EP0610069A2 - Improvements in or relating to tray assemblies - Google Patents
Improvements in or relating to tray assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0610069A2 EP0610069A2 EP94300751A EP94300751A EP0610069A2 EP 0610069 A2 EP0610069 A2 EP 0610069A2 EP 94300751 A EP94300751 A EP 94300751A EP 94300751 A EP94300751 A EP 94300751A EP 0610069 A2 EP0610069 A2 EP 0610069A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- trays
- assembly
- support members
- members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
- F25D25/04—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by conveyors
Definitions
- This invention relates to tray assemblies which are particularly, but not exclusively, for use in conveying food products through controlled environments.
- 'tray' is not limited to a structure having a flat support surface with a raised edge, and includes other forms of support structures. For example, box-shaped structures.
- Freezer tunnels for use with food products have traditionally employed trays mounted on a conveyor chain which passes through a controlled temperature environment in a continuous spiral path.
- the shape of the spiral has taken a number of forms in order to make the best use of the volumetric space available.
- a method of constructing a tray assembly comprises the steps of forming a stack of vertically-spaced trays, supporting opposite ends of the trays by upright structures carrying tray support members and employing retaining means to releasably retain the trays in place on the support members.
- a tray assembly for use with said method may comprise at least one stack of vertically spaced trays, opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures carrying tray support members which extend beneath the trays, and retaining means operable to releasably retain the trays in place on the support members.
- the retaining means may comprise a plurality of vertically spaced tray retaining members movable towards and away from the tray support members and the trays may be formed so as to receive said tray retaining members.
- the tray retaining members may be movable substantially vertically, or substantially horizontally.
- the invention also comprises the combination of the tray assembly and a conveyor system operable to transport the assembly along a predetermined path.
- the predetermined path preferably extends through a chamber, the interior of which may be made to provide a controlled environment within which the assembly is transported.
- a tray assembly 1 comprises three juxtaposed stacks of vertically-spaced trays 2, opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures 3 carrying tray support members 4 which extend laterally from the structure 3 and beneath the trays 2.
- the assembly 1 is provided with retaining means 5 operable to releasably retain the trays in place, on the tray support members 4.
- the trays 2 are of elongate form. Each of the three stacks comprises six superimposed trays 2, so that the assembly 1 comprises eighteen trays.
- the trays 2 have downwardly-extending side edges 7.
- the end portions of the trays are formed with cut-away portions 6, disposed to the sides of the longitudinal axes of the trays.
- the tray support structures 3 each comprise a frame formed by two upstanding, laterally-spaced pillars 10 which are interconnected by the tray support members 4, which extend substantially normal to the pillars 10.
- the tray retaining means 5 comprise two sets of vertically spaced tray retraining members 15 mounted on a sub-frame 16 so as to be movable towards and away from the tray support members 4.
- the tray retaining members 15 are received by the cut-away portions 6 of the trays 2.
- the retaining members 15 are moved down, substantially vertically, so that they are contiguous with the tray support members 4, (as shown in Figure 1) and received by the cut-away portions 6, movement of the trays 2 relative to the members 15 and 4 is limited, so that the trays are effectively retained in place.
- the sub-frame 16 is moved upwardly, so that the retaining members 15 are moved away from the tray support members 4, in a substantially vertical direction.
- a tray retaining member 15 comprises rod material formed so that it is of generally rectangular form, and is secured to the sub-frame 16.
- the retaining member 15 is inclined at an angle to the sub-frame 16. As shown in Figure 1, a single member 15 is used to retain a pair of juxtaposed trays 2.
- the sub-frame 16 is movable upwardly and downwardly by displacement of a cam-operated lever 20 which carries a lug or spigot 21.
- Two sets of structures 3 and associated components are disposed at opposite sides of a tray assembly elevator 25, ( Figure 2), disposed within a chamber 26 comprising a freezing tunnel.
- a horizontal, in-feed indexing conveyor 27 extends through the tunnel 26, from one end thereof, and co-operates with a horizontal, out-feed indexing conveyor 28 at the opposite end of the tunnel.
- a tray assembly delevator 29 is disposed adjacent said opposite end.
- the tunnel 26 has ante- and post-chambers 30, 31, respectively.
