Patent ID: 6591965
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An item handling system, comprising:a receptacle incoming conveyor having an input portion and an output portion; a kicking apparatus adapted to laterally extend across the receptacle incoming conveyor output portion to laterally displace a receptacle off the conveyor; a platform adjacent the incoming conveyor and having an integral conveyor communicable with the incoming conveyor and adapted to receive laterally displaced receptacles from the incoming conveyor; a first shaft pivot member axially connected to the platform about which the platform may tilt; a second shaft pivot member axially connected to the platform and perpendicular to the first shaft pivot member and about which the platform may tilt; a pair of opposing grasping mechanical arm members operably connected to the platform where each member is operable to translate inward along a track rod adapted to clamp a receptacle when placed on the platform; and a pair of flapper members each attached to one of the opposing pair of arm members by a pinion member and laterally rotatable about said pinion member and each flapper having a series of integral suction members adapted to engage a pair of receptacle cover flaps.