Abstract:
In the manufacture of heat exchangers, fins are produced in a fin press and shear from a sheet of stamped metal and are sheared from the sheet in rapid succession and placed on a fin stacker. The fin stacker includes vertical rods aligned for receiving the fins. The fin stacker is placed adjacent the fin press and shear in a docking bay that is adjustable for proper alignment of the stacker with the press. The rods are electrically connected with the control system but insulated from the stacker or ground, so that if a fin becomes jammed between the rods and the fin press and shear, a ground circuit is completed and the control system shuts down the fin press and shear. The control system also shuts down if the stacker becomes displaced, releasing a proximity switch located in the docking bay.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/649,872, filed Feb. 3, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to a material handling component for use in manufacturing. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a material handler for perforated articles. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to an assembly for handling stacks of heat exchanger fins.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     In the manufacture of heat exchangers, a plurality of fins is produced for attachment to looped tubing carrying a heat exchanger fluid. The fins are produced from a sheet of stamped metal and are sheared from the sheet in rapid succession. Each fin has been perforated to include holes for receiving the tubing. The plurality of fins must be removed from the press/shear and transported to a lacing area or station for mating with the tubing.  
         [0006]     A known fin stacker assembly for receiving the fins from the fin sheet press/shear (such as shown in  FIG. 1A ), includes a plurality of arranged vertical tapered or guide rods that are configured to be received through the holes in the fins. The fin stacker assembly often receives multiple stacks of fins that are closely adjacent to each other. When there are multiple adjacent stacks of fins on the fin stacker assembly, the adjacent stacks of fins can become entangled. Then, as one attempts to remove the fin packs or stacks from the fin stacker assembly, the fins are prevented from ready movement by their entanglement.  
         [0007]     Further known issues with prior art fin stacker assemblies is the propensity of the fins being deposited by the fin press/shear to come off of the fin press/shear in an orientation other than in straight alignment with the rods of the fin stacker. When this occurs, the fins can become jammed on the rods of the fin stacker. When a jam occurs, continued working of the fin press/shear will further jam the fin stacker, potentially causing damage and increasing the difficulty of clearing the jam.  
         [0008]     It would be advantageous to provide a material handling rack configured to arrange a plurality of perforated articles, such as a fin stacker assembly that can receive adjacent fins from a fin sheet press, and that is also configured to separate adjacent stacks of the fins in order to facilitate removal of the fin packs or stacks from the fin stacker without interference by the adjacent stack.  
         [0009]     It would be further advantageous to provide a material handling rack configured for adjustable alignment with a corresponding fin press/shear. It would be further advantageous to provide a fin stacker interconnected with a control system of the fin press/shear to indicate a jamming condition of fins being dispensed by the fin press/shear, enabling the control system to automatically shut down operation of the fin press/shear.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     A fin stacker assembly includes a plurality of arranged vertical rods aligned for receiving fin sheets through holes formed therein. The stacker is configured to receive multiple stacks of fins that are closely adjacent to each other. The rods are selectively lockable in a base so that the groups can be separated to facilitate removal of each stack of fins from the fin stacker assembly independently from the other without interference.  
         [0011]     In a further embodiment, the fin stacker assembly includes a mounting assembly configured to isolate the rods from an electrical ground, such that a grounding of the rods indicates a jamming condition of the fin press/shear. A control system of the fin press/shear is configured to signal the grounded condition and shut down the fin press/shear in response thereto.  
         [0012]     In a further embodiment of the invention, the fin stacker and mounting assembly are configured to be removably placed into a receiving dock which is itself adjustable with respect to the fin press/shear. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fin stacker assembly according to the invention attached to a fin sheet press/shear.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a prior art fin stacker assembly.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fin stacker assembly module of the fin stacker assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a partial cut-away front elevation view of the fin stacker assembly module of  FIGS. 1-2 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the fin stacker assembly module of  FIGS. 1-3 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial cut-away view of the fin stacker assembly module of  FIGS. 1-4 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial cut-away view of the fin stacker assembly module of  FIGS. 1-5 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fin stacker assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention attached to a fin sheet press/shear.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged elevation of the fin stacker assembly of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 8A  is an enlarged perspective view of a further embodiment of the fin stacker assembly of  FIGS. 7-8 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the fin stacker assembly of  FIGS. 7-8 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged elevation of the fin stacker assembly of  FIGS. 7-9 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of the fin stacker assembly of  FIGS. 7-10  in an unlocked position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is an elevation of the fin stacker assembly of  FIGS. 7-11  in a receiving dock of the fin sheet press/shear.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fin stacker assembly and fin press/shear according to a further embodiment of the invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 13A  is an enlarged perspective view of the interface between the fin stacker assembly and fin press/shear of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the fin stacker assembly and fin press/shear of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a receiving dock according to  FIGS. 13-14 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 15A  is an enlarged perspective view of a retracted threaded body cylinder in the receiving dock of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 15B  is an enlarged perspective view of an extended threaded body cylinder in the receiving dock of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a reverse perspective view of the receiving dock according to  FIG. 15 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of a proximity switch assembly mounted on the receiving dock of  FIGS. 15-16 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 17A  is an enlarged perspective view according to  FIG. 17  with a fin stacker assembly cart in position.  
