Abstract: A baggage handling system includes a multi-tiered carousel system, an input conveyor system, an output conveyor system and a control system. Each tier of the multi-tiered carousel system includes an array of addressable storage cells movable along a loop having a charge point and a discharge point. Each storage cell is configured to store a single baggage item. The input conveyor system transfers baggage items selectively to the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective charge points, for storage therein. The output conveyor system retrieves baggage items selectively from the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective discharge points and conveys the retrieved baggage items in a queue. The storage and retrieval of baggage items is controlled by the control system such that the retrieved baggage items are queued to conform to a determined sequence.

Abstract: A stacking device for handling loading aids for the automated feeding of a machine tool has a base, a stud frame that is held by the base and that supports a first vertical guide and a second vertical guide, and a first side and a second side. The first side has a vertically movable support segment for receiving a conveyor that carries two or more loading aids that are arranged one above the other. The support segment is moveable along the first vertical guide. The second side has a vertically movable lifting console for receiving at least one loading aid. The lifting console is configured to receive two or more loading aids arranged one above the other. The lifting console is moveable along the second vertical guide. The support segment and the lifting console are arranged facing away from each other at the stud frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to automatically balance and buffer the return of empty containers or other totes to a plurality of areas. In some embodiments, a control circuit employs a logic system in which empty totes are directed along primary, secondary, or tertiary paths depending on information gathered from sensors regarding the availability of space for empty totes at a plurality of potential destinations. In this way, the return of empty totes to one or more points of origin may be buffered to balance the number of empty totes in one or more areas.

Abstract: An intelligent plate parts machining production line combining universal equipment and special equipment. Four special machining tools are located on first to fourth stations, respectively, and a universal machining tool is located on a fifth station. The stations are sequential from an automatic feeding device. Truss conveying devices are behind the first to fourth stations, and four mechanical arms are on the truss conveying devices. A four-axis manipulator is between the fourth and fifth stations for transferring materials between the two stations and discharging finished products. Industrial cameras are on the second-station mechanical arm and the four-axis manipulator. Waste boxes are between the first and second stations and between the fourth and fifth stations. A discharging box is on the front side of the fifth station. A scrap conveying mechanism is below the production line. Flexible clamps and sliding rail cylinders are used, so that the production line is flexible.

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: A feeder load automation system and method of use including a lifting device capable of lifting a pallet of bundled product from a lowered positioned to a raised position and a platform positioned on the lifting device which holds the pallet of bundled product. A head mechanism having a holding device lifts a top layer of bundled product from the pallet to provide a separation space between the top layer of bundled product and a next, lower layer of bundled product or the pallet. A conveyor mechanism, extendible into the separation space, conveys the top layer of product away from the pallet. An input and takeaway station are also provided.

Abstract: Wooden pallets are recycled by carrying out a first separation in a reception region (10) between pallets easily reparable and those which are not, in directing the separated items to conveyors: one conveyor (11) which brings them to a disassembly station (20), and a second conveyor which brings them toward a repair station (30). The layers of the pallets are separated from each other by sawing in the disassembly station, so that all the constituent elements of the pallet are separated from each other. Sorting and recalibration of the elements thus separated is carried out in separating, sawing and planing stations (21, 22). The elements thus sorted and recalibrated are stored in a storage station (40) which extends along the installation.

Abstract: A machine for stacking articles such as wooden pallets comprises a frame for supporting a carriage assembly that can be raised and lowered under control of a motor and where the carriage assembly supports an article grasping machine that is slidably mounted on the carriage assembly allowing horizontal movement of the article grasping assembly relative to the carriage. When using the machine to stack wooden pallets, a pallet may be picked up at a first location and elevated and translated so as to overlay a top pallet on a stack of pallets before the one being carried is released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a sheet stack for automated processing in a sheet-fed machine; comprising manipulating a sheet stack and transportation pallet to a release position; removing the transportation pallet, and placing a system pallet adjacent the sheet stack so that it is ready for further processing. The apparatus includes structure performing these functions.

Abstract: A beverage terminal for the automatic delivery of beverage crates including a delivery terminal for pallets charged with beverage crates, at least one high-shelf, an individualizing device, at least one depot, at least one customer conveyor, and at least one beverage supply point provided with a customer control panel. The individualizing device and a depalletizer include at least one horizontally arranged linear conveyor assigned to a storage surface of the depot. The linear conveyor has a gripping mechanism for gripping and lifting or lowering individual beverage crates.

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 sorting machine 10 having a lifting and rotating apparatus 11 which includes a rotatable platform 16 upon which a stack of pallets 1 can rest so as to be supported from underneath and a scissor lift 14 for raising and lowering the stack so that the uppermost pallet 1 is moved firstly to an inspection level where it is rotated with the rotatable platform 16 for exposing its top and sides to an operator and then to a transfer level. The machine 10 also has a support device 12 having tynes 17 which moves into an extended position to support and maintain the pallet 1 at the transfer level when the scissor lift 14 is lowered to thereby expose the bottom of the pallet to the operator, and a transfer carriage 13 to engage opposite sides of the pallet 1 and support the pallet 1 from underneath. The pallet 1 is then transported by the transfer carriage 13 to one of a plurality of outfeed stations 25 after the support device 12 is moved into its retracted position.

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: An apparatus for stacking double bags, which have been severed by hot-wire welding from a tubular web of plastic and have opening-defining edges adjacent to their center line, includes a wicketer having a horizontal shaft and pairs of juxtaposed spokelike radial feeding arms which are axially spaced apart and secured to the shaft and are provided with means for retaining the double bags. Stacking pallets provided with upstanding stacking pins are slidably movable between the feeding arms, by which the double bags are deposited on the pallets, e.g., on needles provided on the pallets.

Abstract: High speed printers with extended run capabilities are disclosed. A plurality of like containers are provided for carrying copy sheets to the printer and for receiving copy output from the printer. The containers are fed one after the other to supply input sheets or receive output sheets. Spent input trays or filled output trays are moved transversely to the exterior of the printer. Conveyors are utilized for the continuous feeding of copy sheet input containers or copy sheet receiving containers.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting can end members comprising multiple tray units having multiple parallel rows of elongated compartments for receiving and supporting stacks of end members. The tray units are nestable and stackable one upon another to provide palletized loads of both empty and filled tray units. End loading and unloading apparatus is provided to enable simultaneous loading and unloading full tray compartments by simultaneous lateral movement of all of the stacks of end members between the tray compartments and a shuttle tray unit whereat all the stacks of end members are stored prior to loading and unloading of the tray unit. The shuttle tray unit is loaded and unloaded by stacking units of a lesser number than the number of tray compartments.

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: A signature handling system is provided to form and handle stacks of signatures. The signature handling system includes a stacker which receives signatures and forms stacks of signatures. A plurality of containers have side-by-side cells to hold the stacks of signatures. A conveyor is provided to sequentially move the containers to the stacker. The stacker includes a loader which loads the signatures into cells of the containers. The loader may be extendable through open sides of cells of the containers to move stacks of signatures downwardly into the cells of the containers through open upper end portions of the cells. The containers may be provided with doors which are movable between an open condition and a closed condition. When the doors are in the closed condition, they at least partially block open sides of the cells to retain stacks of signatures in the cells.

Abstract: In a stacking apparatus of the type having tines for pushing one workpiece out of each of the bottoms of a plurality of aligned reservoirs, an improvement is disclosed which comprises a ramp adjacent to the reservoirs and inclined with respect to the bottom line of the reservoirs for stacking the workpieces in stacks of increasing height.