Storage device
First Claim
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1. A storage device for storing trays, comprising:
- a first rotatable member;
a second rotatable member positioned opposite the first rotatable member, the first and second rotatable members adapted to selectively support at least one tray therebetween; and
at least one transfer mechanism including a lifter, the same lifter being movable relative to the tray to both selectively insert and remove the tray between the first and second rotatable members;
wherein the first and second rotatable members include teeth extending from their respective outer surfaces, and wherein the teeth engage a lip on the tray to lift the tray off of the lifter.
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Abstract
A storage device for storing trays, the device including a first movable member and a second movable member positioned opposite the first movable member. The first and second movable members are adapted to selectively vertically move and support at least one tray therebetween. A conveyor moves a tray to transfer position, and a transfer mechanism elevates the tray to a storage position between the two movable members. A stack of nested trays may be stored.
37 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A storage device for storing trays, comprising:
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a first rotatable member; a second rotatable member positioned opposite the first rotatable member, the first and second rotatable members adapted to selectively support at least one tray therebetween; and at least one transfer mechanism including a lifter, the same lifter being movable relative to the tray to both selectively insert and remove the tray between the first and second rotatable members; wherein the first and second rotatable members include teeth extending from their respective outer surfaces, and wherein the teeth engage a lip on the tray to lift the tray off of the lifter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A storage device for storing trays, comprising:
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a first rotatable member; a second rotatable member positioned opposite the first rotatable member, the first and second rotatable members adapted to selectively support at least one tray therebetween; and at least one transfer mechanism including a lifter, the same lifter being movable relative to the tray to both selectively insert and remove the tray between the first and second rotatable members, wherein the transfer mechanism includes at least one suction device, the at least one suction device being engageable with a bottom surface of the tray to cling to the tray. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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26. A method for storing trays, comprising:
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transporting a first tray to a transfer position; lifting the first tray from the transfer position to a storage position; supporting the first tray in the storage position by two opposed rotatable members; and lowering the first tray from the storage position to the transfer position. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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Specification