US4512701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pallet height sensing mechanism
Assignee: Olin Corp
•
Filing: 1982-12-22
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Granted: 1985-04-23
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Expires: 2002-12-22
Abstract
Abstract Automatic height sensing mechanism is provided to sense the height of an individual pallet or slip sheeted pallet and automatically adjusts the stripper plate above the sensed height as the pallet is moved along a predetermined path of travel by a conveyor.
Inventors
- 👤 Julian D. Foust
- 👤 Leonard M. Ysidro, Sr.
- 👤 Danny R. Cross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 08:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G59/00; B65G59/06; B65G59/067; B65G59/068; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S414/00; Y10S414/10; Y10S414/106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
In a conveyor for moving pallets along a predetermined path of travel, comprising in combination: (a) sensing means positioned along the predetermined path of travel to sense the height of individual pallets as each pallet travels along the predetermined path of travel; (b) signal means cooperative with the sensing means and activated by a pallet being sensed by the sensing means; (c) control means cooperative with the signal means to receive a signal from the signal means indicating the height of the individual pallet; (d) product receiving means overlying the predetermined path of travel and moveable upwardly in at least a generally vertical direction to permit individual pallets to pass thereunder along the predetermined path of travel without any interference; and (e) elevation means cooperative with and responsive to the control means to move the product receiving means in the generally vertical direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
In a conveyor for moving pallets along a predetermined path of travel, comprising in combination: (a) sensing means positioned along the predetermined path of travel to sense the height of individual pallets as each pallet travels along the predetermined path of travel; (b) signal means cooperative with the sensing means and activated by a pallet being sensed by the sensing means; (c) control means cooperative with the signal means to receive a signal from the signal means indicating the height of the individual pallet; (d) product receiving means overlying the predetermined path of travel and moveable upwardly in at least a generally vertical direction to permit individual pallets to pass thereunder along the predetermined path of travel without any interference; and (e) elevation means cooperative with and responsive to the control means to move the product receiving means in the generally vertical direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the elevation means further comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the signal means further comprises at least one limit switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the sensing means further is moveable from a first lower position wherein the signal means is not activated to at least a second raised position wherein the signal means is activated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the sensing means is further pivotally moveable between the first lower position and the at least second raised position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the sensing means further comprises at least one elongate sensing shoe having a downwardly sloped first portion which initially contacts a pallet as the pallet moves along its predetermined path of travel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the signal means is further connected to and moveable in the generally vertical direction with the product receiving means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the control means is further a programmable controller that is communicatively connected with the elevation means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the programmable controller selectively signals the elevation means to raise or lower the product receiving means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the conveyor is connected to an automatic palletizer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the product receiving means is a stripper plate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the stripper plate is cooperative with a product conveyor that places product in a predetermined pattern on the stripper plate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the stripper plate is cooperative with a product ram to move the product from the stripper plate onto the pallet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the conveyor is further cooperative with a slip sheet dispenser to position a slip sheet on top of a pallet as the pallet moves along the predetermined path of travel prior to reaching the sensing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the sensing means further senses the combined height of the individual pallet and the slip sheet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the conveyor is further cooperative with a slip sheet dispenser to position a slip sheet on top of a pallet as the pallet moves along the predetermined path of travel prior to reaching the sensing means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensing means is further moveable in response to the height of the individual pallet.
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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) | 1988-04-22 | 1988-10-22 | 1989-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-22 | 1992-10-22 | 1993-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-22 | 1996-10-22 | 1997-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |