Patent ID: 6802688
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling layers of palletized goods comprising:a vertically displaceable lift head including a suction face which is adjustable in size for contacting an upper layer containing at least one good of multiple layers of goods disposed on a pallet and downwardly opening suction chambers, which define the suction face, movable downwardly to contact an upper side of the upper layer of the at least one good disposed on the pallet; valves disposed within the lift head between the suction chambers and a vacuum source, the valves including valve openings and balls with the valve openings not being shut off if an associated suction chamber is not blocked in a downward direction by contacting the upper side of the upper layer of the at least one good disposed on the pallet; and wherein the lift head along outer sides thereof includes means, responsive to pressurized air, for exerting an inwardly directed pressure on at least a lower part of outer sides of the at least one good of the upper layer to provide, in combination with any blocked suction chamber which is closed by an associated ball valve, a vacuum seal to promote lifting of the upper layer of the at least one good.