         [0037]      FIG. 17B  is an enlarged reverse perspective view according to  FIG. 17A .  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a fin stacker assembly cart according to  FIGS. 13-14 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is a rear view of the fin stacker assembly and fin press/shear according to  FIGS. 13-14 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 20  is a front view of the fin stacker assembly cart of  FIGS. 18-19 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 21  is a schematic illustration of a control system of the fin stacker assembly and fin press/shear of  FIGS. 13-20 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. The words “up”, “down”, “right” and left” will designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “in” and “out” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include derivatives and words of similar import.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a material handling rack or fin stacker assembly  10  according to the invention is illustrated in a receiving dock  12  adjacent to a fin sheet press/shear  15 . The fin stacker assembly  10  comprises a base plate  20  supported by a plurality of wheels  25 . The fin stacker assembly  10  is configured to roll into the receiving dock  12  in proximity with the fin sheet press/shear  15  for receiving perforated articles in the form of newly stamped fins, and to be secured in place.  
         [0044]     The base plate  20  has an upper surface  30 , and includes a pair of side rails  35  mounted to the upper surface  30 . The base plate  20  further includes a cut-out portion  37 . The side rails  35  are configured for removably mounting a plurality of fin stacker assembly modules  40  (see  FIG. 2 ) to the base plate  20 . The fin stacker assembly modules  40  are mounted in parallel between the side rails  35  of the base plate  20 .  
         [0045]     In a further embodiment of the fin stacker assembly, similar to a prior art assembly shown in  FIG. 1A , the plurality of modules  40  are received by support rails mounted on a base plate rotatably supported adjacent the fin press/shear. Multiple “banks” of modules  40  are mounted about the perimeter of the base plate. This alternate fin stacker assembly functions after the manner of a carousel or turnstile, so that while a particular “bank” of modules  40  are positioned to receive fins from the fin sheet press/shear, other “banks” that are not so engaged can be accessed by an operator and stacks of fins removed therefrom without interrupting production of the fin sheet press/shear.  
         [0046]     With reference now to  FIGS. 2-4 , each fin stacker assembly module  40  comprises a plurality of parallel plates  45  arranged for movably mounting a plurality of tapered or guide rods  50  in a generally vertical orientation. In the disclosed embodiment, some elements of each fin stacker assembly module  40  include right and left portions  54 ,  55  that are symmetrical with respect to the center of the module, although asymmetrical arrangements are also anticipated. The symmetrical elements in the disclosed embodiment will be pointed out in the following description.  
         [0047]     With further reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , a module base plate  60  includes a plurality of apertures  65 , each having a spherical mouth  67 . In the alternative, each of the apertures  65  can be recesses in the surface of the module base plate  60 , but an aperture  65  is preferred to provide an outlet for dirt that might become trapped in spherical mouth  67 . The recesses or apertures  65  are arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of holes that will be found in a fin to be handled by the fin stacker assembly module  40 . The module base plate  60  further includes a pair of swivel post mounting apertures  70  each for receiving a base end  75  of a swivel post  80 . Each aperture  70  is configured for mounting a swivel bearing  85  for pivotally mounting the respective swivel post  80 . A stanchion mounting aperture  90  ( FIG. 5 ) is arranged outboard of each swivel post mounting aperture  70  in the module base plate  60 . A stanchion  95  is mounted in each stanchion mounting aperture  90 .  
