Patent ID: 6071067
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling a stack of substantially tubular containers comprising:a moving plate having a top surface, said moving plate capable of motion between a retracted position and an extended position;a plurality of guide rods disposed on the top surface of said moving plate substantially parallel to the motion of said moving plate such that said guide rods contact an inboard side of a bottom-most tubular container when said moving plate is in the retracted position; anda plurality of rotary disks disposed on the top surface of said moving plate each comprising:a substantially planar disk adapted to revolve around a central axis perpendicular to the surface of said planar disk having a plurality of apertures disposed around said central axis;a plurality of first bearings located within each said aperture; anda second bearing concentric with the central axis and disposed between said planar disk and the top surface of said moving plate.