Abstract: The present invention extends to a stacking mechanism having electrical actuators for stacking slabs of sod on a sod harvesting machine. The electrical actuators allow the stacking head to be driven in three axes. The stacking mechanism also includes position feedback sensors for reporting the position of the stacking head to enable precision when operating the stacking head at a fast rate. The stacking mechanism of the present invention also provides temporary pallet support wings to enable the continued stacking of slabs of sod on one pallet even while another pallet is being dropped from the sod harvesting machine.

Abstract: A method for loading a pallet, including placing packages in layers on a first pallet disposed in a first pallet disposed in a first plane, providing a second pallet above the packed first pallet in a second plane, and transporting the packed first pallet away. Also, a method for unloading for unloading a pallet, including removing packages, particularly bottle crates, in layers from a first pallet disposed in a first plane, providing a second packed pallet below the first pallet in a second plane, and transporting the first pallet away. Also, a corresponding palletizer for loading or unloading a pallet in layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pallet sleeve beneath a load comprises a conveyor component including conveyor elements configured to convey the load thereon in a first direction, one or more stations spaced apart along the first direction and a mechanism for changing the relative vertical positions of the conveyor elements and the stations. The apparatus further includes a pallet sleeve dispenser adjacent the conveyor component and configured for storing pallet sleeves in spaced apart sections aligned with a corresponding station. A drive element associated with each of the stations is configured to engage a pallet sleeve to drive the pallet sleeve from the dispenser to the conveyor component in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A retention mechanism is provided to support a stack of pallet sleeves above a lowermost sleeve being driven from the dispenser to the position underneath the load on the conveyor component.

Abstract: A first layer of items is assembled on a movable conveyor belt on a support platform, and the conveyor belt advances to position the first layer of items above and in registration with a pallet while a second layer of items is assembled behind the first layer. The conveyor belt then stops, and part of the support platform and an associated portion of the conveyor belt retract from beneath the first layer of items, depositing the first layer of items on the pallet, after which the pallet is indexed downward. The retractable portion of the support platform and the associated portion of the conveyor belt then extend to the position above and in registration with the pallet, and the conveyor belt advances during this extension to position the second layer of items above and in registration with the pallet. Apparatus for placing slip sheets onto pallets is also described.

Abstract: A sheet stacking and pallet loading system configured to stack sheets of material on a first pallet while holding a second pallet in a staging position above the first pallet. The system can include an elevator for supporting the first pallet in a loading position while the sheets are stacked on the first pallet. After a sufficient quantity of sheets has been stacked thereon, the elevator can lower the first pallet from its loading position. The second pallet can then be lowered from its staging position such that the sheets can be stacked thereon. The system can further include extendable pallet supports which can be extended to support the second pallet while the first pallet is being lowered by the elevator. The pallet loading system can further include a pallet-grasping assembly having, first, a frame movable along a track and, second, one or more end-effectors movable relative to the frame for engaging a pallet.

Abstract: A device for forming stacks of piece goods batches, includes a movable transport device for transporting the piece goods batch. A feed device feeds the piece goods batch to the transport device. The transport device includes a support device which at least intermittently supports the piece goods batch and relative to which the piece goods batch can move and which can be removed essentially completely from a region located below the piece goods batch. The transport device includes at least one controllable fixing device for temporarily fixing an intermediate layer, wherein the fixing device for fixing the intermediate layer moves below the piece goods batch.

Abstract: System and apparatus for automatically stacking trays involve receiving trays on a receiving platform, detecting the arrival of the tray on the platform, and synchronously displacing the tray to a moveable tray cart located in a tray stacking area of a stacking tower. An automated tray sliding mechanism displaces the tray to the stacking area upon detection of the tray at the receiving platform. Trays displaced in the stacking area of a lower section of a stacking tower form a tray stack. A stack elevator of the tower engages and elevates the tray stack providing a space beneath the stack allowing the next incoming tray to be displaced into the stacking area and assume the provided space beneath the tray stack, the incoming tray thereby assuming the lowermost position in the tray stack. Trays are added to the lowermost position in the stack until the stack height reaches a predetermined height and is removed from the stacking area.

