Patent ID: 6152681
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
A palletizer comprising:a conveyor assembly for conducting a plurality of containers,a pattern former for arranging the containers into a voidless pattern, anda container sweep assembly for repeatedly segregating the containers into a series of predetermined patterns and for transferring the patterns onto a pallet, the container sweep assembly including a frame movable between one and another positions relative to said pattern former, a forward plunger assembly supported by the frame and defining a first row of containers in the pattern, a rearward plunger assembly supported by the frame and defining a last row of containers in the pattern, said forward and said rearward plunger assemblies being movable with said frame between said one and another positions, and a vacuum fitting assembly attached to the frame of the container sweep assembly, said vacuum fitting assembly being adapted to engage a row of containers not positioned within the pattern of containers for movement relative to the frame of the sweep assembly between a retracted position adjacent the rearward plunger assembly and an extended position spaced away from the rearward plunger assembly.