US2273689A

US2273689A - Sheet stacker

Info

Publication number: US2273689A
Application number: US324370A
Authority: US
Inventors: Eugene F Boron; Roy E Carter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1940-03-16
Filing date: 1940-03-16
Publication date: 1942-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 1959-02-17

Description

Feb. 17, 1942. E. F; B ORON EIAL I 2,273,639

' SHEET STACKER Filed March 16, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 17, 1942. E. F. BORON ETAL' SHEET STACKER Filed March 16, 1940 :3 Sheets-Sheet 2 && L

SHEET STACKER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 16, 1940 lil lll

Patented Feb. 17, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE 'safififfiim Eugene F. Boron and Roy E Ca'rt er, Niles, Ohio Application March 1-6, 1940,801'181 No. 324,370

Our invention relates to apparatus for stacking sheets and more particularly for stacking metal sheets as the sheets are discharged from processing apparatus such as a roll stand, a roller leveler, a sheet oiler, or a shear line and the like.

Such sheets move in a generally horizontal direction lengthwise of themselves as they are dischargedfrom the processing apparatus which imparts a lengthwise velocity to each sheet until discharged. For'example in the operation of a roll stand, the rolls impart the lengthwise velocity to each sheet as'long asany part of the sheet is engaged in the nip of the-rolls. As soon as the entire sheet is discharged from the rolls its lengthwise velocity drops off, and the longer the sheet the more rapid is its loss of roll imparted lengthwise velocity after discharge from the rolls.

In sheet steel rolling. mills, as distinguished from continuous strip steel rolling mills, it has become desirable to process steel sheets as long as 12 feetor more and as wide as 54 inches or more. It is also frequently desirable to stack such sheets a. greater distance away from the roll stand or other processing apparatus than would be reached by the lengthwise velocity of the sheets imparted A to the sheets by the processing apparatus.

Satisfactory sheet stacking by any method or apparatus requires: first, that the sheets be easily moved to the desired stack location; second, that each sheet be suitably supported throughout its entire length until dropped onto the stack or pile; and third,that the sides of the being processed in a usual rolling mill or otherwise, has been available prior to the present invention.

Accordingly, the objects of the present invention include the provision of improved sheetstacking apparatus particularly adapted for stacking steel sheets and which is capable of satisfactorily stacking sheets of any desired length and .of various widths.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of improved sheet stacking apparatus adapted in an improved manner to support the edges of a sheet throughout the entire length 'of the sheet until the sheet' has reached the desired location of the stack and has been dropped to build up the stack.

other of succescombinations of the present invention,

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of improved sheet stacking apparatus adapted in an improved manner to impart any, desired lengthwise velocity or feed speed to a sheet being moved to the desired stack location, regardless of whether or not the sheet has any roll'imparted lengthwise velocity or otherwise.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of improved sheet stacking apparatus adapted in an improved manner to build up a stack with straight sides formed by' the edges of the several sheets of the pack. Further objects of the present invention in"- clude the provision of such an improved sheet stacking apparatus in the form of a unitary machine having a simplified construction enabling easy and economical manufacture, maintenance.

The foregoing and other objects are attainedby the apparatus, parts, combinations, andsubthe 7 nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, and preferred embodiments of which are setforth in the following description, and which are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming part hereof.

The nature of the improved sheet stacking, apparat'us of the present invention may be stated in general terms as including two longitudinally extendinglaterally movable frames ormembers which may be power operated and which have a clear space laterally therebetween and which preferably swing about lower longitudinally extending pivoting axes and which are of any desired length and which in combination with associated parts are adapted to receive and drop into the clear space between each other sheets of any desired length. 3

Each swinging frame has operatively mounted above its pivoting axis, sheet edge conveying and supporting means including a power driven endless belt conveyor. The endless belt conveyors preferably operate on cantilever supporting members extending towards each other from the inner opposite sides of the swinging frames.

Each frame has a motor drive means mounted-v thereon and drive connected with the conveyor thereon. V v

Means may be provided for varying the lateral distance between the swinging frames to accommodate sheets of varying widths.

Below the conveyor and its cantilever supporting members on each frame, there is prooperation, and

vided stack side straightening means, which may be in the form of a longitudinally extending plate.

