Automatic Handling International Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom handling systems, announces the issuance of a patent for a method of removing wires from a bale, US patent number 8,707,532. This patent is another innovation within Automatic Handling's extensive line of bale handling equipment.

This invention is an apparatus that removes wires from bales in a timely and efficient manner, while eliminating potential for injury to workers. The invention includes, among other things, a robot having a full range of movement on three planes. The robot carries an end of arm tool which is comprised of a vision system for locating the wire and a cutting tool for cutting the wire. The end tool further includes a wire collecting spindle which removes the cut wires from the bale. The robot transports the wires to a hopper and the wire collecting spindle deposits the wires in the hopper.

The apparatus includes a conveyor system for moving one or more bales and a de-wiring station positioned adjacent the conveyor system. The de-wiring station includes the robot with end tool. A bale that is bound by one or more wires is transferred by the conveyor system to a position proximate the de-wiring station. The robot with end tool then moves to sense the location of the wires, cut the wires, collect the wires and deposit the wires in a collection hopper. The de-wired bale is then moved by the conveyor system and another wire bound bale is moved to the de-wiring station.

About Automatic Handling International

Established in 1972, Automatic Handling® has over 40 years of experience in a variety of material handling industries. They develop innovative solutions that integrate the latest technology with proven machine designs to create an end-product that will improve efficiency and reduce costs for their customers. Utilizing the capabilities of its engineers and manufacturing facilities, Automatic Handling provides custom solutions for customers worldwide.