Apparatus and method for transporting and reorienting items between two locations

摘要

An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship. A power source is provided for driving one of the sprockets. The power source being activated and deactivated by a controller at set time intervals to transport and reorient the integral carrier between the first and second locations. The method includes the steps of positioning and moving the integral carrier between the first and second locations.