         [0048]     A rod-mounting plate  100  is slidably mounted onto the module base plate  60  and includes a plurality of chamfered keyhole apertures  105  arranged to correspond to the plurality of apertures  65  of the module base plate  60 . Each keyhole aperture  105  has a narrow portion  110  and an enlarged portion  115 . In a first position of the rod-mounting plate  100 , the enlarged portion  115  of each keyhole aperture  105  is substantially centered over a respective aperture  65  of the module base plate  60 . In a second position of the rod-mounting plate  100 , the narrow portion  110  of each keyhole aperture  105  is centered over the respective aperture  65  of the module base plate  60 . A locking cam  120  is rotatably mounted to the module base plate  60  and is configured to shift the rod-mounting plate  100  between the first position and the second position. Each spherical mouth  67  is configured to receive a lower, ball end  125  of a respective tapered rod  50 . The ball ends  125  are configured to pass through the enlarged portion  115  of each keyhole aperture  105  until seated against the spherical mouth  67  of the respective aperture  65  of the module base plate  60 . The rod-mounting plate  100  can then be moved so that the narrow portion  110  is over the respective spherical mouth  67 . The narrow portion  110  is configured to retain the ball end  125  in the spherical mouth  67  for pivoting.  
         [0049]     An intermediate plate  130  is arranged above and vertically spaced from the module base plate  60 , and is supported by a pair of end blocks  135 ,  140  and by fixation to the stanchions  95  through stanchion apertures  145 . The intermediate plate  130  includes a plurality of rod apertures  150  ( FIG. 5 ) aligned in an offset relationship with the recesses or apertures  65  found in the module base plate  60 , and a swivel post aperture  153  aligned in an offset relationship with the swivel post mounting aperture  70 . The rod apertures  150  include an inboard extent  155  and an outboard extent  160  with respect to a centerline of the fin stacker assembly module  40 . The inner extent  155  of each rod aperture  150  is aligned with the respective aperture  65  of the module base plate  60 .  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , a guide frame  165  is movably mounted over the intermediate plate  130 , and supports an upper plate  170 . The guide frame  165  and the upper plate  170  are slidably connected to the stanchions  95  and aligned over the base and intermediate plates  60 ,  130 . The guide frame  165  and the upper plate  170  are slidably mounted to the stanchions  95  by bushings  172 , and are supported on the intermediate plate  130  by a spacer (not shown). A tongue  174  extends from each end of the guide frame  165 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the tongues  174  are configured to extend into the lift rails  17  of the dock  12 .  
         [0051]     The upper plate  170  further includes a plurality of slots  175 . The slots  175  each include an inboard extent  180  and an outboard extent  185  with respect to the centerline of the fin stacker assembly module  40 . The inboard extent  180  of each slot  175  is aligned with the inboard extent  155  of the corresponding aperture  150  in the intermediate plate  130 . The upper plate  170  further includes a swivel post slot  190  having an inboard extent  195  aligned with the swivel post aperture  153  of the intermediate plate  130  and the swivel mounting aperture  70  of the module base plate  60 .  
         [0052]     A pair of slidable locking plates  200  is positioned over the upper plate  170 . The slidable locking plates  200  are configured to slide on the upper plate  170  between a first inward position wherein the slidable locking plates  200  are substantially adjacent one another and a second outward position wherein the slidable locking plates  200  are separated from one another. Since the slidable locking plates  200  are identical in the disclosed embodiment, only one will be described here. In an anticipated asymmetric arrangement, the sliding plates will be similarly configured, but not identical.  
         [0053]     The slidable locking plate  200  includes a swivel post aperture  205 . The swivel post aperture  205  is configured for mounting a swivel bearing  210  for pivotally receiving the swivel post  80 . The slidable locking plate  200  further includes a plurality of slots  215  corresponding to the slots and apertures of the aforementioned first, second and upper plates  60 ,  130 ,  170 . The slots  215  of the slidable locking plate  200  each include an inboard extent  220  and an outboard extent  225 . Unlike the slots  175  of the upper plate  170 , however, the slots  215  of the slidable locking plate  200  are configured so that the outboard extent  225  of each slot  215  is configured to bear against a rod  50  and contain with minimal clearance the rod  50  between the inboard extent  180  of the corresponding slot  175  in the upper plate  170 , when the slidable locking plate  200  is in the first inward position.  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the left-hand slidable locking plate  200  is shown in the second outward position and the right-hand slidable locking plate  200  is shown in the first inward position. The slidable locking plates  200  further include longitudinal grooves  230  arranged on side edges  235  thereof. A pair of L-shaped guides  240  is shown attached to each side face  245  of the upper plate  170 , with one leg of each “L” engaging the longitudinal groove  230  of the slidable locking plate  200  to keep the sliding plates  200  aligned with and held against the upper plate  170 , while still allowing sliding movement.  
