Patent ID: 6860088
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A pick-and-place machine for loading packages into cases in a predetermined pack pattern comprising: a programmable logic controller for operating the components of the pick-and-place machine; a frame; a package infeed system adapted to receive packages to be placed into cases in a predetermined pack pattern, said predetermined pattern being under the control of said programmable logic controller that can include packages extending normal to each other, said package infeed system including a conveyor that is fixed to said frame and conveys the received packages along an infeed direction and a drive mechanism for driving said conveyor at a constant speed; a package locating mechanism that receives packages from said package infeed system and supports the packages at a stationary package placement location; a case conveyor including conveying and shifting mechanism capable of moving a case such that said stationary package placement location can be located over any location within said case, said conveying mechanism functioning to move the case along the longitudinal axis of the case conveyor in either direction, and said shifting mechanism functioning to shift the case in either direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the case conveyor; a package placement vertical drive mechanism that grasps a package as said package is supported by said package locating mechanism at the said stationary package placement location; a mechanism for retracting said package locating mechanism away from the stationary package placement location and the package to remove said support for said package and prevent interference with said vertical drive mechanism after said vertical drive mechanism has grasped the package; said vertical drive mechanism functioning to lower the package through the stationary package placement location into the case after the package locating mechanism has been retracted away from the stationary package placement location and the package.