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.
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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.
101 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)
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15-33. -33. (canceled)
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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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35-43. -43. (canceled)
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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