Cask handling device and system

Abstract

A cask handling device 10 suitable for carrying a cask 1, possibly as it moved around a warehouse. Device 10 comprises frame 20 with a base 30 and upright members 10, 40. Frame 20 defines a volume 22

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a cask handling device and system. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a cask handling device suitable for carrying a cask as the cask is moved around a warehouse or processing facility. Aspects of the invention relate to a cask handling device, to a stack of cask handling devices, to a cask loading and unloading system, to a method of loading a cask, and to a method of unloading a cask. BACKGROUND A number of sprits and / or beverages are matured (also known as aged) in casks. One such spirit being whisky (or whiskey, the spelling depending upon location of origin). Whisky is matured over a number of years, for example 3 to 15 or more years in a cask. Other beverages are also matured in casks, such as wines and fortified wines. Casks have a gross weight (i.e. full of fluid) of between around 280 kg for a wine cask through to approximately 600 kg for a butt cask. Due to the number of casks in a distillery, winery or bottling factory it can be difficult to track stock as it goes through the warehousing process especially when a whisky blend is being produced which can require multiple casks containing multiple different types of whiskies from different distilleries. When a cask is lost this can delay a blending process until i) the cask is found, or ii) a new cask is brought into the warehouse from storage. In both cases, this results in large degree of downtime and a large number of personnel to handle the casks and move them through a process. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a cask handling device, a stack of cask handling devices, a cask loading and unloading system, a method of loading a cask, and to a method of unloading a cask as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cask handling device comprising: a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, and a plurality of rotational supports supported by the frame, and wherein the rotational supports are configured to permit rotation of a cask received in the frame around a rotational axis. The cask handling device enables casks to be rotated to the correct orientation during a cask handling process without the need for removal from the frame. Moreover, it provides a quick and convenient way to orientate the bung or stopper of the cask for either emptying the cask after the removal of the bung or for filling of the cask with liquid or for performing in process quality checks of the liquor contained therein. The ability to rotate the cask when retained in the stackable frame may be particularly advantageous for spirit maturation as char and organic molecules from the wood making up the cask leach into the liquid contained within the cask. Optionally, wherein the plurality of rotational supports are configured to enable the cask to rotate between a first position where a cask bung hole is aligned upward and a second position wherein the cask bung hole is aligned substantially downward to enable the cask to be emptied. By enabling the cask to rotate between the first and second positions the cask can be rotated in the frame for disgorging without the need to remove the cask from the frame. Optionally, the plurality of rotational supports are configured to enable the cask to rotate 0 to 360 degrees in the cask handling device. By enabling the cask to be rotated 360 degrees visual inspection of the whole cask can be undertaken whilst the cask is in the frame without the need to remove it from the cask handling device. Optionally, a first rotational support of the plurality of rotational supports is connected to the base at a first location and the first rotational support extends into the volume. By locating the rotational support on the base the cask, when received in the volume, will naturally rest upon the rotational support enabling the cask to rotate. Optionally, wherein a second rotational support of the plurality of rotational supports is connected to the base at a second location spaced apart from the first location and the second rotational support extends into the volume. By locating the rotational support on the base the cask, when received in the volume, will naturally rest upon both the first and second rotational support enabling the cask to rotate. Optionally, the first and second rotational supports are laterally spaced apart by a cask holding distance, wherein the cask holding distance is smaller than the diameter at a first point along the length of a first cask type and the diameter of at a first point along the length of a second cask type such that the cask handling device is configured to optionally receive both the first cask type and the second cask type. The spacing allows more than one type of cask to be utilised in the same device. This reduces the number of specific cask handling devices that may be needed as the same device can be used to handle multiple casks. The first type of cask may be any one of: a wine cask, a keg, a quarter cask, an American standard barrel, a hogshead, barrique, puncheon, butt, machine puncheon, port pipe and drum. The second type of cask may be any one of: a wine cask, a keg, a quarter cask, an American standard barrel, a hogshead, barrique, puncheon, butt, machine puncheon, port pipe and drum. Optionally, wherein the first and second locations are on opposite sides of the base. 3 By locating the rotational supports on opposite sides of the base the rotational support can cradle a portion of the cask in use. Optionally, wherein: the first rotational support is any one of: a roller, a concave roller, a wheel, a pair of wheels; and the second rotational support is any one of: a roller, a concave roller, a wheel, a pair of wheels. The use of a concave roller may be particularly advantageous as it can enable the cask to be become seated within the curvature defined by the concave roller. The use of a pair of wheels may be particularly advantageous as it enables two points along the length of the cask to be seated in practice. Optionally, wherein base has an opening sized to receive a portion of a second cask, and preferably the first and second rotational supports are arranged to retain the cask a distance above the opening. By providing a space for receiving a second cask below the cask in the cask handling device a more compact stacking arrangement can be achieved in practice. Optionally, wherein at least one of