Abstract: A modular split palletizer for loading layers of articles on stackable pallets. The palletizer has a frame supporting first, second, and third sections. The first section includes a layer build area and a first portion of a stacker transfer track. The second section includes a tier sheet bin, a top frame bin, and a second portion of the track. The third section includes a pallet build area and a third portion of the track. Each of the first, second, and third sections can be disassembled, moved individually and independently, and re-assembled at a new location to form the complete palletizer. Also disclosed is a method of relocating the modular split palletizer. With the palletizer at one location, the utilities connected to the palletizer are disconnected, the fasteners holding the sections together are released, and the sections are separated. The disassembled sections are moved to the new location and reassembled.

Abstract: A compact palletizer combines a plate apron and an apron conveyor as a layer build area positionable both vertically and horizontally to implement receipt and organization of items as layers and to stack item layers on a pallet. A puller bar serves to pull item rows into layers in a layer building operation and to act as a backstop in delivering an item layer onto a stack of items. An apron serves to also deliver empty pallets to a stack build area.

Abstract: A method for the quick palletization of objects (100), comprising the steps of: arranging objects (100) to be palletized organized on a collection plane (400); loading said objects (100) onto a flexible support plane (31) suitable for advancing in the direction of transfer of the objects (100) in a position substantially coplanar to the collection plane (400) and in continuation of it, so that the support plane (31) receives said objects without sliding; transferring said objects (100) from the support plane (31) to a flexible moving plane (21) that can slide coplanar to the support plane (31) so as to replace the latter (31) below the objects (100) whilst they remain stationary, in which the transfer takes place by synchronously activating the harmonious sliding of the support plane (31) and transfer plane (21) arranged in contact with each other in continuation of one another; taking the transfer plane (21) with the objects (100) on top above a pallet; making the transfer plane (21) slide under the objec

Abstract: A slat positioning and placing machine is preferably configured to place slats on top of or between accumulated material layers. A set of actuating arms preferably includes complementary operating slat holding holders, such as pans or other holding devices. As a first slat holder is inserting a slat into a material package being formulated, a second slat holder is preferably positioned to receive a slat. As the second slat holder is being positioned to insert the slat into the package, the first slat holder is preferably being cycled back to receive a slat. A controls methodology preferably electronically profiles the forward and rearward movement of the actuating arms. The raising and lowering functions can also be electronically profiled. The profiles can also preferably be adjusted to increase the cycle rates for various lengths being processed, and various cycling and positioning methods are contemplated.

Abstract: A stacking machine has a conveyor which supports skids onto which panels sheared from side-by-side strips of metal sheet fall, there to accumulate in stacks. As the stacks form, empty skids are organized on a skid positioning machine located to the side of the stacking machine, and there the spacing between the skids corresponds to the spacing between the skids already on the conveyor. When stacks are completed, the conveyor moves the skids on which they are formed away, and the skid positioning machine deposits the properly spaced empty skids on the conveyor which moves them into the positions where they receive the panels. To this end, the conveyor of the stacking machine may have powered rollers, while the skid positioning machine has a carriage provided with transfer beams configured to fit between the rollers.

Abstract: A loader picks up a workpiece from a container, and delivers it to a workstation downstream. An unloader receives the workpiece from the workstation upstream and puts it into a container. In the loader and the unloader respectively, a first stacker and a second stacker, for holding containers in stacked manner, are placed in parallel along direction Y. A table working as a container moving mechanism moves an extracted container along direction Y. A first container transfer mechanism extracts a container from the containers stacked in the first stacker and delivers it to the container moving mechanism. A second container transfer mechanism receives the container from the moving mechanism, and stacks it in the second stacker. A transfer-head working as a workpiece transfer mechanism picks up the workpiece from the container on the table, moves it along direction X, and delivers it to the workstation downstream.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: A palletizer for stacking a series of items on a pallet, the palletizer including a pallet hoist for supporting a stack of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets, the pallet lift assembly including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members mounted on the pallet lift assembly for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser for supporting a supply of top frames; and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist and the top frame dispenser, respectively.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pallet orienting apparatus for use in a return lane of a pallet live storage system, wherein one or more empty pallets may be placed in the pallet orienting means in a generally upright position, the pallet being rotated to a pallet delivery position in which the pallet lies in a generally horizontal plane. A plurality of pallets may be simultaneously handled by the orienting apparatus, which may be linked to a computerized control system for a live storage warehouse. The specification describes preferred methods for handling empty pallets, in a palletized live storage system.

