Patent ID: 7690882
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A stack inverter that receives a stack from a first wheeled cart, the first wheeled cart being adapted to receive the stack from a supporting mechanism, the inverter comprising: a framework that receives the first wheeled cart therein and an overlying removable second wheeled cart, the framework being attached to an inverter base through a pivot assembly, wherein the pivot assembly defines a pivot axis, the framework being constructed and arranged to cause the first wheeled cart and the second wheeled cart to move toward and away from each other so as to selectively compress the stack therebetween and, when compressed, the pivot assembly being constructed and arranged to rotate the stack 180 degrees, wherein the framework comprises a parallel pair of frames that project outwardly from a rear frame and wherein the rear frame is attached at an approximate centroid to the pivot assembly; wherein the selective compression allows the first wheeled cart and the second wheeled cart to move evenly toward and away from each other with respect to a centroid axis such that the framework is relatively balanced about the centroid axis; and wherein the framework includes channel brackets for receiving side frames of the first wheeled cart; wherein the channel brackets further comprises a pair of upper oppositely opposed channel brackets and a pair of lower oppositely opposed channel brackets, each said pair of brackets configured to secure and hold one of the first or the second wheeled carts; a lifting mechanism comprising a pair of oppositely opposed elongate members, each of said pair of elongate members configured to cause the first and second wheeled carts to synchronously move toward and away from each other; a motor operatively connected to the framework and having a resistive load connected thereto so as to damp pivotal movement of the framework, wherein the pivot axis is connected to the motor; the stack and two wheeled carts defining a mass coordinated with the centroid axis; said selective compression in combination with synchronously cart movement to substantially align a centroid axis with a framework pivot axis.