Method and apparatus for buffering a flow of objects
First Claim
1. A method for buffering a flow of stacks of objects from a first location presenting a first number of stacks to a second location adapted to receive a second number of stacks comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame between a first location and a second location having a first position and a second position;
providing a plurality of carriers each adapted to hold a single stack;
associating the carriers with the frame;
moving the first number of carriers to the first position;
simultaneously moving the first number of stacks from the first location to the first number of carriers at the first position thereby filling the first number of carriers;
moving the first number of filled carriers at the first position toward the second position;
whenever at least a second number of filled carriers are present at the second location, moving simultaneously the stacks from the second number of filled carriers at the second position to the second location; and
returning empty carriers from the second position toward the first position.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A buffer device for buffering a flow of stacks of discrete objects between a stacking machine and a packaging machine is disclosed which buffer includes a plurality of individual trays mounted on carriers which carriers are mounted on a frame and driven about the periphery of the frame by a drive. A first number of stacks of objects is placed on a first number of carriers on a first side of the frame and a second number of stacks are removed from a second number of carriers on a second side of the frame where the first number can be greater than, less than or equal to the first number. The carriers clamp onto a continuously moving drive belt in a manner that allow the drive belt to slip through the carrier clamps when motion of the carriers is obstructed. A method of using the buffer device is also disclosed.
110 Citations
52 Claims
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1. A method for buffering a flow of stacks of objects from a first location presenting a first number of stacks to a second location adapted to receive a second number of stacks comprising the steps of:
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providing a frame between a first location and a second location having a first position and a second position;
providing a plurality of carriers each adapted to hold a single stack;
associating the carriers with the frame;
moving the first number of carriers to the first position;
simultaneously moving the first number of stacks from the first location to the first number of carriers at the first position thereby filling the first number of carriers;
moving the first number of filled carriers at the first position toward the second position;
whenever at least a second number of filled carriers are present at the second location, moving simultaneously the stacks from the second number of filled carriers at the second position to the second location; and
returning empty carriers from the second position toward the first position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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15. A system for buffering a flow of stacks between a first location and a second location comprising:
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a frame having a first position and having an exit end proximate said first location and a second position having an exit end proximate said second location;
a drive;
a plurality of carriers supported by said frame and connected to said drive;
a first stop at said first position exit end and a second stop at said second position exit end; and
a controller for actuating said first stop to allow carriers to pass said first location exit end in groups of a first number and for actuating said second stop to allow carriers to pass said second location exit end in groups of a second number.
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34. A method of receiving a first number of stacks of discrete objects from a stacking machine and presenting a second number of the received stacks for removal by a stack transfer machine comprising the steps of:
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providing a frame having a periphery and a first location and a second location;
providing a drive on said frame;
providing a plurality of carriers adapted to hold a single stack;
mounting said carriers on said frame;
connecting each of said plurality of carriers to said drive;
providing a first sensor for counting the number of carriers passing a first point;
providing a second sensor for counting the number of carriers passing a second point;
providing a first stop near said first point for preventing carriers from passing said first stop;
receiving the first number of stacks in each of said first number of carriers at said first location;
releasing the first number of carriers from said first stop;
providing a second stop near said second point for preventing carriers from passing said second stop;
removing said second number of stacks from said first number of carriers at said second location; and
releasing the second number of carriers from said second stop.
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35. A buffer comprising:
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a support frame;
a platform having a periphery mounted on said support frame;
a guide extending around said periphery;
a drive belt mounted adjacent said platform along said periphery;
a drive operatively coupled to said drive belt for moving said drive belt;
a plurality of carriers supported by said platform, each of said carriers including a first member engaging said guide and a second member engaging said drive belt, whereby movement of said drive belt moves said carriers about said periphery of said platform;
a first sensor at a first location for counting the number of carriers passing the first location;
at least one stop shiftable between a first position in a path of travel of the carriers around said platform and a second position outside the path of travel of the carriers around said platform; and
,a controller operatively coupled to said first sensor for controlling the position of said at least one stop.
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44. A carrier comprising a trolley adapted to support a tray for holding stacks of objects, said trolley comprising:
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a body having a first side and a second side and including a first wall portion having an end and a second wall portion extending from the end of said first wall portion at an obtuse angle;
an axle extending from the first side of said second wall portion;
a wheel rotatably supported by said second wall portion axle; and
a clamp mounted on the first side of said first wall portion. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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Specification