Stack transfer device

Abstract

A transfer device is disclosed for transferring a plurality of stacks of disk-like objects such as frozen hamburger patties, from a plurality of first trays having bottom walls angled with respect to horizontal to a horizontal support platform spaced from the trays. The transfer device includes a support frame having wheels that is movable between first and second ends of a guide track and a pivotal frame pivotally attached to the support frame which pivotal frame supports upper and lower grippers for engaging the upper and lower sides of a plurality of stacks of objects and securely holding the stacks of objects as they are moved between first and second positions.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A method of moving a plurality of stacks, each having a top and a bottom, of discrete objects from a first location to a second location comprising the steps of:
 providing a movable frame having a top and a bottom;   providing a plurality of lower supports on said frame bottom;   positioning said frame at a first location around a plurality of stacks of discrete objects with one of said lower supports adjacent each of said stack bottoms and with said frame top adjacent the tops of said stacks;   moving at least a portion of said frame top against said stacks to hold said stacks between said frame top and said frame bottom;   moving said frame to said second location; and   moving said at least a portion of said frame top away from said stacks to release said stacks at said second location.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  including the additional step of providing a plurality of plates on said frame top aligned with each of said plurality of lower supports on said frame bottom. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the step of moving at least a portion of said frame top against said stacks to hold said stacks between said frame top and said frame bottom comprises the step of moving said plurality of plates against said stacks. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  including the additional step of, at said second location, moving said frame bottom away from said frame top. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19  including the additional step of, at said first location, moving said frame bottom into engagement with the bottoms of said stacks. 
   
   
       24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . A method of moving a plurality of parallel stacks of discrete objects from a first location to a second location comprising the steps of:
 providing a movable frame having a top and a bottom and a center opening;   providing a plurality of lower supports on said frame bottom;   providing a plurality of actuators on said frame top each connected to a plate member and aligned with one of said plurality of lower supports;   positioning said frame at a first location around a plurality of stacks of discrete objects with one of said plurality of lower supports beneath each one of said plurality of stacks and one of said plate members above each of said stacks;   moving said plate members against said stacks to compress each of said stacks between one of the supports and one of the plate members;   pivoting said frame about an axis parallel to said bottom;   moving said frame to said second location; and   moving said lower supports away from said upper supports to release said stacks at said second location.