- Loose trays 2 are fed by the indexing conveyor 27, preferably in groups of three, onto the tray support rods 4 of the upright structures 3.
- the structures 3 are indexed vertically by the elevator 25, and in sequence with the tray in-feed conveyor 27, to enable the next level of the assembly to receive its trays.
- the lug 21 of each lever 20 follows a track (not shown) alongside the vertically-disposed elevator 25. When an assembly has been filled with trays 2, the vertical motion of the lugs 21 provides cam actions on the levers 20 so as to move the sub-frames 16 downwardly to clamp the trays 2 in place.
- the freezing tunnel 26 is preferably of a height able to accommodate four assemblies 1, preferably between two and six.
- clamped assemblies 1 are indexed vertically until the leading assembly reaches the top.
- the four assemblies 1 are then transferred together from lifting runners 35 ( Figure 1) onto similar, long, runners (not shown) that extend through the freezing tunnel 26.
- Reciprocating paddle actuators engage with the structures 3 of all the assemblies 1 on the elevator 25 and in the freezing tunnel 26 to index the assemblies through the tunnel. In so doing, a set of four assemblies are transferred from the freezing tunnel 26 to the assembly delevator 29.
- the assemblies 1 are removed from the delevator 29 in a reverse process to, and in sequence with, that described for the loading of the elevator 25. In this way a compact loading of the freezer tunnel 26 is possible.
- Products to be frozen (such as products 130 of Figures 7 and 8), are deposited on the conveyor 27 at a deposit zone 40, and subsequently transferred to the tray assemblies 1.
- the products take a predetermined path through the tunnel 2, whereby four vertically stacked assemblies are sequenced together horizontally, from the infeed end of the tunnel 26, to the outfeed end thereof.
- the interior of the tunnel 26 houses refrigeration coils 41 whereby a controlled environment is produced and the products treated in a controlled manner.
- the products leave the tunnel 26 by way of the conveyor 28 and are subsequently transferred to take-off conveyors 42, 43.
- Trays 2 leave the delevator 29 to be returned for re-use by the conveyor 27.
- a tray assembly 101 comprises three juxtaposed stacks of vertically-spaced trays 102, opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures 103 carrying a plurality of vertically spaced tray support members 104 which extend laterally from the structure 103 and beneath the trays 102.
- the members 104 have parts 105 which are engageable with the trays 102 so as to releasably retain the trays in place.
- the members 104 thus comprise tray retaining means as well as tray support members.
- the trays 102 are of elongate form. Each of the three stacks comprises six superimposed trays 102, so that the assembly 101 comprises eighteen trays.
- the trays 102 have tapered ends as well as downwardly-extending edges 106, 107.
- the end portions of the trays are formed with apertures 108 of elongate form, disposed centrally on the longitudinal axes of the trays.
- the tray support structures 103 each comprise a frame formed by three upstanding, laterally-spaced pillars 110, the lower ends of which are interconnected by an integral crossbar 111.
- the upper ends of the two outer pillars 110 carry brackets 112 each formed with notches 113, 114.
- the brackets 112 are interconnected by a crossbar 118.
- the lower end of the central pillar 110 carries a bracket 115 formed with notches 116, 117.
- Figures 8 and 9 show the true shapes of brackets 112, 115.
- each tray support member 104 is of generally triangular form and comprises rod material bent into that form.
- the part 105 of a member 104 is disposed at the 'apex' of the member, and comprises an integral loop which extends inwardly and upwardly of the member.
- the tray support members 104 co-operate with the trays 102 so as to centralise and stabilise the same, when the parts 105 of the members 104 are disengaged from the trays. This co-operation results from the tapered profiles of the undersides of the trays and the presence of the edges 106, which together form recesses for receiving the generally triangular members 104.
- the edges 107 are provided to assist stacking of the trays 102, when free of their supports 103.
- Each member 104 is also formed with an upwardly-projecting part 125 on its 'base'. Each part 125 is received by an aperture 108 formed in a tray 102.
- Opposite ends of a tray 101 are formed with cutaway portions 126 ( Figure 6) which receive the adjacent pillars 110 of the tray support structures 103.
- the cutaway portions 126 each have a generally truncated triangular form, with its 'apex' extending inwardly of the tray.
