Patent ID: 6394744
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A method of presenting components stored in a stack of stackable trays having covers and handling the empty trays, said method comprising the steps of:providing an apparatus having a base member, an input portion, a discharge portion disposed over said input portion adapted to accept empty trays, an output portion disposed adjacent said input portion, a first storage location adapted to store a stackable tray cover, a shuttle having grippers and a controller connected to the shuttle and grippers; moving a stack of stackable trays into the input portion; transferring the stack of stackable trays from the input portion to the output portion; storing the cover of a top tray in the first storage location; removing components from said top tray so as to leave the top tray empty; moving the shuttle to a first position adjacent said top tray; actuating the grippers so as to engage the empty tray to couple the empty tray to the shuttle; lifting the shuttle to a second position; transferring the empty tray to a position over the discharge portion with the shuttle; lowering the shuttle to a third position; and actuating said grippers to release said empty tray and place the empty tray in said discharge portion.