         [0055]     Each stanchion  95  passes from the module base plate  60  through the second and upper plates  130 ,  170 . A locking cradle  250  is fixed to an upper end  252  of each stanchion  95 . The locking cradle  250  includes an upstanding portion  255  having a through aperture generally in the form of an oblong slot  260  having a vertical orientation. On an outboard face  265  of the upstanding portion  255 , an indented catch  270  is formed adjacent the oblong slot  260 . The catch  270  includes an upper edge  275  having a generally horizontal orientation.  
         [0056]     Each swivel post  80  is connected to the module base plate  60  and a respective slidable locking plate  200  by the swivel bearings  85 ,  210 . Each swivel post  80  extends upwardly from the slidable locking plate  200  to an upper end  280 . A locking mechanism  285  is pivotally attached to the upper end  280  of each swivel post  80 . The locking mechanism  285  includes a U-shaped bracket  290  pivotally attached to the upper end  280  of the swivel post  80 , a rod  295  attached to the U-shaped bracket  290 , and a ball-shaped handle  300  attached to the rod  295  opposite the U-shaped bracket  290 . The rod  295  includes a collar  305  adjustably positioned on a central portion thereof and a cross-pin  310  secured outboard of the collar.  
         [0057]     The locking mechanism  285  is configured to extend from the upper end  280  of the swivel post  80  through the oblong slot  260  in the locking cradle  250  at the upper end  252  of each stanchion  95 . The rod  295  is slidably received through the oblong slot  260 . The collar  205  is arranged on the rod  295  inboard of the locking cradle  250  and is larger than the width of the oblong slot  260 , forming an inner limit stop preventing the rod  295  from moving outwardly through the oblong slot  260  beyond a preconfigured point. The cross-pin  310  extends horizontally from the rod  295  and is arranged outboard of the locking cradle  250 . The cross-pin  310  extends beyond the width of the oblong slot  260 , thus forming an outer limit stop preventing the rod  295  from moving inwardly beyond a preconfigured point. The cross-pin  310  is further configured to engage the indented catch  270  formed in the outboard face  265  of the upstanding portion  255  of the locking cradle  250  adjacent the oblong slot  260 , thus selectively holding the rod  295  in a fixed position on the locking cradle  250 .  
       Alternate Embodiment  
       [0058]     A further embodiment of a fin stacker assembly  350  is shown in  FIGS. 7-12 . The fin stacker assembly  350  is illustrated in the receiving dock  12  having lift rails  17  connected to lift mechanism  19 . The fin stacker assembly  350  includes a base plate  355  supported by wheels  360 . A handle  365  is mounted to the base plate for maneuvering the assembly  350  into the receiving dock  12 .  
         [0059]     The assembly  350  further includes a pair of mounting rails  370  attached to an upper face  375  of the base plate  355 . The mounting rails  370  are configured for attaching at least one fin stacker assembly module  380 . The module  380  is secured in place on each mounting rail  370  by a mounting toggle  385  ( FIG. 8 ). As shown in  FIG. 8A , in a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting rails  370  include a plurality of indexing detents  387  on an underside thereof. The detents  387  are uniformly spaced at a typical spacing of holes used in the fins, such that the module  380  is readily mounted to the rails  370  at an appropriate spacing. The module  380  includes a spring-biased pin  388  configured to engage the detents  387  and give a tactile indication of the proper positioning of the module  380 . The module  380  can then be locked in place using the toggle  385 .  
         [0060]     The fin stacker assembly module  380  includes a base plate  390  and a rod-mounting plate  395  substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, the rod-mounting plate  395  having a plurality of keyhole apertures  397  for holding a plurality of rods to the base plate  390 . The base plate  390  also includes a swivel post mounting aperture  400  and a stanchion mounting aperture  405 . A swivel post  410  is pivotally mounted to the base plate  390  by a swivel bearing  415 . A stanchion  420  is fixed to the base plate  390 .  
         [0061]     A spacer  425  is mounted on the stanchion  420  adjacent to the base plate  390 . The spacer  425  serves to support a guide frame  430  and an upper plate  435 . The upper plate  435  is slidably mounted on the stanchion  420  by a bushing  440  mounted in aperture  442 . The upper plate  435  includes a swivel post slot  445  to permit the swivel post  410  to pivot about the bearing  415  unobstructed, and a plurality of rod slots (not shown) after the teaching of the first embodiment. The guide frame  430  includes a tongue  447  at each end thereof configured for cooperating with the lift rails  17 .  
