Patent ID: 6491489
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A loading device comprising:a guide frame including: a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end; a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member; and a drive mechanism guide defined by the first upright member and the second upright member; a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including: a shaft received by drive mechanism guide; a sprocket mounted on the shaft; a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including: a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end; a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.