The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 13, 2001
Filed:
Feb. 13, 1998
John R. Crawford, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Michael L. Nelson, Lino Lakes, MN (US);
Other;
Abstract
An apparatus for processing a palletized container (,), the palletized container (,) including a container (,) affixed to a pallet (,). The apparatus includes a receptacle (,) arranged and configured for receiving the palletized container (,). A shearing mechanism is incorporated within the receptacle (,). The shearing mechanism is constructed and arranged for generating relative movement between the container (,) and the pallet (,) such that the container (,) is sheared from the pallet (,). The shearing mechanism includes support structure (,) for supporting the palletized container (,) within the receptacle (,) by engaging the pallet (,) of the palletized container (,). The shearing mechanism also includes a shearing member (,) having an edge (,) spaced a predetermined distance (D,) from the support structure (,). The predetermined distance (D,) is slightly greater than a thickness (D,) of the pallet (,) such that the edge (,) of the shearing member (,) is adapted to align substantially with the interface between the pallet (,) and the container (,).