A roller conveyor is located between the swinging frames, and successive sheets are received and dropped between the swinging frames to build up a stack on the roller conveyor as hereinafter set forth in greater detail. i

By way of example, an embodiment of the improved apparatus hereof is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in'

which:

Figure l is a top plan view of one embodiment of the improved apparatus hereof in the form of a unitary steel sheet stacking machine with the portions broken away and shown in section; and

Fig. 4, an enlarged fragmentary view with portions in section similar to-Fig. 3, but showing certain parts in full lines in their sheet dropping positions, and in dot-dash lines in their sheet receiving and conveying positions.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The illustrated embodiment of the improved apparatus hereof is a unitary steel sheet stacking machine indicated generally by H], and includes two laterally spaced and longitudinally extending power operated swinging frames or members, indicated generally by Ila and H1) respectively, which pivot-about parallel and horizontal lower longitudinally extending axes l2a and l2b respectively on opposite sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the machine indicated by the dot-dash line l3.

The swinging frames Ho and Ill) have a clear space laterally between each other, are of any desired length, and in combination with associated parts are adapted to receive and drop into the clear space between each other steel sheets l4 of any desired length.

The swinging frames ll a and llb haveoperatively mounted above their pivoting axes l2a and l2b respectively, sheet edge conveying and supporting means indicated generally by l5a and I5?) respectively, and which as shown include power driven endless chain belt'conveyors Ilia and I6!) respectively, which operate on cantilever supporting members vl'la and Nb respectively extending towards each other from the inner opposite sides of the swinging frames ll a and II b.

The pivotal mountings of the swinging frames I la and l lb are as shown respectively upon separate laterally spaced longitudinally extending carriages indicated generally by I81; and l8b, and which include respectively cantilever supporting and pivoting arms 19a and l9-b' which extend towards each other from the opposite inner sides of the carriages i811 and I81) and which are pivotally connected as by pins 2la. and Zlb between the lower ends of pairs of vertical angle members 22a and. 22b of the frames Ho and Ill) respectively.

symmetrically spaced on opposite --sides of the center plane' l3. From the outer sides of the

channels

24a and 24b pairs of longitudinally spaced rail members 2511 and 25b extend laterallyand at'right angles to the center plane l3.

' At each end of the carriage l8a there is operatively mounted .as shown a set of wheels 26a, and'similarly at each end of the carriage l8b there is operatively mounted as shown a set of wheels 26b, and the wheels 26a roll on the rail members 25a and the wheels 26b roll on the rail members 25b.

To accommodate sheet of varying widths in the sheet stacking machine l0, lateral positioning means are provided for varying the lateral spacings of the carriages I80. and l8b and thus of the swinging frames Ila and ll b pivoted on the carriages. As shown the lateral positioning means includes longitudinally spaced shafts 21 extending laterally through apertures formed in the channel members 24a and 241), each shaft being journaled in a double thrust bearing 28 mounted on the channel member 24b. Oppositely inclined threaded portions 29a and 29!; are formed on each shaft 21 on the outside of the channel members 24a. and 24b, respectively, and the threaded shaft portions 290 and 29!) extend below the carriages l8a and I8?) respectively.

A suitably threaded thrust nut 30a is screwed on each shaft portion 29a, and each nut 30a is secured to the lower end of a bracket 3la the upper end of which i secured to the carriage Illa as shown adiacent one of the sets of wheels 26a. Similarly, a suitably threaded thrust nut 30b is screwed on each shaft portion 29b, and

each nut 30b is secured to the lower end of abracket 3lb, the upper end of which is secured is journalled. Similarly the outer end 33b of each shaft 21 extends through registering apertures in the bearing channel member 32!) and in a bearing block 34b secured thereto and in which the shaft end 331) is journalled.

For simultaneously turning the shafts 21, a

drive shaft 35 extends longitudinally along the outside of the channel member 32a and is journal mounted thereon as by longitudinally spaced bearing brackets 36. Each end 33a of each shaft 21 is operatively connected with the drive shaft 35 as by a bevel gear set indicated generally by 31. As shown a hand wheel 38 is operatively mounted on a suitable bracket and is provided with a chain and gear connection with the drive shaft 35, whereby manual turning of the hand wheel 38 serves to turn the drive shaft 35. The shaft 35 may also be turned by any desired power meansnot shown.

