frame is provided with a flexible membrane overlaying the intermediate hinge. When the top frame is collapsed the membrane curls upwardly and forms a cushion which supports the edge of the workpiece, and thus assists in the inversion process.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for decorating a flat self-supporting article which is turned for decoration thereof on both sides, the article is firstly removed from a horizontal position in an article holder by being lifted by a first pivoting means and then pivoted into a vertical intermediate position from which the article is moved by a second pivoting means producing a pivoting movement of the article into a horizontal position with its previously upward surface facing downwardly. The article is then lowered into an article holder again.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inverting planate articles, such as door and window assemblies, which are supported from below in the horizontal plane, such as at a workstation for carrying out fabrication procedures from above the article. The article is tilted to a near vertical position at a tilting station, moved horizontally away to provide clearance from the tilting station, rotated a half turn about its vertical axis, returned to the tilting station and tilted back to the horizontal attitude with the original underside now on top. A tilt table that rotates around a transverse axis intermediate its length supports the article at the horizontal and tilts it to the near vertical attitude. A carriage receives the tilted article from the tilt conveyer and supports it at the near vertical by a turntable on the carriage having supports that engages the leading end and back side of the article.

Abstract: An invertor (10) is disclosed including first and second probes (12, 14) which are pivotably mounted to a U-shaped housing (20) and to a block (18) which is reciprocally mounted to the housing (20) by guide shafts (38). The block (18) is reciprocated by a rotary actuator (42) between a first position where the probes (12, 14) are in a parallel relation and a second position where the probes (12, 14) are in line. The suction pin (80) of the first probe (12) is extended to attach to the first surface (96) of the chip (98) and then retracted. The probes (12, 14) are then moved to their in line relation where the chip (98) is passed from the first probe (12) to the second probe (14) by attaching the opposing surface (100) of the chip (98) to the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14). After moving the probes (12, 14) to their parallel relation, the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14) is extended to place and release the chip (98).

Abstract: A feed device for a corner finishing machine for finishing frames consists f a framework which supports the frames, a conveyor for longitudinal movement of the frames along the support plane and a pivot device to rotate the frames around a normal pivot axis to the support plane in the area of the finishing tools. In order to achieve reliable, careful support of the frames, the framework forms an inclined support, with a guide rail, interrupted in the area of the finishing tools, and the pivot device includes two support arms which fit into the break in the guide rail in their extended position. The arms can be pivoted up out of their extended position by an angle that corresponds at least to the greatest corner angle of the frames via a suitable drive.

Abstract: A manipulator device for a bending machine includes a pair of elongate die and punch for bending a workpiece. A first manipulator has a first clamping device for clamping the workpiece to be bent, a first support for supporting the first clamping device in a rotatable manner around a rotary axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the punch and die, and a second support for supporting the first support in a movable manner in a X-axis direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the punch and die, in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and in a Z-axis direction parallel to the vertical direction. A second manipulator has a second clamping device for clamping the workpiece, an arm for supporting the second clamping device, and a column for supporting the arm in a rotatable manner around a rotary axis parallel to the Y-axis, the column being so constructed as to be movable toward and away from the first manipulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transport of materials by elevating a stack of materials, moving a selected group of the materials and controllably lowering the materials to an upset position, from which the group is moved simultaneously to an output position.

Abstract: Turnover apparatus for the controlled turning of a flat-sided article, such as a vehicle wheel-tire unit, from a horizontal outside-up position to a horizontal outside-down position includes a chain conveyor for conveying the article in a horizontal position. A turnover device employs two pairs of elongate arms mounted for rotation about respective, spaced, parallel axes from and to a normal rest position wherein the pairs of arms project horizontally in opposite directions from their axes below and parallel to the conveying chains. One pair of arms is coupled to a reversible drive to be rotated upwardly from its rest position through an angle greater than 90.degree. to tilt an article on the conveying chains upwardly to and past the vertical by an amount such that the article, if not restrained, would fall forwardly.

Abstract: An inverter apparatus for strips of sheet material which are affected by a magnetic field. The apparatus includes a pair of parallel drums which rotate in opposite directions immediately adjacent each other. Mounted within the drums in prescribed and fixed relationship are permanent magnets. A strip adheres to the first drum under the effects of the magnets within and rotates with that drum until it comes between the two drums. At that point the strip enters the field of the magnets in the second drum and departs the field of those in the first whereby it adheres to the second drum. The strip rotates with the second drum until it departs the field of the magnets therein, whereupon the strip drops off the drum in inverted relationship.

Abstract: A turnover device for turning over articles as they are conveyed along a production path. The turnover device comprises a frame, two spaced apart and parallel axis, first and second carrier arms mounted respectively on the axes for rotational movement, first and second meshing gears mounted on the axes respectively, and a drive motor and lever. The first and second meshing gears have pitch diameters such that, as the two carrier arms counter-rotate from a start position to a finish position, the first carrier arm will rotate through an arc of approximtely 108.degree. and the second carrier arm will rotate through an arc of approximately 72.degree.. The arms are then rotated to their start position. An article placed on a first carrier arm will drop off onto the second carrier arm and be carried back down to a horizontal orientation which is flipped end to end with respect to its starting orientation.

