Patent ID: 6695570
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A method of automatically loading stacks of product cartons for feeding into a packaging machine, comprising:receiving a stack of cartons on a loader; engaging the stack of cartons to hold the stack of cartons in a substantially stable position; reorienting the loader with the stack of cartons contained therein from a raised loading position into a lowered stacking position with the cartons reoriented for stacking the stack of cartons adjacent previously loaded cartons on a feeder for the packaging machine; moving the loader with the stack of cartons therein toward the previously loaded cartons; detecting the previously loaded cartons with a first detector, slowing movement of the stack of cartons within the loader until the previously loaded cartons are detected by a second detector and thereafter halting further forward movement of the stack of cartons in the loader; and releasing the stack of cartons and urging the stack of cartons against the previously loaded cartons as the loader is moved away from the stack of cartons.