Patent ID: 9011070
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: A22C,B62B

Abstract:
1. A loading station for a storage frame, wherein the storage frame serves for temporarily holding and transporting rod-like elements, in particular smoking rods, on which sausage-shaped products, like sausages, are stored, and wherein the storage frame comprises: two side parts, wherein each side part has two vertical rods and two supports being substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the side parts are connected with each other by at least one cross beam, and horizontally arranged trays for accommodating rod-like elements, the loading station comprising: at least one position defining device positioned in a configuration to define a predetermined position of the storage frame, at least one locking device configured to releasably lock the storage frame in its predetermined position, at least one light barrier positioned in a configuration to detect the storage frame and a robotic device for removing rod-like elements from and inserting rod-like elements into the storage frame, a sensor positioned in a configuration to detect the storage frame being positioned in its predetermined position, wherein the loading station is configured to receive a storage frame, wherein, in the predetermined position, the storage frame is arranged within the loading station, and wherein the locking device is configured to engage the two vertical rods of the storage frame which are directed to the front side of the loading station, when the storage frame is shifted into the loading station from the rear side of the loading station.