Abstract: A palletizer (10) for stacking a series of items on a pallet (P), the palletizer (10) including a pallet hoist (34) for supporting a stuck of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism (82) mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist (34) adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets (P), the pallet lift assembly (82) including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members (110) mounted on the pallet lift assembly (82) for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member (110) and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member (110) is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser (38) for supporting a supply of top frames (T); and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist (34) and the top frame dispenser (38), respectively.

Abstract: A device is provided for palletizing parcels, preferably stacks of tubular sections or flat lying sacks. Said device comprises a lifting frame, which can be raised and lowered in a stand and which is provided with a roller track, in order to slide the pallets on and off. Said device also comprises a conveyor, which supplies the parcels to be stacked and from which a controlled accepting unit accepts the supplied parcels and deposits them on a pallet, provided on the roller track. To align the pallets accurately in relation to the accepting gripper, there are stops or clamping strips that can be moved in opposing directions in the lifting frame above the conveying plane of the roller track. Said stops or clamping strips act on the opposing sides or comers of the pallet and fix them in a position, in which the accepting unit deposits the parcels with positioning accuracy, according to the predetermined pattern, on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for palletizing packing drums (7) on a load platform (P), especially barrels, kegs or the like in substantially cylindrical or barrel-shaped receptacles, and/or for depalletizing the packing drums. The inventive method provides as high turnover speed as possible for a layer of, for instance, six or eight packing drums (7*) without causing problems related to the inertia of masses and oscillating phenomena limiting turnover speed. This is achieved by vertically lifting each respective layer (7*) of packing drums in relation to a direct or indirect carrier contact surface (A1, A2) to the packing drum layer during transfer to or from a palet (P). The packing drum layer and the pallet are placed separately from each other (palletizing) or together (depalletizing) in a continuously identical receiving and lift movement position (G) by displacing their contact surface on a plane on which the lift movement is vertically performed.

Abstract: A palletizer assembly including a sweep assembly including a frame having a pair of generally parallel side members and a pair of cross members extending between respective ends of the side members, the sweep assembly also including a pair of forward stanchions that extend vertically upward from respective side members, and a pair of rearward stanchions extending vertically upward from the upstream ends of the side members, a pair of generally vertically extending slides, each having a lower end connected to a side member and an upper end, plunger assemblies including a plunger support slidably supported by a respective slide between a lowered position and a raised position, each plunger assembly including a plurality of plungers which are fixed to, and extend downwardly from, the respective plunger support, and a container shift assembly supported by the frame and including a pair of shifter slide rails extending rearwardly of the rearward plunger support, the upstream ends of the shifter slide rails being o

Abstract: A layer-picking clamp mountable on a truck has clamp arms extending downwardly from and movably mounted to an upper frame section. The clamp arms are linearly movable with respect to the upper frame section in laterally inward and outward directions so that gripping surfaces of the clamp arms retain their substantially vertical orientations as the clamp arms move inward and outward. The upper frame is supported on a first mounting apparatus that is positioned above a second mounting apparatus that supports a load-supporting device. The first mounting apparatus movably supports the upper frame so as to move the upper frame laterally and vertically with respect to the load-supporting device to enable the clamp arms to deposit a load on the load-supporting device. The load-supporting device is capable of supporting a pallet upon which the clamp can deposit the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading lumber onto pallets so as to provide a stack of lumber layers separated by pallets for drying in a kiln, and for dismantle after drying includes a first elongated lumber-carrying conveyor, an elongated pallet-loading structure positioned in parallel with the first lumber-carrying conveyor, and an elongated stile-loading and unloading conveyor located between the first lumber-carrying conveyor and the elongated pallet-loading structure and positioned in parallel therewith. A frame structure over the first lumber carrying conveyor, the elongated stile-loading and unloading conveyor and the pallet-loading structure supports a lumber reciprocating drive element for moving aligned lumber between the lumber-carrying conveyor and the stile-loading and unloading conveyor, as well as a pallet reciprocating drive element for moving pallets between the pallet-loading structure and the stile-loading and unloading conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a sheet stack for automated processing, wherein a sheet stack and transportation pallet are deposited on a system pallet, the resulting stack is manipulated to a release position where the transportation pallet is freed, the freed transportation pallet is removed, and the sheet stack and system pallet are conveyed away for further processing. The apparatus includes structure for carrying out these steps.

