Abstract: Device for transferring pre-formed layers of objects to the top of a pallet. Device (1) for transferring pre-formed layers (11) of objects to the top of a pallet (6), comprising:—a guide column (2),—a depositing head (4) designed to deposit said layers (11) on top of one another on the pallet (6), and—a receiving tray (3) for receiving a pre-formed layer of objects, said receiving tray (3) being movable relative to the depositing head (4). The depositing head (4) and the receiving tray (3) are each slidably mounted in cantilever fashion only on said guide column (2).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a stacking device including a conveyor belt configured to move one or more items towards a receiving storage hopper configured to receive the one or more items from the conveyor belt. The one or more items may form a stack of items in the receiving storage hopper. The stacking device may further include a sensing device configured to determine a level of the stack of items in the receiving storage hopper. The stacking device may be configured to adjust a height of the conveyor belt relative to the storage hopper based on the level of the stack of items in the receiving storage hopper.

Abstract: A load change safety system in which a sheet stacker having a stacking deck formed with a discharge end discharges sheet material onto and builds a sheet stack on a conveying sheet stack removal system formed with a receiving means. A variable pinch point gap is formed by relative motion between the discharge end of the stacking deck and the receiving means of the conveying sheet material removal system. The safety system includes redundant means selectively preventing a decrease in the variable pinch point gap. The redundant means of the safety system preferably includes an electro-optical light guard means operably connected to the redundant means with one or more redirections of light beams to create a light guard perimeter guarding portions of the stacker and sheet removal system to guard against access to the pinch point.

Abstract: A load change safety system in which a sheet stacker having a stacking deck formed with a discharge end discharges sheet material onto and builds a sheet stack on a conveying sheet stack removal system formed with a receiving means. A variable pinch point gap is formed by relative motion between the discharge end of the stacking deck and the receiving means of the conveying sheet material removal system. The safety system includes redundant means selectively preventing a decrease in the variable pinch point gap. The redundant means of the safety system preferably includes an electro-optical light guard means operably connected to the redundant means with one or more redirections of light beams to create a light guard perimeter guarding portions of the stacker and sheet removal system to guard against access to the pinch point.

Abstract: A stacker (10) for plate members includes a platform (15) on which plate members (20) are to be stacked and at least one pair of guides (11, 13) disposed at both sides of the platform (15) relative to a transferring direction of the plate members. Each of the guides (11, 13) has a ridge (12a, 14a) spirally formed on a rotational axial portion (12, 14) and a groove (12b, 14b) formed along the ridge (12a, 14a). The aforementioned at least one pair of guides (11, 13) are rotated with opposite edges of the plate member (20) engaged with the grooves (12b, 14b) of the guides (11, 13), to thereby move the plate member (20) toward the platform (15).

Abstract: A system for forming a plurality of discrete objects into a stack is disclosed which system includes a frame having a top, a bottom and sides; a conveyor associated with the frame and having an end edge for dispensing discrete objects, a first support mounted on the frame near the end edge for receiving objects from the end edge and having an opening with a width smaller than the width of the objects, a first actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between first and second positions relative to the end edge; a second actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between upper and lower positions relative to the frame; a second support mounted on the frame beneath the first support having a width less than the width of the opening in the first support; a third actuator operatively connected to the second support for moving the second support between high and low positions, the second support high position being higher than the first support

Abstract: An apparatus for placing out spacer sticks on a board stick (1) comprises a feeder device (5) for the individual discharge of spacer stacks (3). The feeder device (5) is placed in association with one short end of the stack (1). Further, the apparatus has a conveyor device is located above the stack (1) for conveying spacer sticks (3) from the feeder device (5) to the stack (1). At least those parts of the conveyor device which are located under the spacer sticks (3) are disposed to be movable in the lateral direction between advancement positions over the stack (1) and release positions outside the stack. A sticks (3) are movable from position over the stack (1) to positions where they rest on the stack (1) sticks on a board stack is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding assembly. The sliding assembly includes an article sliding surface, the sliding surface having a proximal end pivotally connectable to a work surface and a free distal end; and a support member pivotally connected to the sliding surface between a midpoint of the sliding surface and the distal end of the sliding surface, the support member selectively holding the sliding surface in one of a plurality of inclinations and being actuated to progressively adjust the height of the distal end of the sliding surface in correspondence to the plurality of inclinations. Also disclosed are methods of stacking articles using the sliding assembly.

Abstract: A palletizer assembly is comprised of a conveyor (14), a pattern-making apparatus (18) for arranging objects received from the conveyor into a pattern, a main hoist (26) for supporting a pallet in position to receive a layer of objects, a sweep apparatus (22) for moving a discrete number of objects from the pattern-making apparatus into a layer of objects on the pallet, and a separator sheet handler assembly (50) for delivering separator sheets to the main hoist for separating layers of objects on the pallet. The separator sheet handler assembly (50) includes a first stage handler (70) including a chute (86), for moving a single separator sheet into the chute. The separator sheet handle assembly (50) also includes a second stage handler (74) for moving the sheet from the chute (86) into position in the main hoist (26).

Abstract: A shingle bundle palletizer includes a bundle metering conveyor, an incline conveyor, a pattern conveyor, a lug conveyor, an adjustable height transfer conveyor, a shuttle conveyor, and a pallet removal conveyor. The bundle metering conveyor includes one or more upstream and downstream belts. Each upstream belt is driven by an in-roller, variable speed motor that is independent of each downstream belt. The pattern conveyor includes a pair of outer pattern belts rotatably mounted on a pair of outer pulleys, and a center pattern belt rotatably mounted on a center pulley. The pair of outer pulleys is keyed to a pulley shaft and the center pulley is free-rotating about the pulley shaft to decouple the center pattern belt from the pair of outer belts. The pair of outer pattern belts and the center pattern belt are independently driven by separate motors and belts made of elastomeric material. The shuttle conveyor includes a belt made of an elastomeric material driven by a motor connected to a drive shaft.