US 12,240,712 B2
Method and apparatus for stacking lumber
Andrew D. Timmer, Graand Haven, MI (US); Reuben R Schlabach, Dundee, OH (US); Edward M Hershberger, Apple Creek, OH (US); Andrew C Sampsel, Coshocton, OH (US); Corey M Kandel, Baltic, OH (US); Marvin L Raber, Sugarcreek, OH (US); Raymond A. Miller, Fresno, OH (US); Rudy A. Miller, Baltic, OH (US); Todd Spillman, Mineral City, OH (US); and Kirk Spillman, Zoar, OH (US)
Assigned to EAGLE MACHINERY & SUPPLY, INC., Sugarcreek, OH (US)
Filed by Eagle Machinery & Supply, Inc., Sugarcreek, OH (US)
Filed on Jul. 24, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/357,649.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/488,862, filed on Mar. 7, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0300752 A1, Sep. 12, 2024
Int. Cl. B65G 57/14 (2006.01); B65G 47/26 (2006.01); B65G 47/76 (2006.01); B65G 57/04 (2006.01); B65G 57/18 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 57/14 (2013.01) [B65G 47/268 (2013.01); B65G 47/766 (2013.01); B65G 57/04 (2013.01); B65G 57/18 (2013.01); B65G 2201/0217 (2013.01); B65G 2201/0282 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An assembly for handling objects, the assembly comprising:
a first conveyor defining a first path of travel for the objects, wherein the first conveyor conveys the objects along the first path of travel;
a second conveyor defining a second path of travel for at least some of the objects, wherein the second path of travel is different than the first path of travel, and wherein the second conveyor conveys the at least some of the objects along the second path of travel;
a diverter to divert the at least some of the objects from the first conveyor moving along the first path of travel to the second conveyor to move the at least some of the objects along the second path of travel;
at least two hold down mechanisms that are spaced apart from each other, wherein the two hold-down mechanisms hold objects that have been diverted to the second conveyor, wherein a portion of the diverter moves between the at least two hold down mechanisms;
an accumulator in operative communication with the second conveyor, wherein the accumulator accumulates objects that were diverted until a selected amount of objects are accumulated;
a lift assembly to lift the selected amount of objects that were accumulated in the accumulator, wherein the lift assembly moves between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the lift assembly is in the first position, the lift assembly lifts the selected amount of objects and retains the selected amount of objects while the lift assembly moves toward the second position; and
a queuing assembly defining a queueing area, wherein the lift assembly moves to the second position to place the selected amount of objects on the queueing assembly in the queuing area, wherein the selected amount of objects that are placed onto the queueing assembly in the queuing area define a first layer of a stack of objects, wherein the lift assembly returns to the first position to lift another amount of selected objects and repeats the placement of selected objects in the queuing area to construct multiple layers of objects in the stack of objects.