US 12,263,631 B2
Low profile product extractor for thermoformed products
Victor L. Chun, Beaverton, MI (US); and Robert Abel, Beaverton, MI (US)
Assigned to BROWN LLC, Beaverton, MI (US)
Filed by Brown LLC, Beaverton, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 1, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/623,244.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/494,405, filed on Apr. 5, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0336000 A1, Oct. 10, 2024
Int. Cl. B29C 51/44 (2006.01); B29C 51/26 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 51/44 (2013.01) [B29C 51/261 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pressware extractor assembly configured to be provided as part of a picking station for moving a plurality of thermoformed products from a mold assembly, said pressware extractor assembly broadly including:
an elongated transport rail extending along and defining a lateral rail axis;
a first car including a first car frame and a plurality of extractor elements operable to releasably hold respective products;
a second car slidably supported by the transport rail to slide laterally relative to the transport rail along the lateral rail axis, with the first car being supported to slide laterally with the second car; and
a powered drive mechanism shiftably supporting the first car relative to the second car for vertical movement of the extractor elements relative to the mold assembly,
said powered drive mechanism configured to shift the first car between a lowered position, in which the extractor elements are positioned to engage products held by the mold assembly, and a raised position, in which the products are lifted by the extractor elements out of engagement with the mold assembly.