- the trays 102 of the assemblies 1 are retained in place, by displacing the tray support structures 103 towards each other (as in Figure 8) in a substantially horizontal direction. With reference to Figure 6, this movement causes the parts 125 of the support members 104 to be displaced to the inner ends of the apertures 108, and the parts 105 displaced within the cutaway portions 126 and over the upper surfaces of the trays 102.
- the parts 105 retain, by latching movements, the trays 102 and the support structures 103 together.
- the substantially horizontal tray retaining and tray release displacement movements may be performed by mechanical or other non-manual means.
- the embodiments of the invention each provide for assembly of loose trays, placing products thereon and then transporting the assemblies, in a dense-packed manner, (see Figure 2), through a controlled environment chamber, (the freezer tunnel 26), with little or no dead space, followed by removal of the products and return of the trays for re-assembly.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to tray assemblies which are particularly, but not exclusively, for use in conveying food products through controlled environments.
- As used herein, the term 'tray' is not limited to a structure having a flat support surface with a raised edge, and includes other forms of support structures. For example, box-shaped structures.
- Freezer tunnels for use with food products have traditionally employed trays mounted on a conveyor chain which passes through a controlled temperature environment in a continuous spiral path. The shape of the spiral has taken a number of forms in order to make the best use of the volumetric space available.
- However, all configurations require sufficient space to enable the trays to be turned in the spiral path. A favoured configuration combines the use of long straight sections with 180 degree turns so as to form a zig-zag. When the trays are subjected to such turns there is a speed limitation imposed by the need to retain the food products in stable positions on the trays while under centrifugal forces. For most ice-cream products it is necessary for the product to rest on plain, ie flat surfaced, trays. The use of webbed or friction surfaces would cause the products to permanently adhere to the tray surface. These factors combine to effectively limit the throughput of such freezer tunnels to a maximum of 450 product pieces per minute.
- The traditional designs of spiral freezer tunnels require the conveyor belt or chain to travel through the controlled environment. Additionally, the trays are usually driven by the conveyor at one side, with the supported ends on a runner. This design usually requires the trays to be securely fixed to the conveyor chain, which causes problems of friction, planar rotation of the trays, restriction of tray size and spacing, and difficulties with lubrication and with hygiene conditions.
- According to the invention, a method of constructing a tray assembly comprises the steps of forming a stack of vertically-spaced trays, supporting opposite ends of the trays by upright structures carrying tray support members and employing retaining means to releasably retain the trays in place on the support members.
- A tray assembly for use with said method may comprise at least one stack of vertically spaced trays, opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures carrying tray support members which extend beneath the trays, and retaining means operable to releasably retain the trays in place on the support members.
- The retaining means may comprise a plurality of vertically spaced tray retaining members movable towards and away from the tray support members and the trays may be formed so as to receive said tray retaining members.
- The tray retaining members may be movable substantially vertically, or substantially horizontally.
- The invention also comprises the combination of the tray assembly and a conveyor system operable to transport the assembly along a predetermined path.
- The predetermined path preferably extends through a chamber, the interior of which may be made to provide a controlled environment within which the assembly is transported.
- Two embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 is a view in perspective of part of a tray assembly according to a first embodiment,
- Figure 2 is a side view, in section, of a freezing chamber or tunnel,
- Figure 3 is a plan view of the tunnel,
- Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective of an 'exploded' form, of an end portion of a tray as well as associated end support structures, all forming part of a second embodiment of the invention,
- Figure 5 is a view in perspective of the tray assembly according to the second embodiment,
- Figure 6 is a view in perspective of an 'exploded' form, which illustrates the tray support structure of the second embodiment,
- Figure 7 is an end view of the tray assembly, and
- Figures 8 and 9 are fragmentary side views and illustrate different operating conditions of the tray assembly.
