Michael A Shuster

US Patent:

55972845, Jan 28, 1997

Filed:

Dec 8, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/569371

Inventors:

Kenneth E. Weltlich - Westminster CO
Howard C. Chasteen - Broomfield CO
Michael A. Shuster - Findlay OH
Stephen R. Pickenbrock - Findlay OH

Assignee:

Ball Corporation - Muncie IN

International Classification:

B65G 5724

US Classification:

4147911

Abstract:

An assembly is provided for processing container ends received from at least two sources by loading the container ends into trays and stacking the trays. The assembly has a transport device capable of engaging sticks of container ends in a pick-up area and providing the sticks to a plurality of corresponding loading areas such that sticks from different sources are placed in different loading areas. Sticks are provided to the pick-up area by supply subassemblies which receive continuous arrays of container ends from the sources, separate the arrays into sticks, and provide the sticks to the pick-up area. The tray loading subassembly is further capable of engaging and transporting an empty tray from a stack of empty trays to the loading areas such that a stack of trays may be formed. Once the desired stack of trays is formed, a discharge subassembly transports the stack from the loading area to a discharge area for subsequent removal and transport to a desired location.