Patent ID: 6039169
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B65G,G11B

Abstract:
A multilevel storage device for articles, in particular cases, including:a series of conveyors, arranged over one another, with at least two conveyors upper and lower respectively;first sensor means situated close to a downstream end of the lower conveyor for detecting a presence of at least one group of cases,second sensor means situated close to an upstream end of said upper conveyor for detecting an absence of groups of cases;a receiving feeding station, located downstream of said upper conveyor for receiving groups of cases from said upper conveyor and for feeding said cases for further processing;a loading station located upstream of said lower conveyor for loading groups of cases onto said lower conveyor, the cases being oriented in relation to requirements of said feeding station and taking into account a number of conveyors forming said series of conveyors;a transfer unit situated on both sides at the upstream end of the upper conveyor, the transfer unit having driving groups operated synchronously for picking up groups of cases from a conveyor situated below and for transferring them to said upper conveyor, movable arms equipped with packing blocks having clamping plates operated by actuators integral with the movable arms, in time relation with operation of said first and second sensor means.