Abstract: A plurality of tape cassettes fed in succession from a conveyor are oriented vertically on an end stretch of the conveyor itself terminating at a position in side by side relation with a tiltable collection element. The cassettes are pushed laterally from the end stretch of the feed conveyor for being loaded onto the collection element until they form thereon a row comprised of a given number of cassettes. The collection element is then tilted to let the cassette row fall onto a tray previously positioned under the collection element.

Abstract: A strapping system in which edge protectors are disposed between a load and tensioned strapping applied about the load in a strapping station. Edge protector applicator assemblies located on opposite sides of the load position edge protectors adjacent top and bottom surface edge portions of the load when the load is raised above a deck. The edge protectors are folded over and retained on edges of the load upon application of the tensioned strapping about the load to protect the edges of the load from the tensioned strapping. The strapping system includes a movable frame with spaced support members disposed below the deck and aligned with spaces in the deck. The frame is raised and lowered so that the support members of the frame extend through the spaces of the deck to lift the load above the deck to allow positioning of the lower edge protectors adjacent to the load.

Abstract: A method of piling sheets arriving from a printing press in a continuous sequence involves stacking the sheets on a first pile board in a first piling unit, and while the assembly of the stack of sheets is progressing, inserting a pile board into another sheet piling unit, in readiness to receive a pile of sheets, thus enabling the piling of the sheets to continue without discontinuity of the stream of printed sheets fed from the printing press.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading drums onto pallets including a support frame having a first area where the drums are moved to predetermined loading positions and a second area where drums may be placed on pallets for further handling. The frame supports a carriage assembly which supports a lift assembly. The lift assembly is engageable with the drums in the predetermined loading positions to lift them for transfer to the second area by the carriage assembly where they are lowered by the lift assembly onto pallets for further handling.

Abstract: The palletizing and retrieval from palletized storage of stacks of printing works products, folded sheets of paper for example, is facilitated by associating an upper and a lower interleaf sheet with each layer of stacks of the products. This provides a pair of interleaf sheets between adjacent layers of the stacks and the uppermost stack layer may be caused to slide relative to the adjacent lower stack layer by imparting a pulling force to the lower interleaf sheet associated with the stack layer to be moved while applying a restraining force to the upper interleaf sheet associated with the adjacent lower stack layer. Apparatus for use in the practice of the invention provides for withdrawing the interleaf sheets from magazines and feeding them into position as the stack layers are formed and the invention also encompasses apparatus for separating the interleaf sheets from a stack layer being retrieved from storage and directing the separated interleaf sheets to storage magazines.

Abstract: A device for stacking and destacking a stream of imbricated, substantially planar, flexible units to form or destack a layered stack. The device is a stacker, adapted to receive a stream of units from a source thereof, and a plurality of transfer sheets. The feeder delivers the stream of units to the stacker.The stacker has staging belts which receive portions of the stream and deposit the units serially on one of the transfer sheets, as it is withdrawn from the sheet stack. This forms an imbricated layer of the units and the transfer sheet. The stacker deposits the imbricated layer on a removable support and repeats the cycle to deposit successive imbricated layers on the preceding layers. Destacking is carried out by simply reversing the process.

Abstract: Method for loading stacks of sheet material into a packaging machine feeding unit, including the transfer of pallets for carrying the stacks of sheet material onto supporting plates, which are rotatably mounted on a fixed frame of the feeding unit and which are arranged in a raised receiving position; the actuation of the supporting plates, at the end of the step of feeding the stacks onto the unit, from the raised receiving position to a lowered position for releasing the emptied pallets into an underlying removal station; and the return of the supporting plates to the raised receiving position. The device for loading stacks of sheet material into a packaging machine feeding unit includes supporting plates for supporting pallets for carrying the stacks of sheet material.

Abstract: An automated palletizer is described for stacking bagged materials, comprising a support frame including an indexing area, a pallet magazine and a pallet lift assembly located in close, proximal, sequential relationship to each other.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for a roller conveyor for efficiently accommodating two-way pallets. The arrangement includes a interim parking station in proximity to the initial and/or final end region of the roller conveyor. The interim parking station includes a parking surface characterized by a pair of spaced apart recesses to receive the forks of a forklift device. Thus, a two-way pallet can be picked up at a remote location by a forklift device in the conventional manner with the forks of the forklift device passing into spaces between adjacent scantlings of the pallet. The forklift device can then deposit the two-way pallet onto the scantlings. The same forklift device or a separate forklift device can then approach the interim parking station with the forks of the forklift device aligned parallel to the recesses in the parking surface of the interim parking station. The forks can be inserted into these recesses and beneath the bottom surface of the pallet to enable the two-way pallet to be transferred.