- With reference to Figure 1, a
tray assembly 1 comprises three juxtaposed stacks of vertically-spaced trays 2, opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures 3 carryingtray support members 4 which extend laterally from the structure 3 and beneath the trays 2. Theassembly 1 is provided with retaining means 5 operable to releasably retain the trays in place, on thetray support members 4. - The trays 2 are of elongate form. Each of the three stacks comprises six superimposed trays 2, so that the
assembly 1 comprises eighteen trays. The trays 2 have downwardly-extending side edges 7. The end portions of the trays are formed with cut-away portions 6, disposed to the sides of the longitudinal axes of the trays. - The tray support structures 3 each comprise a frame formed by two upstanding, laterally-spaced
pillars 10 which are interconnected by thetray support members 4, which extend substantially normal to thepillars 10. - The tray retaining means 5 comprise two sets of vertically spaced tray retraining
members 15 mounted on asub-frame 16 so as to be movable towards and away from thetray support members 4. In operation, thetray retaining members 15 are received by the cut-away portions 6 of the trays 2. When the retainingmembers 15 are moved down, substantially vertically, so that they are contiguous with thetray support members 4, (as shown in Figure 1) and received by the cut-away portions 6, movement of the trays 2 relative to themembers - To allow release of the trays 2, the
sub-frame 16 is moved upwardly, so that theretaining members 15 are moved away from thetray support members 4, in a substantially vertical direction. - A
tray retaining member 15 comprises rod material formed so that it is of generally rectangular form, and is secured to thesub-frame 16. The retainingmember 15 is inclined at an angle to thesub-frame 16. As shown in Figure 1, asingle member 15 is used to retain a pair of juxtaposed trays 2. - The
sub-frame 16 is movable upwardly and downwardly by displacement of a cam-operatedlever 20 which carries a lug orspigot 21. - Two sets of structures 3 and associated components are disposed at opposite sides of a
tray assembly elevator 25, (Figure 2), disposed within achamber 26 comprising a freezing tunnel. A horizontal, in-feed indexing conveyor 27 extends through thetunnel 26, from one end thereof, and co-operates with a horizontal, out-feed indexingconveyor 28 at the opposite end of the tunnel. Atray assembly delevator 29 is disposed adjacent said opposite end. Thetunnel 26 has ante- and post-chambers 30, 31, respectively. - Loose trays 2 are fed by the indexing
conveyor 27, preferably in groups of three, onto thetray support rods 4 of the upright structures 3. The structures 3 are indexed vertically by theelevator 25, and in sequence with the tray in-feed conveyor 27, to enable the next level of the assembly to receive its trays. Thelug 21 of eachlever 20 follows a track (not shown) alongside the vertically-disposedelevator 25. When an assembly has been filled with trays 2, the vertical motion of thelugs 21 provides cam actions on thelevers 20 so as to move thesub-frames 16 downwardly to clamp the trays 2 in place. - The
freezing tunnel 26 is preferably of a height able to accommodate fourassemblies 1, preferably between two and six. Commencing with anempty elevator 25, clampedassemblies 1 are indexed vertically until the leading assembly reaches the top. The fourassemblies 1 are then transferred together from lifting runners 35 (Figure 1) onto similar, long, runners (not shown) that extend through thefreezing tunnel 26. Reciprocating paddle actuators (not shown) engage with the structures 3 of all theassemblies 1 on theelevator 25 and in thefreezing tunnel 26 to index the assemblies through the tunnel. In so doing, a set of four assemblies are transferred from thefreezing tunnel 26 to theassembly delevator 29. Theassemblies 1 are removed from thedelevator 29 in a reverse process to, and in sequence with, that described for the loading of theelevator 25. In this way a compact loading of thefreezer tunnel 26 is possible. - Products to be frozen, (such as
products 130 of Figures 7 and 8), are deposited on theconveyor 27 at adeposit zone 40, and subsequently transferred to thetray assemblies 1. - The products take a predetermined path through the tunnel 2, whereby four vertically stacked assemblies are sequenced together horizontally, from the infeed end of the
tunnel 26, to the outfeed end thereof. - The interior of the
tunnel 26 housesrefrigeration coils 41 whereby a controlled environment is produced and the products treated in a controlled manner. The products leave thetunnel 26 by way of theconveyor 28 and are subsequently transferred to take-offconveyors - Trays 2 leave the
delevator 29 to be returned for re-use by theconveyor 27. - With reference now to Figures 4 to 9, a
tray assembly 101 according to a second embodiment comprises three juxtaposed stacks of vertically-spacedtrays 102, opposite ends of which are supported byupright structures 103 carrying a plurality of vertically spacedtray support members 104 which extend laterally from thestructure 103 and beneath thetrays 102. Themembers 104 haveparts 105 which are engageable with thetrays 102 so as to releasably retain the trays in place. Themembers 104 thus comprise tray retaining means as well as tray support members. - The