Abstract: A pallet repair and inspection system includes pallet destacking apparatus for automatically dispensing pallets from stack of vertical pallets one at a time and discharging the pallets onto an inspection table. The destacking apparatus includes a vertically reciprocating table onto which the stack of pallets is driven and horizontally reciprocating forks which are operated to suspend all but the lowermost pallet as the table is successively lowered and raised between a pallet discharge height and a pallet pick-up height, to discharge the pallets into the inspection table one at a time. The top of the inspection table is foldable to define a cradle for one end of the pallet, orienting the pallet generally vertically, allowing inspection of its top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically restacking palletized tiers of adjacent rows of loosely cubed laden produce boxes in a continuous fashion by recubing the boxes while automatically retrieving and stacking the successive pallets during the continuing recubing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically restacking palletized tiers of adjacent rows of loosely cubed laden produce boxes in a continuous fashion by recubing the boxes while automatically retrieving and stacking the successive pallets during the continuing recubing process.

Abstract: A brick setting machine is disclosed which is operable to face set, stack without inverting or flat set. The machine is also operable to laterally space each brick from the next adjacent brick so that the faces and edges of the brick can be separately textured. The stacking, face setting and flat setting of the brick are performed by a plurality of elongated trays or turners which are operable to simultaneously rotate substantial numbers of brick through 90.degree. so that they rest on their sides and then when stacking or face setting is required to rotate adjacent rows of brick through an additional 90.degree. to form pairs of vertically aligned brick one resting on the other. The stacking is provided without gripping the brick so as to avoid damage to the brick.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a blank having a first blank-retaining member for retaining a blank before turnover; a second blank-retaining member for receiving the blank from the first blank-retaining member, the second blank-retaining member having its inner end rotatably linked to the inner end of said first blank-retaining member; first and second horizontally moving members adapted to be movable only in the horizontal direction and rotatably supporting the outer ends of the first and second blank-retaining members, respectively; and a driving force transmitting means which maintains the first and second blank-retaining members in their respective horizontal positions in their inoperative states but draws down the linked inner ends of the first and second blank-retaining members in their operative states so that the first and second blank-retaining members come in contact with each other at their respective vertical positions and then returns said first and second blank-retaining members to their respecti

Abstract: A novel turnover device adapted to receive a workpiece at its inlet end and deliver the workpiece in a turned over state from its outlet end at a distance from the inlet end is disclosed herein, which comprises a main body frame, first and second carriers supported on the main body frame so as to be movable in the inlet-outlet direction, first and second arm holders rotatably supported by the first and second carriers, respectively, first and second arm rods slidably held by the first and second arm holders, respectively, first and second workpiece holders fixedly secured to one end of the first and second crank drive mechanisms associated with the first and second carriers, respectively, and adapted to rock the first and second rods, respectively, in the inlet-outlet direction when the carriers are moved in the inlet-outlet direction, and carrier drive means for driving the first and second carriers simultaneously in the opposite directions so that they may approach to each other and they may separate from e

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to an apparatus for turning a workpiece upside down.

Abstract: A device for arranging in order a random supply of articles including a plurality of article orientating members movable relatively to each other. The members are spaced so that the articles, when orientated, can drop between the members. The members may comprise intercalating elongate blades, alternate blades being arranged to move in unison relative to intermediate blades and may be provided for conveying the orientated articles from between the blades to a receiving station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stacking or stacking as well as facing, bricks. In stacking, the bricks are conveyed to adjacent horizontal fold plates and then one of the plates is moved under the other plate to place the bricks one above the other. The underlying plate with the bricks thereon is moved horizontally away from the upper plate while the bricks on the upper plate are also moved in the same direction so that they are stacked on the bricks on the lower plate. The lower plate is then elevated with the stack of bricks thereon after which the bricks are conveyed off the plate by newly arriving incoming bricks. When it is desired to stack the bricks with their faces contacting each other, after the bricks arrive on the plates (hereinafter termed the first and second plates), the plates are separated in a horizontal plane to expose a third underlying fold plate. The first and second plates are then folded or pivoted upwardly 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting a panel member comprises a conveyor having a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially parallel endless belts; a frame member including first and second pairs of opposed uprights disposed above and enclosing the conveyor; a panel raising mechanism pivotally connected to the frame above the conveyor; and a panel lowering mechanism pivotally connected to the frame above the conveyor. The panel raising mechanism includes a transverse bar rotatably mounted above the conveyor on the second pair of opposed frame uprights. The mechanism further includes a plurality of spaced-apart extension members which are rigidly connected to the transverse bar. A roller is rotatably connected to the free end of each of the extension members, the rollers being spaced apart from each other such that each of them can fit in the space between adjacent endless belts.