Abstract: A moveable skid is provided to sense the height of a pallet fed to a raisable and lowerable platform. The skid determines the height of the pallet before it is fed to a raisable and lowerable platform of a sheet stacking apparatus so that the position of the pallet below an intermediate stacking platform can be determined during the pallet change. This prevents adverse effects by nondetrimental projections above the surface of the pallet and prevents an excessive drop of the intermediate stack as it is transferred to the pallet.

Abstract: A machine receives packages in bundles and transports them over a series of conveyors to arrange them in suitable layers for stacking into solid stacks or loads of predetermined form or arrangement for palletizing or other conveying means. Each conveyor performs related functions of rotating packages in a horizontal plane, moving transversely and delivering in the predetermined pattern to form layers of an eventual stack for further transportation. Provision is made for insertion of sheets between layers as they are formed.

Abstract: A method of palletizing and depalletizing stacks of products in continuous, layer-by-layer succession, the products being substantially flat and thin, such as folded sheets of paper, in which a fully automatic mode of operation is achieved by depositing the stacks of a stack layer on an intercarrier in order to load a pallet. Transport elements, which are associated with a loading and unloading station, may be positioned beneath the stacks and caused to move through or into the intercarrier in order to effect the deposition on and lifting from an intercarrier of stacks which partly defines a stack layer, the stack layers and the associated intercarriers being stacked on a pallet, as a unit, and being destaked from the pallet in like manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved apparatus for mass production manufacturing, and in a presently preferred form, to an apparatus for dynamically regulating input and output workloads to achieve efficient operations.

Abstract: A frame includes a plate mounted thereon for driving movement along the frame. A captive pallet having a load thereon is staged onto the frame. The plate drives into an edge of the captive pallet thus driving the pallet from beneath the load and shifting the load to the plate. Continued plate movement transfers the load onto a shipping pallet beneath the plate. When the captive pallet includes a slip sheet, a gripping jaw holds the sheet while the plate drives the captive pallet from beneath the sheet thus providing transfer to a shipping pallet, or to the slip sheet only, in which the sides of the load are not touched.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring a unit load from one pallet to another pallet or slip sheet without creasing the containers constituting the unit load. In one embodiment the unit load containing pallet and the empty pallet are aligned side-by-side on a platform. The platform is selectively moveable about an axis parallel to the adjacent sides of the pallets between a horizontal position and a tilted position in which the empty pallet is lowermost. A push plate moveable relative to the platform transfers the unit load onto the empty pallet or slip sheet while the platform is tilted. The force required to transfer the unit load is reduced, when contrasted to horizontal transfer, since the component forces of the unit load are changed by the tilting.

Abstract: Device to palletize yarn packages which is suitable for installation downstream of machines (11-111) that produce yarn packages, such as winding machines, fly frames, finishing machines, open-end spinning machines, two-for-one twisting machines, etc.

Abstract: In an apparatus for setting down cross-wound bobbins into a transport container, preferably onto a pallet, cross-wound bobbins are received at a transfer position with a programmable apparatus, such as a programmable palletizing apparatus. A plurality of the cross-wound bobbins are simultaneously delivered in succession in a plurality of increments from the transfer position onto a pallet or into a transport container at a drop-off location with the programmable apparatus.

Abstract: A board inserter for use with a conveyor belt system provides for the automatic insertion of paper boards, or like materials, into a continuous stream of shingled paper sheets moving along the conveyor belt system. The boards are inserted into the shingled paper stream without disrupting the flow of the stream.

Abstract: Stacking equipment for stacking products such as boxes or cartons in lay-flat form onto pallets, comprising a receiving conveyor (1) means (6, 7, 8) thereon for collecting a batch of products together in predetermined disposition, and a push plate (11) for transferring an assembled batch of products onto a main support bed (15). The bed (15) raises the batch of products onto retractable temporary support fingers (17) and then returns to receive the next succeeding batch. The batches are stacked successively and finally supported on a pallet which is elevated on bed (15) to support the finished stack which is then discharged from the bed. Also provided are a pallet dispenser (30) adjacent the support bed (15) and a tiesheet dispenser (20) to place an individual tie sheet on the top of each successive batch prior to stacking.