the plurality of upright members comprise an attachment point configured for removable connection to a materials handling machine; preferably wherein each of the plurality of upright members comprise an attachment point configured for removable connection to a materials handling machine; more preferably wherein the attachment point is located at a distal end of the upright member spaced apart from the base. Optionally, wherein the frame further comprises at least one box section connected to one or both of the base and at least one of the plurality of upright members, the box section being configured for receipt of a tine of a materials handling device; preferably wherein the frame further comprises two to four box sections. Provision of the box section may enable the frame to be moved by alternative means. Optionally the base may be rectangular or square, and the frame comprises four upright members, and preferably wherein each member is connected to a corner of the base. By providing a square or rectangular base the footprint of the cask handling device enables easy warehousing as a plurality of cask handling devices can be tessellated together with minimal space therebetween. By providing four upright members and one at each corner of the base, the cask handling device may be manufactured more easily. For example, the cask handling device can be manufactured using various lengths of circular, square, rectangular or hex tubing which can be connected together at the edges and faces to form the frame. The connection may be by welding, bolting, or utilising another means of fixture. A bolted or other removable connected construction may enable the device to be disassembled and reassembled for transport enabling more efficient packaging or storage of the devices when not containing a cask. Optionally, wherein the frame is configured to be removably connected to a second cask handling device; preferably wherein the frame is configured to be removably connected to the top and / or bottom of the second cask handling device. By removably connecting two cask handling devices together it enables multiple cask handling devices to be more efficiently stored in a warehousing space. By stacking two or more cask handling devices together more efficient use of warehousing space is possible. Optionally, wherein: each upright member comprises a male stacking feature at distal end or a proximal end of the member configured to removably connect to a complementary female stacking feature of a second cask handling device; or the base comprises a plurality of male stacking features configured to removably connect to a complementary female stacking feature of a second cask handling device. The arrangement enables multiple cask handling devices to be stacked together for more efficient warehousing (in terms of footprint). Optionally, wherein: each upright member comprises a female stacking feature at a proximal end or a distal end of the member configured to removably connect to a complementary male stacking feature of a second cask handling device; or 5 the base comprises a plurality of female stacking features configured to removably connect to a complementary male stacking feature of a second cask handling device. The arrangement enables multiple cask handling devices to be stacked together for more efficient warehousing (in terms of footprint). Optionally, wherein the device further comprises a rotation stop device, the rotation stop device being configured to prevent rotation of a cask in a brake position and to permit rotation of a cask in a brake-off position. The rotation stop device may prevent rotation of the cask in the device when it is not wanted. For example, during emptying of the cask where rotation of the cask in the cask handling device may not be preferable. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a stack of cask handling devices comprising two or more cask handling devices according to any previously described cask handling device aspect or embodiments thereof. The ability to stack the cask handling devices enables greater space saving when they are stored as the footprint for storage may be reduced. Optionally wherein each cask handling device has a cask received in the frame. According to an even further aspect there is provided a cask loading and unloading system comprising: a cask feed, a cask handling device having a frame, the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, and a pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between: a first position whereby a cask is permitted to enter the cask handling device from the cask feed or is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed, and a second position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device. The cask loading device enables easy loading of a cask without the need for multiple forklift operations. The cask can be fed from a loading bay (for example a lorry bed) into the cask feed the feed. Or the cask feed can feed the cask from the pivot mechanism to a loading bay. Optionally, further comprising a cask handling device according to any of the previously described cask handling device aspect or embodiments thereof. Optionally, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a motor or actuator for moving the pivot mechanism between the first and second positions. By utilising a motor or actuator to move the pivot mechanism the pivot mechanism and cask handling device and cask contained therein can be pivoted into a new position without the need for manual manipulation by personnel. Optionally, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a moveable arm, the moveable arm moveable between an unactuated position whereby the moveable arm is stored and an actuated position for cradling a cask into the cask handling device; and preferably wherein in the unactuated position the moveable arm is stored in a recessed portion of the cask feed. The moveable arm aids in cradling the cask during the pivot to reduce the likelihood of it falling out to the cask handling device whilst it is being pivoted. Optionally, further comprising an unloaded cask handling device conveyor and a loaded cask handling device conveyor. By having conveyors for unloaded and loaded cask handling devices there is reduction in any requirement for manual loading / unloading of cask handling devices by an operator. Optionally, further comprising an automatic identification and data capture device configured to read a data source on one or both of: a cask and cask handling device. By reading, for example, a barcode on a cask a data logging process may be undertaken to understand which