trays 102 are of elongate form. Each of the three stacks comprises six superimposedtrays 102, so that theassembly 101 comprises eighteen trays. Thetrays 102 have tapered ends as well as downwardly-extendingedges apertures 108 of elongate form, disposed centrally on the longitudinal axes of the trays. - The
tray support structures 103 each comprise a frame formed by three upstanding, laterally-spacedpillars 110, the lower ends of which are interconnected by anintegral crossbar 111. The upper ends of the twoouter pillars 110 carrybrackets 112 each formed withnotches brackets 112 are interconnected by a crossbar 118. The lower end of thecentral pillar 110 carries abracket 115 formed withnotches brackets - As best shown in Figure 4, each
tray support member 104 is of generally triangular form and comprises rod material bent into that form. - The
part 105 of amember 104 is disposed at the 'apex' of the member, and comprises an integral loop which extends inwardly and upwardly of the member. - The
tray support members 104 co-operate with thetrays 102 so as to centralise and stabilise the same, when theparts 105 of themembers 104 are disengaged from the trays. This co-operation results from the tapered profiles of the undersides of the trays and the presence of theedges 106, which together form recesses for receiving the generallytriangular members 104. - The
edges 107 are provided to assist stacking of thetrays 102, when free of theirsupports 103. - Each
member 104 is also formed with an upwardly-projectingpart 125 on its 'base'. Eachpart 125 is received by anaperture 108 formed in atray 102. - Opposite ends of a
tray 101 are formed with cutaway portions 126 (Figure 6) which receive theadjacent pillars 110 of thetray support structures 103. Thecutaway portions 126 each have a generally truncated triangular form, with its 'apex' extending inwardly of the tray. - The
trays 102 of theassemblies 1 are retained in place, by displacing thetray support structures 103 towards each other (as in Figure 8) in a substantially horizontal direction. With reference to Figure 6, this movement causes theparts 125 of thesupport members 104 to be displaced to the inner ends of theapertures 108, and theparts 105 displaced within thecutaway portions 126 and over the upper surfaces of thetrays 102. - Thus the
parts 105 retain, by latching movements, thetrays 102 and thesupport structures 103 together. - In a similar but opposite sequence, the
trays 102 andsupport structures 103 are disconnected. - The substantially horizontal tray retaining and tray release displacement movements may be performed by mechanical or other non-manual means.
- The embodiments of the invention each provide for assembly of loose trays, placing products thereon and then transporting the assemblies, in a dense-packed manner, (see Figure 2), through a controlled environment chamber, (the freezer tunnel 26), with little or no dead space, followed by removal of the products and return of the trays for re-assembly.
Claims (12)
- A method of constructing a tray assembly, characterised in that it comprises the steps of forming a stack of vertically-spaced trays (22), supporting opposite ends of the trays by upright structures (3) carrying tray support members (4) and employing retaining means (5) to releasably retain the trays (2) in place on the support members (4).
- The method of claim 1, characterised in that it is followed by the steps of transporting the tray assembly (1) through a controlled environment (26), demounting the assembly (1), and then returning the trays (2) for re-assembly.
- The method of claim 2, characterised in that a plurality of such tray assemblies (1) are provided, said assemblies (1) being close-packed together during transport through the controlled environment (26).
- The method of claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the controlled environment (26) comprises a freezer tunnel.
- A tray assembly for use with the method claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises at least one stack of vertically spaced trays (2, 102), opposite ends of which are supported by upright structures (3, 103) carrying tray support members (4, 104) which extend beneath the trays (2, 102), and retaining means (5, 105) operable to releasably retain the trays (2, 102) in place on the support members (4, 104).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the retaining means (5, 105) comprise a plurality of vertically spaced tray retaining members (15, 104) movable towards and away from the tray support members (4).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the tray retaining members (15) are movable substantially vertically, towards and away from the tray support members (4).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the tray retaining members (104) are movable substantially horizontally towards and away from the tray support members (also 104).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that each tray retaining member (104) is of generally rectangular form, and is receivable by a portion (126) formed in the associated tray (102).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that said portion (126) is a cut-away portion formed in said associated tray (102).