Abstract: The apparatus conveys a transport platform to a lifting table of a stacking station where panels are stacked on the transport platform after the transport platform has been positioned horizontally on the lifting table. For a simple quick transfer an empty transport platform is positioned adjacent the lifting table in a normal position vertical or inclined to vertical and is put on the lifting table located in the receiving position by tipping into one horizontal position. A displacing device can be provided for moving the transport platform in the one horizontal position to another horizontal position in which the panels are received.

Abstract: A palley dispensing machine with latch mechanism for the same machine. A plurality of pallets are positioned in an upright movable frame positioned in a stationary frame. The latch mechanism holds the stack of pallets as the movable frame is lowered and sets the stack on a feeder conveyor. Further downward motion of the movable frame causes the latch mechanism to retract out of engagement by gravity. Thereafter the movable frame moves upwardly and the latch mechanism reengages the remaining pallets above the bottom pallet to lift the stack about an inch so that the feeder conveyor can feed the bottom pallet out of the machine.

Abstract: A device to palletize yarn packages is a device which may be installed downstream from yarn package production machines such as winding machines, speed frames, finishing machines, open-end spinning machines, and two-for-one twisting frames. The yarn packages are taken substantially at the outlet of the production machine and are loaded in an orderly manner onto pallets to form pallet loads. The device includes a substantially horizontal conveyor for transferring yarn packages, a delivery head substantially in line with the conveyor, an elevator for taking yarn packages to a required level, an overturning device for orienting the yarn packages, a positioner conveyor, a movable trolley and a device which engages, handles and positions cartons and pallets.

Abstract: The equipment is installed between a device by which single commodities are arranged into groups of parallelepiped shape, having one or more layers, and an in-line machine unit by which the groups are to be handled. Proceeding toward the machine unit, each group is supplemented with one or more distance pieces of given thickness, positioned parallel with the layered commodities, in order to compensate for any variation in depth of the group attributable to dimensional variations in the single commodity, and thus to avoid any modification or replacement of the machine unit's working parts that would otherwise become necessary.

Abstract: The process of conveying a transport platform to a lifting table of a stacking station where panels are stacked on the transport platform after the transport platform has been positioned horizontally on the lifting table. For a simple quick transfer an empty transport platform is positioned adjacent the lifting table in a normal position vertical or inclined to vertical and is put on the lifting table located in the receiving position by tipping into one horizontal position. A displacing device can be provided for moving the transport platform in the one horizontal position to another horizontal position in which the panels are received.

Abstract: A device for piling successive layers of batches of blanks such as cardboard box blanks on a support surface characterized by a vertically movable table positioned to receive a layer of batches from a delivery conveyor and being movable from the level of the delivery conveyor to a level of a support surface for receiving the layer. The table includes a fork arrangement for lifting the layer off the surface of the table and shifting it horizontally over the support surface and includes a comb arrangement coacting with the forks to maintain the layer on the support surface as the forks are withdrawn.

Abstract: An arrangement in a press feed line for picking up and conveying metal blanks at generally the same rate of speed they exit speed from the press, and automatically stacking them on a stacker car, or the like. The stacker car has a rotatable base supporting a pallet, which in turn supports the stacked blanks, and is designed for sideshifting and raising and lowering of the base, in the stacking station, thereby allowing the desired positioning of the stacked blanks on the pallet and the pallet on the base. Automated adjustable devices which may conform to the configuration of the blank neatly stack the blanks and variations to the arrangment allow more than one blank to be removed from different sources in the press, thereby permitting more than one stack to be made simultaneously.

Abstract: A machine receives packages in bundles and transports them over a series of conveyors to arrange them in suitable layers for stacking into solid stacks or loads of predetermined form or arrangement for palletizing or .[.other conveying means.]. .Iadd.in a stack for further transportation.Iaddend.. Each conveyor performs related functions of rotating packages in a horizontal plane, moving transversely and delivering in the predetermined pattern to form layers of an eventual stack for further transportation. Provision is made for insertion of sheets between layers as they are formed.