| 摘要 |
The present invention comprises devices for receiving a plurality of elongated workpieces, devices for automatically raising the workpieces, devices for forming a single layer of a predetermined number of workpieces, devices for controlling the height and width of a stack, devices for assembling layers of workpieces into a stack of predetermined height and width, and devices for supporting and positioning the stack during formation. The self-contained machine of this invention is designed for producing a stack of elongate, stackable workpieces. The machine comprises devices for receiving the elongate, stackable workpieces and for conveying the workpieces in a generally vertical upward direction to an elevated point above the surface on which the stacking machine is supported. Vertical conveyance of the work pieces requires the use of a minimum lateral space for conducting that operation as opposed to armtype hoisting stackers in which the arm is extended and takes up a significant amount of lateral space. The devices for receiving the workpieces are at the elevated point and devices for infeeding the workpieces to a stackable layer formation device are also provided. The lateral area in which all of the stack formation operations are conducted extends from this elevated point for infeeding the workpieces and, as opposed to known prior art stackers, to the outer longitudinal edge of the workpiece stack. Thus, the subject invention includes devices for forming a stackable layer of the infed workpieces and devices for depositing the formed stackable layer, both of which are located during use substantially within the above-described lateral area.
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