         [0062]     A locking plate  450  is slidably received on the upper plate  435 . The locking plate  450  includes a plurality of rod slots  455  and a swivel post aperture  460 . The swivel post  410  is pivotally connected to the locking plate  450  by a swivel bearing  465 . The locking plate  450  includes longitudinal grooves  470  that are engaged by L-shaped guides  475  attached to the upper plate  435 . The L-shaped guides  475  center the locking plate  450  on the upper plate  435  and allow it to slide longitudinally thereon.  
         [0063]     The fin stacker assembly  380  includes a locking mechanism  490  attached to the upper end of each swivel post  410 , and a corresponding locking cradle  495  attached to the upper end of each stanchion  420 , after the teaching of the first embodiment.  
         [0000]     Operation  
         [0064]     Operation of the fin stacker assembly  10  will be hereinafter described referring to the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 7-12  operates in a similar fashion.  
         [0065]     A plurality of fin stacker assembly modules  40  are mounted within the fin stacker assembly  10  and positioned in the dock  12  adjacent the fin sheet press/shear  15 . The tongues  174  of the guide rail  165  are received within the lift rails  17  of the dock  12 . The lift mechanism  19  is then engaged to raise the lift rails  17  and the guide rail  165  of the module  40 . In the raised position of the lift rails (shown as  17 ′ in  FIGS. 1, 7  and  12 ), the guide rail  165 , the upper plate  170  and the slidable locking plate  200  support the rods  50  at an upper extent thereof for receipt of fins from the fin sheet press/shear  15 . The fin sheet press/shear  15  operates to produce perforated fins in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The fins are deposited on the tapered rods  50  of each module  40  of the fin stacker assembly  10 . As the rods  50  receive multiple fins, the lift mechanism  19  lowers the lift rails  17 , carrying with it the guide rail  165  and the upper plate  170 , and both locking plates  200  onto which the fins are being stacked. As the upper plate  170  lowers, the fin stack lowers, enabling the rods  50  to receive additional fins. At the completion of a fin press cycle, the lift mechanism  19  lowers to its starting position so that the tongues  174  are no longer supported by the lift rails  17 , but are free to be removed from within the lift rails  17 .  
         [0066]     The fin stacker assembly  10  is then removed from the fin sheet press/shear  15  to transport the fins to an unloading location or position. When the fins are ready for unloading, the fin stacker assembly module  40  is operated in the following manner to permit removal of one stack of fins, held on a set of tapered rods  50 , from the fin stacker assembly module  40  without interference from the adjacent stack of fins held on an adjacent set of tapered rods  50 .  
         [0067]     Each set of tapered rods  50  is held in the first inward position as a result of the slidable locking plate  200  being borne inwardly by the swivel post  80 , mounted pivotally in the swivel bearings  85 ,  210 . The swivel post  80  is pivotally mounted at its lower end to the module base plate  60 , in its central portion to the slidable locking plate  200  and at its upper end to the locking mechanism  285 . An operator can grasp and lift the handle  300  to move the rod  295  inwardly until the cross-pin  310  abuts the outboard face  265  of the upstanding portion  255  of the locking cradle  250 . With the cross-pin  310  against the outboard face  265 , the operator can then lower the handle  300  so that the cross-pin  310  enters the indented catch  270 . The rod  295  is thus prevented from sliding outwardly through the oblong slot  260 , and the swivel post  80  is held in position such that the slidable locking plate  200  is in the first inward position.  
         [0068]     In order to release the swivel post  80 , and move the slidable locking plate  200  to the second outward position, the operator grasps the ball-shaped handle  300  and lifts upwardly to release the cross-pin  310  from the indented catch  270 . The operator then pulls the rod  295  outwardly through the oblong slot  260  until the collar  305  on the rod  295  abuts the locking cradle  250 . Since the collar  305  is adjustable, the degree of movement of slidable locking plate  200  can be selected. As the rod  295  moves outwardly, the swivel post  80  pivots about the swivel bearing  85  in the module base plate  60 , drawing the slidable locking plate  200  to its second outward position. As the slidable locking plate  200  moves toward the second outward position, each tapered rod  50  is freed to rotate outwardly about its lower ball end  125 , away from the other set of tapered rods  50 . Each tapered rod  50  can also rotate independently except to the extent that it is linked to other rods  50  by a fin sheet. An operator will generally hold the rods  50  in the vertical position during the unlocking operation by grasping the outermost occupied rod  50 . As the slidable locking plate  200  is moved, it will exert an outward frictional force on the stacks of fins due to the weight of the fins on the locking plate  200 . This outward force can inadvertently separate multiple stacks of fins that will lean together toward the swivel post  80 . It is preferable to remove one stack at a time, beginning adjacent to the swivel post  80 .  
