Abstract A method and apparatus for palletizing articles such as, for example, hollow cylindrical containers or the like is disclosed herein and includes an apparatus section positionable adjacent a support member such as a pallet and defining a receiving station and a sweep station for receiving a plurality of the containers and transferring the same to the support member. A conveyor extending from the receiving station into the sweep station and terminating adjacent the pallet is adapted for continuous movement during the operation of the apparatus so as to convey a first group of the containers from the receiving station to the sweep station and to aid in the transfer of the first group from the sweep station onto the pallet. A first overhead assembly, positioned above the sweep station and adapted to move along a predetermined at least partially angularly deviating endless path, is provided for engaging behind and with the group of containers located at the sweep station for pushing the group onto the pallet. In addition, a second overhead assembly positioned above the conveyor and in a vertical plane separating the receiving and sweep stations is provided for allowing initial conveyance of a second group of containers onto the sweep station after beginning the transfer of said first group onto said pallet but before completion thereof.
An assembly for transferring articles from a first area to a second area, said assembly comprising: support means adapted to be moved along a closed loop endless path; first means connected with said support means and movable with said support means along said path, said first means being adapted for engagement with at least one of said articles when said one article is within said first area and when said first means is moved along a predetermined portion of said path whereby said first means moves said one article by pushing towards said second area; second means connected with said support means a distance of approximately one-half of said path from said first means and movable therewith, said second means being adapted for engagement with at least a subsequent article received within said first area when said second means is moved along a predetermined portion of said path for moving said subsequent article towards said second area; third means connected with said support means, movable therewith and positioned directly behind said first means, said third means being adapted for blocking the transfer path between said first and second areas when said third means is at a predetermined point along said fixed path; and fourth means connected with said support means, movable therewith and positioned directly behind said second means a distance of approximately one-half of said fixed path from said third means, said fourth means being adapted for blocking said transfer path when said fourth means is at a predetermined point along said fixed path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
An assembly for transferring articles from a first area to a second area, said assembly comprising: support means adapted to be moved along a closed loop endless path; first means connected with said support means and movable with said support means along said path, said first means being adapted for engagement with at least one of said articles when said one article is within said first area and when said first means is moved along a predetermined portion of said path whereby said first means moves said one article by pushing towards said second area; second means connected with said support means a distance of approximately one-half of said path from said first means and movable therewith, said second means being adapted for engagement with at least a subsequent article received within said first area when said second means is moved along a predetermined portion of said path for moving said subsequent article towards said second area; third means connected with said support means, movable therewith and positioned directly behind said first means, said third means being adapted for blocking the transfer path between said first and second areas when said third means is at a predetermined point along said fixed path; and fourth means connected with said support means, movable therewith and positioned directly behind said second means a distance of approximately one-half of said fixed path from said third means, said fourth means being adapted for blocking said transfer path when said fourth means is at a predetermined point along said fixed path.