GB845320A - Improvements in pallet loading machines - Google Patents

Abstract

845,320. Roller conveyers. BEACON PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. Oct. 2, 1957 [Dec. 31. 1956], No. 30911/57. Class 78 (1). [Also in Group XVII] A machine for stacking articles on pallets (see Group XVII) comprises means for forming a tier of articles on movable plates above the pallet and for depositing the tiers on the pallet, the latter being supported on an elevator which lowers it step-by-step to receive the tiers. The machine incorporates means for turning selected articles to produce a desired pattern in a tier and pallet storing and ejecting devices. The articles, cartons, for example, are fed by a roller conveyer D on to a similar conveyer C which carries them against a stop so that they line up in front of a ram plate 10. The conveyer C includes spring-loaded rollers r, Fig. 9, which are depressed by the weight of the articles to actuate switches in series. When these are all closed, the ram pushes the row of articles on to assembly plates 23, 23<1>. A ram-controlled stop 93, Fig. 9, rises to check advance, of other articles until the ram returns. Articles transferring normally from conveyers D to C are turned through 90 degrees by the motion of the conveyers, a roller 423 being provided to assist this. However, articles may be transferred without turning by conveyer chains 429, Figs. 1, 4, mounted to be raised by solenoid and toggle means 435-437, 440 to project above the rollers of the conveyer C. An article passes from the conveyer D on to these chains which feed it against a switch lever 441, actuation of the lever causing the chains to be lowered to transfer the article to the conveyer C. The pattern may be pre-arranged by means of a step switch operated by photo-electric means 402 responsive to movement of articles along the conveyer D to the switch controlling the solenoid 440.