Systems and methods for processing stackable articles

摘要

Systems and methods for processing stackable articles, such as, frozen hamburgers or compact disks, are provided. The systems include mechanisms for determining the number of articles in a stack of articles, a transfer device adapted to transfer the articles when the number of articles equals a predetermined number of articles, a gripping device adapted to receive the stacks of articles from the transfer device, an automated manipulator adapted to transfer the gripping device with the stacks of articles, and a mechanism for discharging the stacks of articles from the gripping device to, for example, a container. The systems and methods may also provide staging areas adapted to receive the stack of articles and then transfer the stack of articles to the gripping device. Though aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted to handle food items, aspects of the invention may also be used for non-food items.

主权项

1. A method for processing stackable articles transported on a receiver, the receiver adapted to form a predetermined number of stacks of the articles, the method comprising:
a) determining an attribute of the articles in at least one of the stacks of articles; b) when the attribute of the articles in the at least one of the stacks conforms to a predetermined attribute of the articles, transferring the at least one of the stacks of articles into a gripping device in a first position; c) retaining the at least one stack of articles in the gripping device in the first position; d) repeating steps a), b), and c) and thereby retaining multiple stacks of articles in the gripping device; e) transferring the gripping device having the multiple stacks of articles from the first position to a second position; and f) discharging the multiple stacks of articles from the gripping device at the second position.