Automatic overhead gantry for narrow slit rolls handling

Abstract

A system for automatic handling and sorting of narrow-slit rolls. Wherein the system is also capable of preventing toppling of the narrow-slit rolls.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An automated apparatus for handling and sorting narrow-slits comprising, in combination:
 a cushioner having a cushion and at least two stabilizing arms;   a hold-down with at least one hold down arm; and   an overheard gantry having a lifting frame and a gantry hold-down;   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the lifting frame of the overheard gantry has at least two lifting probes. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further including at least one narrow-slit storage. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further including at least one kicker. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further including at least one upender. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further including at least one conveyor.
 An automated apparatus for handling and sorting narrow-slits comprising, in combination: a cushioner having a cushion and at least two stabilizing arms; 
 a hold-down with at least one hold down arm; 
 an overheard gantry having a lifting frame and a gantry hold-down; 
 at least one conveyor; 
 at least one kicker; 
 at least one narrow-slit storage; 
 at least one updender; and 
 wherein the components are controlled by a programable logic controller configured to transport and sort narrow-slits. 
 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the programable logic controller is further configured to differentiate between narrow-slits of varying width, and sort the narrow-slits in the at least one narrow-slit storage by the width of the narrow-slit. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the programable logic controller is further configured to allow a user to input a desired order of narrow-slits, based on the width of the narrow-slit, and the overhead gantry will assemble the narrow-slits at the upender as requested. 
     
     
         9 . A method of transporting and sorting narrow slits comprising,
 receiving a roll, having at least one narrow-slit cut into it, with a cushion and stabilizing arms;   positioning the roll onto a conveyor with the cushion and stabilizing arms;   holding the roll with a hold-down;   clamping a desired quantity of narrow-slits from the roll using an overhead gantry;   releasing the hold-down;   repositioning the hold-down on the roll such that the desired quantity of narrow-slits clamped by the overhead gantry are no longer held by the hold down;   determining the width of the picked narrow-slits;   picking up the desired quantity of narrow-slits from the roll using an overhead gantry; and   sorting the narrow-slits by width by placing the narrow-slits at a narrow-slit storage unit.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further including building a package of narrow-slits based on a request from a user.