         [0069]     In order for each stack of fins to be removed from the fin stacker assembly module  40 , the fins must be moved away from an adjacent stack of fin sheets. Each stack of fins will reside on one or more rods  50  on the right or left portion  54 ,  55  of the module  40 , multiple stacks may reside adjacent each other on the same side of the module  40 , or a stack may extend between the right and left portions  54 ,  55 . In order to separate the adjacent stacks, the fin sheets can be pulled apart manually or mechanically. The stacks of fins are free to move with the tapered rods  50  about their lower ball ends  125 . Once free of the adjacent stacks of fins, a stack can be removed from the module  40  by an operator. Generally, an operator will insert hairpins (bent tubes) or picking rods inserted into corresponding holes in the fins to maintain the stack during removal from the module  40  and transfer to the fin/tube lacing station. The operator can then repeat the removal operation for each subsequent stack of fins. In order to access additional modules  40 , and central portions of each module  40  in the assembly  10 , the base plate  30  includes the cut-out portion  37  to enable the operator to step into the center of the assembly  10 .  
       Alternate Embodiment  
       [0070]     A further embodiment of a fin stacker assembly and receiving dock  500 , in conjunction with a fin press/shear, is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-21 . Referring to  FIGS. 13-16 , the receiving dock  12  is capable of being adjustably positioned adjacent to the fin press/shear  15 . A floor base plate  502  ( FIG. 13A ) for supporting the receiving dock  12  is adapted for resting on a floor surface adjacent to the fin press/shear  15 , and is connected thereto by an adjustable bracket assembly  504 . The adjustable bracket assembly  504  includes a pivoting connector  505 , and a plurality of adjustment plates  506  having slotted apertures  507 . The adjustable bracket assembly  504  provides a first manner of aligning the fin stacker assembly and receiving dock  500  with the fin press/shear  15 . The adjustable bracket assembly  504  allows for lateral, longitudinal and rotational adjustment. Once the floor base plate  502  is in alignment with the fin press/shear  15 , fasteners (not shown) secure the adjustable bracket assembly  504  in place.  
         [0071]     The dock  12  is further supportable on each side by a retractable wheel assembly  510 . The wheel assembly  510  is capable of being extended by a screw-type adjuster  512 , whereby the wheel assembly  510  supports the dock  12  for fore and aft movement relative to the fin press/shear  15 . The wheel assembly  510  is positioned at or near the center of gravity of the receiving dock  12  to facilitate balancing of the receiving dock  12  by an operator during adjustment. Once the receiving dock  12  is in the correct position, the screw-type adjusters  512  can be used to raise/retract each wheel assembly  510 . With the wheel assemblies  510  retracted, the receiving dock  12  rests on screw-adjustable legs  515  positioned about the perimeter of the receiving dock  12 , such as at the corners, as is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16 . With the receiving dock  12  in the correct lateral, longitudinal and rotational position with respect to the fin press/shear  15 , the screw-adjustable legs  515  can be used to fix the altitude and the attitude of the receiving dock  12 . The receiving dock  12  is thereby adjustable to the height and angle of the fin press/shear  15 .  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the receiving dock  12  includes wheel stops  520 , lateral guide rails  525 , a cart lifting mechanism  530 , and a rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  (as described in the previous embodiments). Referring to  FIG. 16 , a proximity switch assembly  535  is provided to detect proper positioning of a cart  545  within the receiving dock  12 . The proximity switch assembly  535  further includes an isolated spring pin  540  electrically connected to a control system  550  of the fin press/shear  15 . The proximity switch assembly  535  further includes a threaded aperture  552  for receiving a proximity switch  553  ( FIGS. 17A, 17B ). The proximity switch  553  is preferably a magnetic proximity switch and is positioned at the level of the base plate  355  to detect the presence of the cart  545 .  