The power operations of the swinging frames lla and llb as shown are effected by electric The unitary sheet stacking machine l0 hasa base indicated generally by 23 which as shown motor driven mechanical means indicated generally by 39a and 39b and operatively interposed respectively, between the swinging frame l la and the carriage l8a, and between the swinging frame llb and the carriage l8b.

The electric motor driven mechanical frame swinging means 39a and 3917 as shown each includes a set of longitudinally spaced bearing bracket plates 40 on its respective carriage Ila or I811. Each bearing bracket. plate 40 isapertured to regifier with the bore of a bearing block 4| mounted thereon. A drive and crank shaft 42 extends through-the registering apertures of each set of the bearing bracket plates 40 and the journalling Dates of the bearing blocks 4|. Each shaft-42 is parallel with the pivoting axes I24; and I21), and on its'ends beyond its bearing bracket plates 4|! there are secured equal throw cranks 43 having axially alined crank-pins 44.

Each crank pin 44 is pivotally connected withone end of a connecting rod 45, the other end'of which is pivotally connected between one of the pairs of

vertical angle members

22a or 22b of the adjacent swinging frame Ila or llb as by a nections, and being movable endwise with re-' thereby an upwardly opening chain guide channel59.

As show! each chain belt drive sprocket wheel 56 is secured on .theinner end of acantilever shaft 60 journalled in bearing blocks GI and 62 secured on opposite sides of one end of one of the frames lla or I lb. Each shaft 60 extends on opposite sides of its frame I la or 1 lb, and the outer end of" each shaft has a drive connection as by chain and sprocket means 63 with an electric drive motor 64 mounted on a bracket 65 on the-outside of the plate 53a or 5317 of its frame 4 floor In As shown each chain belt tightening sprocket I wheel 51 is journalled on a shaft '66 on the upspect to each other, and having a slot, and pin connection 49 with each other, and having a compres'sionspring 50 interposed between suitable stops, one stop on each separate connecting rodv member 41 'and 48, whereby .a positive pull and a resilient push is exerted by each connecting rod 45 on the swinging frame I la or llb to which it is connected.

Each frame swing 1 means 39a and 39b, as shown, also includes an electric drive motor 5| mounted on its carriage l8a 'or I81) and having a driving connection with its shaft 42 asby a gear train 52. v I The swinging frames Ila and llb for certain purposes of the present improvements include stack side straightening means below their conveyors' IGa and i612 and cantilever conveyor supporting members Fla and Nb, and as shown the stack side straightening means are longitudinally extending

side plates

53a and 53b secured respectively to the upwardly extending

angle members

22a and 22b of the frames Ila and llb:

The side plates 53asand 53b also strengthen the per end of the upper arm 61 of a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends in bearing blocks on opposite sides of one of the

plates

53a or 53b. The upper leverarm 61 is on the inside of its

plate

53a or 53b and the lower lever arm 68 is on the outside thereof.

The lower end of each lower lever arm 68 is pivotally connected with one end of a rod 69, the other end of which has a compression spring interposed between an adjustable abutment 10' I fram'es Ila and Nb and mount certain of the lever

chain support plates

54a and 54b extend inwardly towards each other from the'upper ends ofthe angle members 22a and 22b. and the upper edges of the side plates-53a and 5312 respectively, the

chain support plates

54a and 54b being below the cantilever supporting members Ila and I'll; respectively.

Each endless chain belt conveyor lid and llib includes an endless chain belt 55 operating around a belt drive sprocket wheel 56 mounted at one end of its, frame flu or llb and about a belt tightening sprocket wheel 51 operatively mounted at the other end of its frame II a or lib.

The upper portion 55| of each chain extends over all its upper cantilever'supporting members I'la or Ill), and as shownthere'is interposed between each set of cantilever supporting members Ila and Nb and the upper chain porthereon and a fixed abutment ll on the associated plate 53a or 531).

The longitudinally extending

channel members

24a and 24b are as shown associated with a pluralit-y of transversely extending rollers 12 to provide a roller conveyor upon which the sheets l4 may be dropped to build up a stack.