- A tray assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that each tray retaining member (104) is of generally triangular form, with an upwardly projecting part (105) receivable by an aperture (108) formed in the associated tray.
- The combination of a tray assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11, characterised in that it also comprises a conveyor system (28 etc) operable to transport the assembly along a predetermined path.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB939302218A GB9302218D0 (en) | 1993-02-04 | 1993-02-04 | Improvements in or relating to tray assemblies |
GB9302218 | 1993-02-04 | ||
GB9321758 | 1993-10-21 | ||
GB9321758A GB2274770A (en) | 1993-02-04 | 1993-10-21 | Tray asemblies |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0610069A2 true EP0610069A2 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
EP0610069A3 EP0610069A3 (en) | 1994-09-28 |
Family
ID=26302392
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP9494300751A Withdrawn EP0610069A3 (en) | 1993-02-04 | 1994-02-01 | Improvements in or relating to tray assemblies. |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0610069A3 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1369093A (en) * | 1971-02-01 | 1974-10-02 | Hall Thermotank Int Ltd | Refrigeration apparatus |
GB2035939A (en) * | 1978-10-05 | 1980-06-25 | Promco Ltd | A system for conveying goods into and out from a freezing chamber |
GB2207990A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1989-02-15 | Samifi Stal Spa | Automatic plate freezer |
-
1994
- 1994-02-01 EP EP9494300751A patent/EP0610069A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1369093A (en) * | 1971-02-01 | 1974-10-02 | Hall Thermotank Int Ltd | Refrigeration apparatus |
GB2035939A (en) * | 1978-10-05 | 1980-06-25 | Promco Ltd | A system for conveying goods into and out from a freezing chamber |
GB2207990A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1989-02-15 | Samifi Stal Spa | Automatic plate freezer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0610069A3 (en) | 1994-09-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5903464A (en) | Conveying system and method for mixing stacked articles | |
EP0139650B1 (en) | A method and apparatus for loading a storage and transport rack | |
NL1009222C2 (en) | Method and installation for transporting goods and combination of a container and a wheel-supported frame for transporting goods. | |
US6343688B1 (en) | Conveyor and escalator for transporting eggs and the like | |
CA1217741A (en) | Elevating chain conveyor | |
US4667808A (en) | Loading apparatus particularly useful for the loading or unstable containers | |
CN113811497A (en) | Order picking system including a bucket elevator conveyor and method of using the same | |
EP0610069A2 (en) | Improvements in or relating to tray assemblies | |
EP0300530A1 (en) | Apparatus for the ordered arrangement and creation of a feed stock in boxing plants for cones and/or conoids | |
US5615994A (en) | Article conveying, grouping and storing apparatus | |
US4895487A (en) | Conveyor apparatus for advancing groups of flat articles, particularly baked confectionery items | |
GB2274770A (en) | Tray asemblies | |
US6190117B1 (en) | Method of using a two way high speed storage system | |
JP3379912B2 (en) | Equipment for aligning and supplying articles | |
JP2557781B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for collecting goods | |
EP0755882B1 (en) | Apparatus for loading and/or unloading a container with stacks of packages, such as for instance egg trays | |
WO2007008089A1 (en) | Continuous processing apparatus | |
US5088589A (en) | Conveyor system, conveyor or buffer and distribution system, and process for transforming a goods flow | |
US4769975A (en) | Machine for packaging food products of flat, wide type, in particular pasta denominated `lasagna` | |
US4901501A (en) | Continuous motion container packer for use with trays having pockets for such containers | |
US4199055A (en) | Shuffle feeder interlocking flights | |
JPH043725A (en) | Automatic feeder for refrigerated bread product | |
EP0588412A1 (en) | Apparatus for transferring substantially spherical or ellipsoidal products, such as for instance eggs, fruit or vegetables | |
EP0489478A1 (en) | Apparatus for placing articles on a conveyor | |
EP0471450B1 (en) | Mechanical handling system for rotating and dividing a line of packages |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): DE DK FR IT |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): DE DK FR IT |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19950325 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19951120 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19960402 |