Patent ID: 6749194
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: B07C,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for monitoring and delivering a stack of objects for use with a conveyor that directs the objects to at least one drop pocket, said system comprising:means for receiving signals indicative of a thickness of a next object directed by the conveyor to the at least one drop pocket; stack height calculation means for calculating a future stack height, said stack height calculation means being capable of a summation of a height of the stack of objects actually in the at least one drop pocket and the thickness of the next object directed by the conveyor to the at least one drop pocket in response to said received signals; stack height monitor means for determining whether said future stack height exceeds a capacity of the at least one drop pocket; said stack height monitor means further providing an output indicative of said future stack exceeding the capacity of the at least one drop pocket; said calculating, said determining, and said providing taking place prior to the next object actually being delivered to the at least one drop pocket; means for signaling the at least one drop pocket to deliver the stack to a receptacle prior to the next object reaching the at least one drop pocket in response to said output of said stack height monitor means, whereby, the stack in the at least one drop pocket is delivered to the receptacle before the next object reaches the at least one drop pocket.