Patent ID: 6394736
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A container unloader system, comprising:an unloading bin comprising an upper unloader linkage pivot point on each side thereof and a lower unloader linkage pivot point on each side thereof; an inner ground linkage pivot point on each side thereof and an outer ground linkage pivot point on each side thereof; two upper bars, one on each side of said unloading bin, each pivotally attached at a first end to said upper unloader linkage pivot point on its side of said unloading bin, and each pivotally attached at a second end to said inner ground linkage pivot point on its side of said unloading bin; two lower bars, one on each side of said unloading bin, each pivotally attached at a first end to said lower unloader linkage pivot point on its side of said unloading bin and each pivotally attached at a second end to said outer ground linkage pivot point on its side of said unloading bin, the lower bar and upper bar on each side of said unloading bin thereby crossing one another as a result of said attachments; and a ratio of approximately 25Â±1 to 61.75Â±1 to 30Â±1, respectively, among: on the same side of said container unloader, a separation between each said inner ground linkage pivot point and outer ground linkage pivot point; and a length of each of said upper bars and each of said lower bars between said pivotal attachment points at said first and second ends thereof; and on the same side of said unloading bin, a separation between each said upper unloader linkage pivot point and said lower unloader linkage pivot point, said separation being substantially vertical when said unloading bin is in an upright position; wherein to translate said unloading bin and simultaneously rotate said unloading bin through an arc about a pair of predetermined center points thereof, one such center point on each side of said unloading bin, said predetermined center points are mechanically actuated along a substantially straight line; and said unloading bin is structured in relation to a predetermined structure of a container to be unloaded so as to contain said container, such that, when contained by said unloading bin, and when said unloading bin is translated and rotated, said container is translated and rotated along with said unloading bin, and thereby unloaded; whereby: the translation and rotation of said unloading bin is constrained to a single degree of freedom, and said single degree of freedom is uniquely specified by, the attachments of the bars to the linkage pivot points in combination with said 25Â±1 to 61.75Â±1 to 30 Â±1 ratio.