cask has been married to a particular cask handling device. This can be particularly useful when assessing weight loss of the cask due to spirit evaporation through lifetime of the cask as the weight of the cask handling device can be logged and taken into consideration. For example, this can be used by comparing the tare weight of the cask handling device (i.e. unladen weight of the cask handling device) with the cask full and cask empty, this data may be stored on a database. This can also be useful to link other in process checks, for example a tint check or ABV check, undertaken on liquid from the cask to a particular cask. Reading of a barcode, or similar data exchange devices (RFID, QR code, etc) on the cask at the point of entry to the machine, or exit from the machine, enables greater quality control as casks which have become damaged can be identified more quickly and taken out of the processing stream prior to the end of their useable life for reworking by a cooper. Optionally, further comprising a controller configured to control the pivot mechanism. By controlling the pivot mechanism the controller can be moved in an automated manner. Optionally, further comprising a cask sorting system controllable by the controller and two or more exit lines, wherein the cask sorting system is configured to sort casks into one exit line of the two or more exit lines. By sorting the casks into two exit lines at the end of the process, for example after the casks have been disgorged, it enables sorted casks to be selected for down process actions more efficiently without having to manually sort them. Optionally, wherein the first exit line comprises casks having a first set of parameters and the second exit line comprises casks having a second set of parameters. By separating the casks into different lines based on parameters of the casks the operator / personnel can easily select casks they wish to take for other processes, such as refilling a cask from one line or sending a cask to the cooper from a different line. Optionally, wherein the cask sorting system comprises an output conveyor and a rotary table, the output conveyor is connected to an output of the pivot mechanism and an input of the rotary table, and wherein the rotary table having a first output connected to the first exit and a second output connected to the second exit line. By utilising a rotary table there is a reduced likelihood of the cask becoming damaged as the cask can be inspected on the rotary table without having to remove it from the system and add it back. According to an additional aspect there is provided a method of loading a cask comprising: providing: a cask feed having a cask, a cask handling device having a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, and a pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between: a first position whereby a cask is permitted to enter the cask handling device from the cask feed or is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed, and a second position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device; and the steps of: loading a cask handling device into the pivot mechanism, loading a cask from the cask feed into the cask handling device, and pivoting the cask handling device to the second position. By utilising such a method, a cask can be loaded into a cask handling device under the action of gravity or powered assistance by a materials handling device as the cask feed feeds the cask into the cask handling device. Optionally, the method further comprises the step of pivoting the pivot mechanism and cask handling device to the first position. Such a step may come after the step where the cask handling device is loaded into the pivot mechanism and before the loading of the cask into the cask handling device. According to a yet additional aspect of the invention there is provided a method of unloading a cask comprising: providing: a cask handling device having a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, an input conveyor for conveying the cask handling device, and a pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between: a first position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device, and a second position whereby a cask is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed; and the steps of: loading a cask handling device containing a cask into the pivot mechanism from the input conveyor in the first position, 9 pivoting the pivot mechanism and cask handling device to the second position, unloading the cask from the cask handling device. By utilising such a method, a cask can be unloaded from a cask handling device under the action of gravity or powered assistance by a materials handling device as the cask feed feeds the cask out of the cask handling device. Optionally the method further comprises: providing: a cask sorting mechanism connected to an output of the pivot mechanism, a first exit lane connected to a first output of the cask sorting mechanism and a second exit lane connected to a second output of the cask sorting mechanism; and the steps of: loading the unloaded cask into the cask sorting mechanism, sorting the cask, and outputting the sorted cask to either the first exit lane or the second exit lane. By sorting the casks using the cask sorting mechanism using such a method a time saving may be achieved by the operators as there is a reduction in visual inspection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cask with labels indicating the various dimensions of the cask which the type of cask depends upon; Figure 2 is an isometric view of a cask handling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device has a frame removably containing a cask of Figure 1, the cask is rotatable around an axis of rotation in the frame; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a cask handling device of Figure 2 showing two different sized casks (in dashed lines) being retained in the cask handling device at different heights from an opening; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a stack of cask handling devices comprising two cask handling devices of Figure 2 stacked with one cask handling device on top of the other. Each cask handling device has a cask contained within the frame of the cask handling device. The casks are shown in dashed lines; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a different cask handling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the device has a frame removably containing a cask of Figure 1, the cask is rotatable around an axis of rotation in the frame; Figure 6 is a call out of a the cask handling device