US3568860A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stacking or tiering device
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1969-02-17
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Granted: 1971-03-09
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Expires: 1989-02-17
Abstract
Abstract A device for forming a stack of relatively thin articles or packages delivered in succession. The device includes a plurality of paddle wheels on opposite sides of a package delivery conveyor with individual blades of a succession thereof on each wheel positioned to underlie the margin of a package delivered by the conveyor. Upon completion of the delivery the paddle wheels are rotated or indexed in a direction to elevate the package by the underlying blades and position succeeding blades for receiving a second package. Upon further indexing movement of the paddle wheels the initial package is again elevated until the blades performing such function withdraw past the edges of the package and permit the package to drop onto the package supported by the blades therebelow. At the same time other blades of the successions are positioned to receive a third package. The operation is continued until a stack of packages of the desired number has been obtained.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip G Rawlins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:11
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G57/00; B65G57/30; B65G57/305; B65G57/306; B65H; B65H2301/00; B65H2301/40; B65H2301/42; B65H2301/421; B65H2301/4212; B65H2301/42122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
In a vertical stacker for packages such stacker including a stacking zone and a package receiving zone, means to deliver packages from said receiving zone to said stacking zone and means to elevate packages delivered to said stacking zone to form an overlying stack thereof, the improvement wherein said elevating means comprises a series of lifting elements on opposite sides of said stacking zone and means to successively move each lifting element of each series in steps from a first position in underlying marginal contact with a package delivered to said stacking zone to an elevated position such as to permit a succeeding package to enter said stacking zone with a lateral margin in overlying relationship to a succeeding lifting element of said series while said first mentioned lifting element remains in marginal contact with said first mentioned package and to a further elevated but withdrawn package releasing position whereby said first mentioned package may drop onto said second mentioned package.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a vertical stacker for packages such stacker including a stacking zone and a package receiving zone, means to deliver packages from said receiving zone to said stacking zone and means to elevate packages delivered to said stacking zone to form an overlying stack thereof, the improvement wherein said elevating means comprises a series of lifting elements on opposite sides of said stacking zone and means to successively move each lifting element of each series in steps from a first position in underlying marginal contact with a package delivered to said stacking zone to an elevated position such as to permit a succeeding package to enter said stacking zone with a lateral margin in overlying relationship to a succeeding lifting element of said series while said first mentioned lifting element remains in marginal contact with said first mentioned package and to a further elevated but withdrawn package releasing position whereby said first mentioned package may drop onto said second mentioned package.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 1 wherein the lifting elements of each series are supported by a hub member and there is means to rotate said hub members to move said lifting elements through said several positions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 2 wherein said means to rotate said hub members comprises pawl and ratchet means and actuating means therefor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 1 wherein said stacking zone is defined by vertically extending frame members on opposite sides of said zone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 1 wherein there is switch means positioned to be actuated upon the delivery of a package to said stacking zone and wherein said switch means is included in an electrical circuit controlling the operation of sAid lifting elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 1 wherein there is a plurality of series of said lifting elements on each of the opposite sides of said stacking zone and wherein the lifting elements of each series comprise blades projecting radially in equally spaced relationship from a central hub.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 6 wherein said hubs on each of said opposite sides of said stacking zone are carried by and affixed to a common shaft and there is means for rotating said shift to index said blades through said several positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for rotating said shafts comprises a toothed ratchet wheel affixed to each shaft, a ratchet pawl for each ratchet wheel adapted to rotate its associated ratchet wheel through the distance of one tooth upon an operative stroke of said pawl and there is means for causing operative strokes of said pawl.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 8 wherein said means for causing operative strokes of said ratchet pawls comprises a rockable lever arm supporting each pawl and cam and follower means for rocking said lever arms.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
A vertical stacker as defined in claim 1 wherein each lifting element of each series comprises a blade projecting radially from a central hub and terminating at its outer end in a relatively narrow flange extending in an outwardly and downwardly direction when said blade is in said first position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-08 | 1974-09-07 | 1975-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-08 | 1978-09-07 | 1979-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-09-07 | 1983-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |