Patent ID: 8708133
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A system for loading and unloading a food product, the system comprising: a food product transporter comprising plurality of longitudinal and spaced-apart belts that are situated parallel to one another and that move in unison to carry and move the food product; and a tool adapted to load the food product from the transporter, the tool comprising a stationary structure and a support structure, the support structure moveable between first and second vertical positions and first and second horizontal positions with respect to the stationary structure, the support structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart and elongate rotary support members that are each rotatably coupled to the support structure, the plurality of spaced-apart rotary support members situated between the plurality of spaced-apart belts and collectively configured to lift the food product from the transporter while the support structure is in the first horizontal position and moved from the first vertical position to the second vertical position, the tool adapted to unload the food product lifted from the transporter upon the support structure being moved at a first speed from the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position, each of the plurality of spaced-apart rotary support members adapted to rotate at a peripheral speed about their own axis in a direction opposite to the horizontal movement of the support structure as the support structure is moved from the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position, the peripheral speed being substantially equal to the first speed.