Patent ID: 7980383
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transporting an object between an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor, the apparatus comprising: (a) a lift with a prime mover drivingly linked to a platform having a lower position beneath an upper surface of the lower conveyor, and an upper position between the lower conveyor and the upper conveyor; (b) a clamp with a prime mover drivingly linked to a cap and at least two opposed arms pivotably mounted to the cap and extending downwardly therefrom, each of the arms having an inwardly facing finger forming an object-supporting surface, the clamp having an upper position with the object-supporting surfaces substantially aligned with an upper surface of the upper conveyor and a lower position with the object-supporting surfaces between the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor; and (c) a prime mover drivingly linked to a plate and aligned with a chamber formed between the arms at the clamp's upper position, the prime mover being configured to move along a substantially horizontal plane relative to the arms of the clamp when the arms are stationary to engage and forcibly slide the object between the object-supporting surfaces and the upper conveyor.