Method and apparatus for transporting can blanks and the like

摘要

An apparatus and method for transferring can blanks from a steel slitting machine to a welder includes a two stage chain conveyor feeding stacker pockets on a dial indexer or turntable for holding a predetermined number of stacks. A gripper assembly mounted at the end of a vertical drive assembly on a horizontally movable carriage moves along a horizontal overhead beam to transfer stacked blanks from the turntable into the welder hopper.