Automatic ingot unloading device and method

Abstract

A device for automatically discharging ingots from a stack of ingots is disclosed that includes a frame, a lift device positioned within the frame, a platform rotatably coupled to the lift device, and a discharge mechanism coupled to the frame. The automatic ingot discharging device of the present invention is utilized to reduce the time and labor required to move ingots from one location to another in a casting facility, and thus, increase the production efficiency for manufacturing cast objects.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for transferring ingots from a stack of ingots, comprising: 
 a frame;    a lift device positioned within the frame;    a platform rotatably coupled to the lift device; and    a discharge mechanism that pushes the ingots from the stack of ingots, said discharge mechanism coupled to the frame.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where the platform is configured to rotate ninety degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a base coupled to the frame.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the lift device is coupled to the base.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first motor coupled to the discharge mechanism.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a connecting member coupled between the motor and the discharge mechanism.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the discharge mechanism is at least one of a hydraulic discharge mechanism and a pneumatic discharge mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lift device is at least one of a hydraulic lift device, and a pneumatic lift device.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises: 
 a first pair of vertical members connected via a first upper member; and    a second pair of vertical members connected via a second upper member.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first pair of vertical members comprises: 
 a first front vertical member; and    a first rear vertical member,    and wherein the second pair of vertical members comprises:    a second front vertical member; and    a second rear vertical member.    
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first upper member includes a first groove, and the second upper member includes a second groove.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the discharge mechanism is slidably positioned between the first groove and second groove.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the discharge mechanism comprises: 
 a first pushing member; and    a second pushing member.    
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first pushing member is slidably positioned within the first groove and the second pushing member is slidably positioned within the second groove.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: a discharge surface coupled to the frame.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the discharge surface is at least one of a slide and a conveyor.  
     
     
         17 . A system for transferring ingots from a stack of ingots, comprising: 
 means for lifting the stack of ingots;    means for rotating the stack of ingots, said rotating means coupled to the lifting means; and    means or discharging the ingots from the rotating means.    
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the rotating means rotates the ingots by ninety degrees.  
     
     
         19 . A method for transferring ingots from a stack of ingots, comprising: 
 discharging ingots from a first a layer of ingots in the stack of ingots;    rotating the stack of ingots ninety degrees; and    discharging the ingots from a second layer of ingots of the stack of ingots.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 lowering the stack of ingots after discharging the first layer of ingots; and    raising the stack of ingots before discharging the ingots from the second layer of ingots.    
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the discharge mechanism comprises seven pushing members.