Multiple level loading apparatus and method

摘要

A loading apparatus for vertically stacking a plurality of articles includes a staging assembly. The staging assembly includes a staging platform configured to receive and support the articles. The staging platform is vertically movable to a plurality of vertical levels. The staging assembly further includes a lift drive to raise and lower the staging platform, and a positioning system to move the articles off of the staging platform at selected ones of the plurality of levels. A conveyor assembly is configured to transport the articles to the staging assembly. The positioning system may be operable to remove the articles from the conveyor assembly and position the articles on the staging platform. The positioning system may be operative to position the articles on the staging platform while the lift drive is raising or lowering the staging platform. The conveyor assembly may include a transfer conveyor and a staging conveyor configured to receive the articles from the transfer conveyor, the staging conveyor being movable with the staging platform and pivotally connected to the transfer conveyor.