Lift-and-place apparatus

Abstract

A material-handling apparatus includes a frame, first arms pivoted to the frame for rotation, and second arms pivoted to the first arms for rotation. A picking device is pivoted to the second arms. A rotational control device including a cam is operably connected to the first and second arms for oscillating the first and second arms at different oscillating distances and times as the first arm is rotated to cause the picking device to move linearly vertically from a supply conveyor, then to move laterally transversely, and then to move linearly vertically to deposit carried items in layers in a deep container on a second conveyor. A leveling mechanism is provided on the apparatus for maintaining the picking device in a level orientation despite oscillation of the first and second arms.

1 . A material-handling apparatus for picking items from a first location and placing the items at a second location, comprising: 
 a frame;    at least a pair of first arms pivoted to the frame for rotation about a first axle;    at least a pair of second arms pivoted to the first arms for rotation about a second axle;    a picking device pivoted to the second arms about a third axle,    a rotational control device operably connected to the first and second arms for oscillating the first and second arms at different oscillating distances and times to cause the picking device to move substantially vertically along a linear first path section, then to move laterally along a second path section having a large transverse component, and then to move substantially vertically along a linear third path section; and    a leveling mechanism for maintaining the picking device in a level orientation despite oscillation of the first and second arms.    
   
   
       2 . A material-handling apparatus for picking items from a first location and placing the items at a second location, comprising: 
 a first arm supported for rotation;    a second arm pivoted to the first arm for rotation;    a picking device operably attached to the second arm,    a control device operably connected to the first and second arms for simultaneously oscillating the first and second arms to cause the picking device to move first linearly and then curvilinearly in a different direction with a large transverse component of movement and then linearly again; and    a leveling mechanism for maintaining the picking device in a continuous level orientation.    
   
   
       3 . A method of picking and placing items, comprising steps of: 
 providing a material-handling apparatus having a first arm pivoted to a frame and a second arm pivoted to the first arm and also having a picking device pivoted to the second arm;    simultaneously rotating the first and second arms to cause the picking device to be moved linearly vertically away from a first conveyor, and then laterally to a position over a second conveyor, and then linearly vertically toward a container on the second conveyor; and    maintaining the picking device in a relatively constant level position during the step of simultaneously rotating the first and second arms.