GB1128711A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for handling blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

1,128,711. Stacking apparatus; endless conveyers. BUTTERLEY CO. Ltd. 11 Jan., 1966 [14 Oct., 1964], No. 41865/64. Headings B8A and B8C. Blocks of concrete, &c., to be stacked are transferred from a driven endless conveyer 15 on to a free-wheeling conveyer 21 having control means such as an adjustable friction disc 22 to limit the extent of free-running thereof, on which conveyer they move closer together. The leading block on the conveyer 21 operates a switch 24 which stops the drive of conveyer 15 and permits the assembled blocks to be lifted by a gripper 27 and carried to the stacking station, which may be on a further conveyer. In the embodiment there is a pair of parallel conveyers 21 and side members 23 alongside the conveyers 21 raise the blocks from the surface of the conveyers 21 prior to lifting by the gripper 27. A switch 21A operates an interlock which prevents the conveyer 15 from moving while the members 23 are elevated. The gripper 27, which may be rotatable through 90 degrees so that alternate layers of the stack may be of different orientation, runs on a gantry 26 either parallel to or perpendicular to the direction of the conveyers 15, 21. The blocks are delivered initially to the conveyer 15 by a gripper 12 running on a gantry 11, a switch 15A being provided to ensure that the gripper 12 does not lower blocks on to the conveyer 15 while other blocks are still stationary on it. Both grippers 27, 15 may be controlled either manually or by a system of switches. Delivery of blocks to the stacking apparatus may be made by a pallet conveyer 14.