The several electric motors 5| and 64 are connected with suitable sources of electric power through well known control means which may be manually or automatically operated as may be desired and which are not shown. I

As shown, the frames Ila and llb include longitudinally extending guide and mounting plates 13a and 13b which are located respectively on top of the

chain support plates

54a and 54b. The cantileversupporting members [la and 11b as shown are mountedon the plates 13a and 13b -respec tively,'andeach plate 13a and 13b mounts one set of the bearing blocks -BI and 62 and the cantilever shaft 60 journalled therein.

At the sheet entrance end 14 of the machine "I, the guide and mounting plates 13a and 13b have oppositely and outwardly flaring end portions 15a and 151; respectively.

In the operation of the improved sheet stacking machine l0, its sheet entrance end 14 is located for example adjacent the discharge side of a roll stand not shown. ,There may be a considerable distance between the entrance end 14 of the sheet stacking machine Ill and the roll sheets l4 to the stacking machine H).

In any event, each sheet I4 as it approaches the sheet stacking machine l0, has a lengthwise velocity which is substantial in order to attain a satisfactory rate of production for the plant as a whole where the stacking machine I0 is betion 55--| supported thereby an upwardly opening chain guide channel 58.

' ,Thelower portion 55'2' of each chain extends over its lower cantilever chain support "'

plate

54a or 54b, and as shown there is interapproaching the stacking machine Ill.

Accordingly, the advancing end of each sheet l4 enters between the

flaring end'portions

15a and 15b of the guide plates 13a and 13b, and

posed between

each'chain support plate

54a and 54b and the lower chain 'portion 55--2 supported r to their positions shown in Figs. 1, 2, an". 3, ready onto the conveyors, two motor drive means, each moves onto the upper moving portions 55I of the'conveyors lfia'and I6b,and regardless of the length of the sheet l4, it is moved and supported at its edges by the conveyors Ito and lab throughout its entire length until it has reached the position between the swinging frames Ila and [lb where it is to be dropped.

The frames Ila and bare then moved awayfrom each other by swinging on their axes Ho and [2b respectively as shown in Fig. 4, and the sheet I '4 drops into the clear space between the frames Na and Ill) onto the conveyor rollers 12 or other sheets thereon to build up a pack.

The frames Ila and llb are then swung back to receive, convey, and drop another sheet, and the; side plates; 53a and 53b abut against the edges of the sheets in the pack and thus straighten the sides of the pack.

After the pack built up on the conveyor rollers 12 is of a desired size'it is removed in the usual manner.

By providing the conveyor lEa on the frame Ila with a separate drive motor 64 on the frame Ila and independent of the drive motor for the swing means 39a for the frame I la, and also by providing the conveyor I6b on the frame llb with another separate drive motor- 64 on the frame llb and independent of the other drive motor 5| for the swing means 3% for the frame lib, it is made certain that the belts 55 of the conveyors I621 and [6b continuously run at the same speed as or somewhat faster than the lengthwise velocities of the sheets I4 approaching the stacking machine, and that'the independent motors 5l for the swing means 39a and 391) will operate the swing means 39a and 39b to swing-the frames II a and [lb and the conveyors and other means and parts carried thereon without in any way changing the speed of the 0 conveyorbelts 55. Consequently, the sheets l4 may. be caught, conveyed, and stacked by the stacking machine It), as fast as they are delivered to the machine.

The embodiments of the present improvements illustrated and described herein are by way of example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the same or to the particular details thereof, but is commensurate with any and all novel subject matter contained herein which may at any time properly under the patent laws be set forth in the claims hereof or originating herein, and the elements of any such claims are intended to include-their functional or structural equivalents.

We claim: r

1. In stackingapparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending endless belt conveyors having a clear space laterally there between, the conveyors being adapted in a first position to receive and convey and support the entire length of opposite edges of a sheet moved motor drive means being drive connected with one of the conveyors, and means for moving the motor drive means and the conveyors laterally away from and back to the first position for dropping a conveyed sheet into the clear space between the conveyors.

2. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space laterally therebetween, an endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of opposite sides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clearspace, a motor drive means on each frame drive connected with the conveyor thereon, and means for moving the frames and the conveyors and motor drive means thereon laterally away from and towards each other.

3. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space laterally therebetween, an endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of opposite sides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, a motor drive means on each frame drive connected with the conveyor thereon, and means operatively mounting the frames and the conveyers and motor drive means thereon for swinging about longitudinally extending laterally spaced pivoting axes.

4. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames to receive and convey and support the entire length of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, a motor drive means on each frame drive connected with the conveyor thereon, and means for moving the frames and the conveyers and motor drive means thereon laterally away from and towards each other.

5. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space laterally therebetween, cantilever members on each frame extending laterally towards the cantilever members'of the other frame, an endless belt conveyor operatively mounted on the cantilever members of each frame, the endless belt conveyors'being adapted to receive and convey and support the entire length of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, a motor drive means on each frame drive connected with the conveyor thereon, and means operatively mounting the frames and the conveyors and motor drive means thereon for swinging about longitudinally extending laterallyspaced pivoting axes.

6. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space laterally therebetween, means including a driven endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of opposite sides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, means securing each conveyor against lateral movement with respect to the frame, and means for moving the frames laterally away from and towards each other, and stack side straightening means on the inner side of each frame and movable therewith.

. frames for swinging about longitudinally extending laterally spaced pivoting axes, and stack side straightening means on the inner side of each frame.

'the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear "space laterally therebetween, means including a driven endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of opposite sides of asheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, means securing each conveyor against lateral movement with respect to its frame, and means for-moving the frames laterally away from and towards each other, and a longitudinallyzextending stack. side straighten-' means for moving the frames and thecon veyors thereon away from and towards each other.

13. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear ace extending laterally therebetween, each f ame including a longitudinally extending plate having an inner stack side straightening face and upper and lower edge faces, an endless belt conveyor on each frame ining plate on the innersideof each frame and a movable therewith.

9. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space. laterally therebetween,

means including a driven endless belt conveyoron each frame for receiving .and conveying and supportingthe entire length of opposite sides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, and means operatively mounting the frames for swinging about longitudinally extending laterally. spaced pivoting axes, and a longitudinally extending stack side straightening plate on the inner side of each frame.

10. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear. space laterally therebetween, an endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of opposite sides of a sheet introduced becluding an endless belt adjacent the upper edge face and spaced inwardly from the inner side face of the plate, means securing each conveyor against lateral movement with respect to its frame, and means for moving the frames with their. plates and the conveyors thereon laterally away from and towards each other.

14.. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames aving a' clear space extending laterally therebetween, each frame including a longitudinally extending plate having an inner stack side straight-t ening face and upper and lower edge faces, an endless beltconveyor on each frame including an endless belt adjacent the upper edge face and spaced inwardly from the inner side face of theplate, and means operatively mounting the frames tween the frames above the clear space, belt.

tighten-ing means on each frame operatively associated with the conveyor thereon, a motor drive means on eachframe driveconnected withthe conveyor thereon, and means for moving the frames and the conveyors and other means thereon laterally away from and towards each other.

11. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frame havinga clearspace laterally therebetween, a

each conveyor including awbeltdrive wheel and a belt tightening wheel and an endless belt operating around the wheels, first bearing means secured on the frame and journalling the belt drive swinging about longitudinally extending laterally spaced pivoting axes adjacent the lower edge faces of the plates.

.15. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space extending laterally therebetween, each frame including a longitudinally extending plate having an inner stack side straightening face and upper and lower edge faces, coh- -veyor means on 'each frame adjacent the upper edge face and spaced inwardly from the inner side. face of the plate, means securing each conveyor against lateral movement with respect to its frame, and means for moving the frames with their plates and the conveyorsthereon laterally away from and towards each other.

16. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space extending laterally therebewheel and second bearing means movable with respect tothe frame and journalling the belt tightening wheel andyielding means mounting the second bearing means on-the frame andurging the second bearing means and belt tightening wheel away from thebelt drive-wheel, and means' for moving the-frames and .the conveyors there- 'on away from and towards each other.

' 12. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space laterally therebetween, an endless belt driven. conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of oppositesides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, each conveyor including a belt drive wheel and a belt tightening wheel and an endless belt operating tween, each frame including a longitudinally extending plate having an inner stack side straighten ing face and upper and lower edge faces, conve'yor means on each frame adjacent the upper edge face and spaced inwardly from, the inner side face of the plate, and means operatively mounting the frames with their plates and the conveyors thereon forswinging'about longitudinally extending laterally spaced pivoting axes adjacent the lower edge faces of the plates.

