GB903440A - Improvements in and relating to the stacking of blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

903,440. Load-handling machines. BENNETT, C. L. Dec. 15, 1958 [Nov. 1, 1957], No. 33718/58. Divided out of 903,439. Class 78 (3). [Also in Group XVII] Bricks or the like are formed into openwork stacks by separating rows into ranks comprising groups of bricks with spaces between them, the ranks are assembled to form a layer and the layer placed on a receiver which is rotated 90 degrees to receive the next identical layer. Stacking.-Rows 12a- 12c of bricks from a forming machine 10 are fed on to a pair of identical platforms 13, each comprising panels 14-17. The platforms are drawn apart by hydraulic means 32, Fig. 4, to separate each row of twelve bricks into two rows of six and the panels are then separated, in a manner similar to that described in Specification 781,264, so that each row becomes a rank consisting of single bricks at either end and two pairs of bricks between. The two layers formed on the tables are gripped by means substantially as described in Specification 781,263 and transported to the receivers 18a, 18b or on to pallets &c. on the receivers. The receivers are then rotated through 90,degrees and a further layer added to each. This is continued until the stack is formed. Loading of stacks.-The stacks are loaded on a truck 21 for transport to a drying kiln by a lift fork device 20. This comprises a trolley 55 running on rails 53, 54 on a turntable 50. The fork tines are carried on a member 59 movable vertically on the trolley and may consist of two spaced rows 19, 19<SP>1</SP>. The tines engage a stack as shown in Fig. 3, raise it, the trolley withdraws and the turntable swings so that on advance of the trolley the stacks are placed over the truck, which may be two tiered, and are then deposited on it. Channels 24, Fig. 3, on the receivers 18a, 18b, and similar channels on the truck permit entry and withdrawal of the tines 19, where stillages &c. are not used.