         [0073]     Once the receiving dock  12  is properly aligned with the fin press/shear  15 , it is set to receive the fin stacker assembly cart  545 . The cart  545  is supported by a plurality of wheels  555 , generally positioned at the forward extent and the rearward extent of the cart  545 . The fin stacker assembly cart  545  is of a fixed width so that as the cart  545  is rolled into the receiving dock  12 , the body of the cart is correctly positioned laterally by the lateral guide rails  525 . The wheels  555  positioned at the forward extent of the cart  545  are positioned to engage the wheel stops  520  for establishing a longitudinally forward positioning of the cart  545  within the receiving dock  12 . This forward positioning places the base plate  355  proximate the proximity switch  553  to signal the control system  550  that the cart  545  is in position. The proper forward positioning of the cart  545  will also enable an engagement of the isolated spring pin  540  by a contact plate  558 . The contact plate  558  is attached to the cart  545  by an isolation mount  560  on the cart  545 . The isolation mount  560  can be formed of nylon or Micarta® or other known non-conductive materials.  
         [0074]     Upon engagement of the proximity switch assembly  535 , the control system  550  of the fin press/shear  15  receives a signal from the proximity switch  553 , and activates the cart lifting mechanism  530 . The cart lifting mechanism  530  comprises threaded body cylinders  532  positioned for engaging the corners of the cart  545 . The threaded body of the cylinders  532  provide for a pre-lift positioning, then the cylinder is activated ( FIGS. 15A, 15B ), i.e. pneumatically or hydraulically raising a piston  533 , to engage the cart  545 , lifting the cart  545  off of the wheels  555 , thereby stabilizing the lateral and longitudinal position of the cart  545 , and the vertical position of the cart  545 , with respect to the receiving dock  12 . The lift rails  17  of the rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  are positioned to allow the tongues  447  to enter each rail  17  as the cart  545  is rolled into the receiving dock  12 . Each rail  17  is further dimensioned to permit the raising of the cart  545  by the cart lifting mechanism  530  without the tongues  447  binding against the rails  17 .  
         [0075]     After a suitable delay, such as two seconds, the control system  550  signals the rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  to activate so that the lift rails  17  engage the tongues  447  attached to the rod alignment plate  445  on the fin stacker assembly module  380  mounted on the cart  545 , and carry it to an uppermost starting position (shown as  17 ′). The lifting mechanism  19  is further provided with upper and lower limit switches  565 ,  570  ( FIG. 21 ) to signal the control system  550  when the lift rails  17  are in the uppermost and lowermost positions respectively. When the lift rails  17  reach the uppermost position ( 17 ′), the control system  550  will stop the lifting mechanism  19  and signal the operator that the fin press/shear  15  may be started or continue its production cycle. In a fully automated system, the control system  550  will directly control the fin press/shear  15 .  
         [0076]     During the production cycle of the fin press/shear  15 , the fins (not shown) will be deposited on the rods  50  of the fin stacker assembly module  380 , and will settle onto the rod alignment plate  445 . As the fin press/shear  15  continues to produce fins, it becomes necessary to lower the rod alignment plate  445 , so that the rods  50  remain exposed to receive fins deposited by the fin press/shear  15 . In one configuration, the control system  550  is configured to periodically activate the rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  to lower the alignment plate  445 . In this configuration, the control system  550  will lower the rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  a predetermined distance every one hundred cycles of the fin press/shear  15  in order to lower the stack of fins and expose the upper ends of the rods  50  to accept additional fins. The magnitude of the predetermined distance and number of cycles can be varied as production conditions warrant. In a further anticipated configuration, the control system  550  is configured to lower the rod alignment lifting mechanism  19  continuously at a rate corresponding to the rate of production of the fin press and shear  15 , so that the upper ends of the rods are maintained in an exposed condition for receiving fins produced by the fin press and shear  15 . Other forms of control devices such as rotary encoders may also be used to properly locate the rod alignment plate to press shear production.  
         [0077]     The fin stacker assembly module  380  of the instant embodiment is mounted to the cart  545  by mounting rails  575 . More specifically, the mounting rails  575  each include a non-conductive member  580  forming a non-conductive barrier between the cart  545  and a conductive mounting block  582 . The fin stacker assembly module  380  is attached to the conductive mounting block  582  and is thereby isolated from electrical ground by the non-conductive member  580 . The non-conductive member  580  can be formed of nylon or Micarta® or other known non-conductive materials. Necessarily, the tongues  447  or the lift rails  17  are also formed of a non-conductive material to electrically isolate the fin stacker assembly module  380  from the receiving dock  12 . The fin stacker assembly module  380  is thereby electrically isolated from ground under normal operating conditions. The contact plate  558  is electrically connected to the conductive mounting block  582 . The isolated spring pin  540  of the proximity switch assembly  535  electrically connects the fin stacker assembly module  380  to the control system  550  through the contact plate  558  and electrical conductors (e.g. wires, not shown).  
