Patent GB-1428229-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for handling elongate ferromagnetic elements
IPC: B65G57/18
Filed: 1973-11-29
Abstract: 1428229 Lifting magnets MORGAN CONSTRUCTION CO 29 Nov 1973 [5 Feb 1973] 55428/73 Heading H1P Apparatus 10 for handling elongated ferromagnetic members, e.g. steel angles 12 comprises plural spaced supporting skids 14, on which the members 12 are arranged side-byside; the skids being mechanically advanced to a position overlying receiving means, e.g. an elevator platform 16; after which stop members 18 engage the tier of members 12 so that the skids may be retracted and the elements drop into stack 20 on the elevator platform. To prevent the elongate members from overturning during deposition on the platform there is provided a magnet carrier 22 having inner and outer tubular housing 24a, 24b the former of which is rotatably and vertically slidably supported by a bracket 26 carried on a support structure 28; the upper end of housing 24a carrying cap 30 with integral vertical tubular extension received threadedly at 34 in an outer tubular member 32 rotatable in bracket assembly 36 on a support 28. A further vertical tubular extension 32a of the outer member has hand wheel 38 and a split clamp 40 carried on the support 28 which surrounds extension 32a and is tightened by handle 44 to lock member 32 against rotation. Shaft 46 extending through members 32, 30a, and cap 30 extends into inner chamber 48 of housing 24a with its upper end threaded at 50 to extension 32a with a lock nut 52. At its lower end, housing 24a is closed by welded base 54 flanged to retain the lower end of hydraulic cylinder 60 with piston 61 and rod 62 whose head is locked by lateral bar 66 to outer housing 24b through elongate slots of inner housing 24a so that the former is hydraulically movable between lower and upper positions. The outer section carries a cantilevered magnet assembly 76 with electromagnet 78 and notched plate 80 profiled to fit the shape of the elongated elements 12 being handled. Extension 90 of base 54 engages a rotary hydraulic actuator 92 whose body is retained by pivotal arm 94 also pivoted to a stationary bracket (not shown) of the support 28. The actuator 92 rotates inner housing 24a and through a key and keyway the outer housing 24b and magnet assembly 76 through 90 degrees to position the magnet assembly in alternate locations overlying and displaced from the elements 12. In operation, a tier of elements 12 is positioned in delivery position overlying platform 16 and stop members 18 engage the tier, and the hydraulic cylinder lowers the outer housing 24b and magnet assembly from a raised inoperative position to a lowered operative position in which elements 12 are engaged by notches of plate 80. Electromagnet 78 is energized to retain the elements against plate 80 to prevent overturning while the skids 14 are retracted then the electromagnet is deenergized to release the elements 12 for deposition on platform 16 in a stack 20, after which the cylinder raises the outer housing 24b and restores the magnet assembly. Plates 80 are interchangeable for different element sizes or shapes and clamp 40 and hand wheel 38 enable the position of the magnet assembly to be adjusted by vertical movement of housings 24a, 24b and the rotary actuator 92. Plural such holders may be positioned along the length of a stacking station to accommodate elongated elements 12.