Patent ID: 6332749
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
A tortilla stack transfer system for moving a plurality of tortilla stacks from a counter-stacker machine to a packaging area, comprising:a plurality of transfer finger sets;a plurality of transfer stack supports in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of transfer finger sets, wherein each one of the plurality of transfer finger sets is adapted to operate in sliding relationship with respect to a respective one of the plurality of transfer stack supports;a plurality of finger set actuators in mechanical communication with the transfer finger sets, wherein each one of the plurality of actuators is adapted to move a selected one of the transfer finger sets from a loaded position to an unloaded position;a transfer conveyor located elevationally below the plurality of transfer finger sets, said conveyor having a plurality of conveyor blocks;a block position detector adapted to sense an initial position of each one of said conveyor blocks along the transfer conveyor;a conveyor position counter adapted to provide a movement position signal related to the initial position of each one of the conveyor blocks; anda processor in electrical communication with the plurality of finger set actuators, the block position detector, and the conveyor position counter.