         [0078]     During operation of the fin press/shear  15 , a fin will occasionally fail to properly align with the rods  50 , or will fail to be cleanly deposited by the fin press/shear  15  onto the rods  50 , becoming jammed or wedged between the fin press/shear  15  and the rods  50 . With a fin jammed between the fin press/shear  15  and the rods  50 , continued operation of the fin press/shear  15  can cause further jamming and damage to the fin press/shear  15  and to the fin stacker assembly module  380 . As shown schematically in  FIG. 21 , when the fin (F) is jammed between the fin press/shear  15  (which is connected to ground) and the rods  50  of the fin stacker assembly module  380 , the fin forms an electrically conductive path, completing a circuit between the control system  550 , through the isolated spring pin  540  and the fin stacker assembly module  380  to the ground defined by the fin press/shear  15 . The control system  550  is configured to interpret the completed circuit as a jam and stop the fin press/shear  15  until the jam can be cleared, thus preventing damage to the fin stacker assembly module  380  or the fin press/shear  15 .  
         [0079]     As the fin press/shear  15  continues production, the rod alignment lift mechanism  19  will continue to lower the lift rails  17  until the lower limit switch  570  is activated. The lower limit switch  570  will provide a signal to the control system  550 , which will subsequently stop production by the fin press/shear  15 . The control system  550  will then activate the cart lifting mechanism  530  to lower the cart  545  onto its wheels  555  within the receiving dock  12 . The cart  545  can then be rolled out of the receiving dock  12  by an operator and a fresh cart  545  with empty fin stacker assembly module(s)  380  can be rolled into the receiving dock  12  in its place. The above procedure is then repeated with each subsequent cart  545 .  
         [0080]     While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.  
                                                       fin stacker assembly 10   end blocks 135, 140           fin press/shear 15   stanchion apertures 145           base plate 20   rod apertures 150           plurality of wheels 25   swivel post aperture 153           upper surface 30   inboard extent 155           side rails 35   outboard extent 160           cut-out portion 37   guide frame 165           fin stacker assembly   upper plate 170           modules 40   bushing 172           parallel plates 45   slots 175           tapered or guide rods 50   inboard extent 180           right/left portions 54, 55   outboard extent 185           module base plate 60   swivel post slot 190           plurality of apertures 65   inboard extent 195           chamfered mouth 67   slidable locking plates 200           swivel post mounting   swivel post aperture 205           aperture 70   swivel bearing 210           base end 75   plurality of slots 215           swivel post 80   inboard extent 220           swivel bearing 85   outboard extent 225           stanchion mounting   longitudinal grooves 230           aperture 90   side edges 235           stanchion 95   L-shaped guides 240           rod-mounting plate 100   side face 245           chamfered keyhole   locking cradle 250           apertures 105   upper end 252 of each           narrow portion 110   stanchion 95           enlarged portion 115   upstanding portion 255           locking cam 120   oblong slot 260           lower, ball end 125   outboard face 265           intermediate plate 130   indented catch 270           upper edge 275   locking plate 450           upper end 280   rod slots 455           locking mechanism 285   swivel post aperture 460           U-shaped bracket 290   swivel bearing 465           rod 295   longitudinal grooves 470           ball-shaped handle 300   L-shaped guides 475           collar 305   locking mechanism 490           cross-pin 310   locking cradle 495           fin stacker assembly 350   fin stacker assembly and           base plate 355   receiving dock 500           wheels 360   floor base plate 502           handle 365   adjustable bracket           mounting rails 370   assembly 504           upper face 375   pivoting connector 505           fin stacker assembly   adjustment plates 506           module 380   slotted apertures 507           mounting toggle 385   retract. wheel ass&#39;y 510           base plate 390   screw-type adjuster 512           rod-mounting plate 395   screw-adjustable legs 515           keyhole apertures 397   wheel stops 520           swivel post mounting   lateral guide rails 525           aperture 400   cart lifting mechanism 530           stanchion mounting   threaded body cylinders           aperture 405   532           swivel post 410   piston 533           swivel bearing 415   proximity switch ass&#39;y 535           stanchion 420   isolated spring pin 540           spacer 425   fin stacker ass&#39;y cart 545           guide frame 430   control system 550           upper plate 435   threaded aperture 552           bushing 440   proximity switch 553           aperture 442   wheels 555           swivel post slot 445   contact plate 558           tongue 447   isolation mount 560           upper/lower limit switches   non-conductive member 580           565, 570   conductive mounting block           mounting rails 575   582