Patent ID: 8985936
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: B21D,B25J,B65G,H02K

Abstract:
1. A method of orienting a selected item from a stack of similar items, the method comprising the steps of: separating the selected item from the stack using a first attraction force of a transport apparatus; engaging the selected item with a second attraction force from said transport apparatus, said second attraction force being greater than said first attraction force; orienting the selected item relative to said transport apparatus as said transport apparatus is en route to a destination location; and disengaging said first attraction force after said engaging step and prior to said orienting step, said first attraction force is provided by at least one first magnet, said at least one first magnet being fixed in position relative to said transport apparatus, said second attraction force is provided by at least one second magnet, said orienting step includes the step of moving said at least one second magnet and the selected item relative to said at least one first magnet.