PACKAGE HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A package handling apparatus (10). The layout (13) of each layer of a palletized stack (20) may be individually defined by an operator on a personal computer (124) by graphically arranging packages (12) into a desired layout (13) on the computer (124). The personal computer (124) communicates to a programmable logic controller (120) which controls handlers (30). Packages (12) from an exit conveyor (14) of a packaging machine are positioned and oriented onto a pre-palletization conveyor (28) by the handlers (30). The desired layout (13) is achieved when the positioned and oriented packages reach a compression station (46) and are compressed together. The layout (13) of packages (12), forming a layer for a pallet (20), is then stacked onto the pallet for shipping. A related method for handling and assembling packages (12) is also disclosed.