Patent ID: 6079939
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling and sorting rectangular pallets, of predetermined length, width and height comprising a generally horizontal first conveyor for supporting a stack of pallets in a generally horizontal position, said pallets each being generally vertically oriented, said first conveyor having a discharge end, means for indexing said stack toward said discharge end in steps substantially equal to said pallet height, a second conveyor having an in-feed end positioned a predetermined distance greater than said pallet height from said first conveyor discharge end and having a pallet supporting bed defining a substantially horizontal plane, a catch plate positioned between said first conveyor discharge end and said second conveyor in-feed end for receiving a pallet from said first conveyor as it is indexed off said discharge end, and on which plate a pallet may tilt about its lowermost edge onto said second conveyor, said second conveyor having means for conveying a pallet positioned on said in-feed end thereof away from said in-feed end.