The modular lumber stacker utilizes a single fork and board width sensor to load layers of boards with varying widths onto a lift table. The single-fork loader allows a fork lift to readily access the opposing side of the lift table to remove a multi-layer stack of boards. An adjustable unloading stop may be used to justify the stack by distributing the dead space in each layer between the boards to justify the stack to avoid jagged stack edges and improve stacking stability.

The modular lumber stacker utilizes a single fork and board width sensor to load layers of boards with varying widths onto a lift table. The single-fork loader allows a fork lift to readily access the opposing side of the lift table to remove a multi-layer stack of boards. An adjustable unloading stop may be used to justify the stack by distributing the dead space in each layer between the boards to justify the stack to avoid jagged stack edges and improve stacking stability.

A sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment stacks first and second sheets. The first sheet includes first stacked and non-stacked parts. The second sheet includes second stacked and non-stacked parts. The first and second stacked parts are stacked to overlap in a Z-direction. The apparatus includes a first holding part holding the first sheet and a second holding part holding the second sheet. The first and second holding parts each include a frame part and a supporter. The frame part extends in an X-direction. The supporter supports the sheet in the Z-direction and provided at the frame part. The first and second holding parts are respectively configured to hold the sheets in a state in which movement of the sheets in the X-direction is regulated. The supporter is provided to be able to drop the object by releasing the supporting of the object in the Z-direction.

A sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment stacks first and second sheets. The first sheet includes first stacked and non-stacked parts. The second sheet includes second stacked and non-stacked parts. The first and second stacked parts are stacked to overlap in a Z-direction. The apparatus includes a first holding part holding the first sheet and a second holding part holding the second sheet. The first and second holding parts each include a frame part and a supporter. The frame part extends in an X-direction. The supporter supports the sheet in the Z-direction and provided at the frame part. The first and second holding parts are respectively configured to hold the sheets in a state in which movement of the sheets in the X-direction is regulated. The supporter is provided to be able to drop the object by releasing the supporting of the object in the Z-direction.

A method for building an article array comprised of (n) rows of articles, as disclosed herein.

A method for building an article array comprised of (n) rows of articles, as disclosed herein.

A truss stacking system has a main conveyor for conveying trusses of a plurality of diverse designs out of a production facility and into a stack building yard or warehouse. The main conveyor is attended by a dedicated truss stacking station for each of the diverse designs, and which station includes a truss lift sub-station and a stack-forming sub-station. Each truss lift sub-station has at least a pair of traveling masts that each raises and lowers at least one bunk (eg., fork). The bunks are raised to lift a selected truss off the outflow conveyor, the masts are driven on an outbound journey to support the lifted bunk in the airspace above the stack-forming station, and then the bunks are lowered to rest the truss on the stack. Stop posts assist in stripping the truss off the bunks.

A truss stacking system has a main conveyor for conveying trusses of a plurality of diverse designs out of a production facility and into a stack building yard or warehouse. The main conveyor is attended by a dedicated truss stacking station for each of the diverse designs, and which station includes a truss lift sub-station and a stack-forming sub-station. Each truss lift sub-station has at least a pair of traveling masts that each raises and lowers at least one bunk (eg., fork). The bunks are raised to lift a selected truss off the outflow conveyor, the masts are driven on an outbound journey to support the lifted bunk in the airspace above the stack-forming station, and then the bunks are lowered to rest the truss on the stack. Stop posts assist in stripping the truss off the bunks.

A load former includes a frame including a stop wall, a cookie sheet having a top surface parallel to a plane and being movable between an extended position a retracted position relative to the stop wall, and a first platform shiftable between raised and lowered positions relative to the plane. The first platform is positioned relative to the frame such that when the cookie sheet is in the extended position a first portion of the cookie sheet directly overlies the upper surface of the platform and when the cookie sheet in the retracted position no portion of the cookie sheet directly overlies the platform. Also a lift having a lift support and a second platform, the lift being movable relative to the plane and the lift platform begin extendable and retractable relative to the first platform.

A load former includes a frame including a stop wall, a cookie sheet having a top surface parallel to a plane and being movable between an extended position a retracted position relative to the stop wall, and a first platform shiftable between raised and lowered positions relative to the plane. The first platform is positioned relative to the frame such that when the cookie sheet is in the extended position a first portion of the cookie sheet directly overlies the upper surface of the platform and when the cookie sheet in the retracted position no portion of the cookie sheet directly overlies the platform. Also a lift having a lift support and a second platform, the lift being movable relative to the plane and the lift platform begin extendable and retractable relative to the first platform.