17in stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a-clear .space extending laterally therebe-' tween, each frame including upper and lower and inner and outer sidesand the innersides of the frames being opposite each other on opposite sides -of. the clear space, anendless belt conveyor on.

each-fram including an endless belt adjacent the upper side and spacedinwardly from the inner side of the frame, and drive means for the conveyor on each frame including a motor on the around thewheels, first bearing means secured on the frame and journalling the belt drive wheel and second bearing means movable with respect to the frame and journalling the belt. tightening wheel and means mounting the second bearing 1 means on the frame 'and applying a force on'the second bearing means and beltetightening wheel directed away from the belt drive wheel, and

outer side of the frame, stack side straightening means on the inner side of each-' frame below the conveyor belt, and means for moving the frames and the conveyors and other means thereon laterally away from and towards each other.

18. .In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames hav-' ing a clear space extending laterally therebetween, each frame including upper and lower and inner and outer sides and the inner sides of the frames being opposite each other on opposite sides of the clear pace, an endless belt conveyor on each frame 'ncluding an .endless belt adjacent the upper side and spaced inwardly from the inner side of the frame, and drive means for the conveyor on each frame including a motor on the outer side of the frame, stack side straightening means on the inner side of each frame below the conveyor belt, and means operatively mounting the frames and the conveyors and other means thereon for swinging about longitudinally xtend ing laterally spaced pivoting axes adjacent the lower sides of the frames. 7

19. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space extending laterally therebetween, each frame including upper and lower and inner and outer sides and the inner sides of the frames being opposite each other on opposite sides of the clear space, conveyor means on each frame adjacent the upper side and spaced inwardly from the inner side of the frame, and drive means for the conveyor means on each frame including a motor on the outer side of the frame, stack side straightening means on the inner side of each frame below the conveyor means; and means for moving the frames and the conveyors and other means thereon laterally away from the towardseach other.

20. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two longitudinally extending frames having a clear space extending laterally therebetween, each fram including upper and lower and inner and outer sides and the inner sides of the frames being opposite each other on opposite sides of the clear space, conveyor means on each frame adjacent the upper side and spaced inwardly from the inner side of the frame, and

drive means for the conveyor means on each frame including a motor on the outer side of the frame, stack side straightening means onthe inner side of each frame below the conveyor means, and

- means operatively mounting the frames and the conveyor means and other meansthereon for swinging about'longitudinally extending laterally the other frame, an endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of one of the opposite sides of a sheet introduced between-the frames above the clear space, one drive means operatively interposed between each frame and its carriage for moving the frame towards and away from the other frame, and a second drive means operatively mounted on each frame and drive connected with the conveyor thereon.

22. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two laterally spaced carriages having a clear space therebetween, two longitudinally extending frames, means mounting each frame on one of the carriages for swinging on the carriage towards and away from the other frame about a longitudinally extending axis, an endless belt conveyor on each frame for receiving and conveying and supporting the entire length of onelof the opposite sides of a sheet introduced between the frames above the clear space, one drive means operatively interposed between each frame and its carriage for swinging the frame 'towards and away from the other frame, and

a second drive means operatively mounted on each frame and drive connected with the conveyor thereon.

23. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two laterally spaced carriages having a clear space therebetween, two longitudinally extending frames, means mounting each frame on one of the carriages for movement with respect to the carriage and towards and away from the other frame, conveyor means on each frame, one drive means operatively interposed between .each frame and its carriage for moving the frame towards and away from the other frame, and a second drive means operatively mounted on each frame and drive connected with the conveyor means thereon.

24. In stacking apparatus for metal sheets and the like, two laterally spaced carriages having a clear space therebetween, two longitudinally extending frames, means mounting each frame for swinging on .one of the carriages and towards and away from the other frame about a longitudinally extending axis, conveyor means on each frame, one drive means operatively interposed between each frame and its carriage for swinging the frame towards and away from the other frame, and a second drive means operatively mounted on each frame and drive connected with the conveyor means thereon.

" EUGENE F. BORON.

ROY E. CARTER.