of Figure 3, the call out showing a zoomed in view of a rotation support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a cask loading and unloading system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that enables casks to be married and / or separated from cask handling device using a pivot mechanism; Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pivot mechanism of Figure 7 showing a cradle, arm and actuator, the pivot mechanism being configured to cradle a cask into or out of a cask handling device; Figure 9a shows a cask being loaded into a cask handling device from a cask feed (not shown), the location of the cask prior to being loaded into the cask handling device is shown in dashed lines; Figure 9b shows the cask handling device being rotated by a pivot mechanism from the first position to a second position after an arm and hand have been deployed to cradle the cask as the cask handling device is rotated; Figure 9c shows the cask handling device in the pivot mechanism after the cask handling device has been rotated to the second position and the arm and hand are in the process of returning to an undeployed position; Figure 10 is an isometric view of an automatic identification and data capture device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A conveyor is shown partially cut away at both ends; Figure 11 is a cask sorting system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the cask sorting system comprising a sorting mechanism for sorting casks into one of two or more exit lanes; Figure 12 is a flow chart comprising method steps for loading a cask into a cask handling device; Figure 13 is a flow chart comprising methods steps for unloading a cask from a cask handling device; and Figure 14 is a flow chart comprising the steps of Figure 13 and additional steps to sort a cask into one of two or more exit lanes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A cask handling device 10, 100, a stack of cask handling devices 150, a cask loading and unloading system 200, a method of loading a cask 400, and a method of unloading a cask 500, 600 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a cask 1. The cask 1 is not shown to scale but is described for the purpose of teaching the invention. The cask 1 may be made from staves of wood which are held together by metal hoops and rivets (not shown for reasons of clarity), The cask 1 has a bung 2 which is seated in a bung hole of the cask 1. The bung 2 prevents fluid from entering or exiting through the bung hole when the bung 2 is seated in the bung hole. The cask 1 has two ends 4. The cask 1 generally has a data source 6 which may be a barcode, RFID tag, QR code, or other similar data exchange device or means. The data source 6 comprises information about the cask 1, for example any one or combination of: the type of cask, date of filling, number of times the cask 1 has been used previously, maximum possible number of uses of the cask 1, distillery information. Data source 6 may be a barcode, preferably the bar code is a white spirit barcode as known in the art. The data source 6 may be disposed on one of the ends or side of the cask 1 or may have a data source 6 on each of the ends and side of the cask 1. Casks 1 may be manufactured by hand by a cooper, or include certain automated steps during manufacture, as such each cask may vary in dimensions, and each cooperage may have their own specific definition of what each cask type may be. An example list of cask types which the cask 1 may be are provided in table 1 below: 12 Cask Type Cask Length, mm (L) Cask Maximum Width, mm (B) Cask End Width, mm (E) Tare Weight, kg Gross Weight, kg Wine 855 to 960 615 to 735 555 to 600 60 approx 280 approx ASB 860 to 880 590 to 630 510 to 550 48 approx 220 approx Hogshead 900 to 1168 700 to 760 580 to 650 56 to 67 310 approx Puncheon 1140 to 1300 930 to 970 680 to 780 114 Max 560 to 570 Butt 1100 to 1270 860 to 950 660 to 780 128 Max 570 to 580 Table 1: Cask Dimensions and Weights The dimensions (cask length L, cask maximum width B and cask end width E) are shown on the schematic cask in Figure 1. The cask types provided in table 1 are merely examples of different types of casks which are available and which the skilled reader would know about. Other cask types include, but are not limited to: pin, firkin, quarter, rundiet, tierce, kilderkin, barrel, keg, pipe cask, tun, drum, Barrique, gorda, etc. The present invention may be configured to work with any of these cask types and / or any other similar cask type. The cask handling device 10 will now be described with the aid of Figure 2. The cask 1 in the cask handling device 10 is located in the cask handling device 10 in a ‘bilge’ position, that is, the cask 1 is lying on its side. The cask handling device 10 has a frame 20. The frame 20 is sized to receive a cask 1 therein. The frame 20 has a base 30 and a plurality of upright members 40 that extend away from the base 30. In the depicted embodiment of Figure 2 there are four upright members 40. In alternative embodiments there may be more than four upright members 40, for example there may be five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten. The upright members 40 in the depicted embodiment of Figure 2 are located at each corner of the base 30. In alternative embodiments the upright members 40 may be located at other positions on the base 30, for example at a mid-point between the corners. The upright members 40 may be connected to the base 30 by welding, brazing, bolting, or utilising another fixture means. Utilising a bolted or removable fixture means enables easy breakdown of the frame 20 for packing or storage when the device 10 is not in use. The base 30 in this example is square or rectangular. In alternative embodiments the base 30 may be any other shape, such as hexagonal. The base 30 and upright members 40 may be made of tubular sections, for example a circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal tubing or any combination thereof. The base 30 defines an opening 36. The opening 36 may enables a portion of a second cask to pass into the base 30 and therefore the frame 20 from below which will be discussed in more detail with the aid of Figure 4 below which shows two devices 10A, 10B stacked and containing two casks 1A, 1B. Whether a second cask 1 passes through the opening 36 or not may depend upon the cask type, e.g. size. The frame 20 defines the volume 22 into which the cask 1 may be removably stored. In the depicted embodiment in Figure 2 the cask 1 is located at least partially within the frame 20. The device 10 further comprises a plurality of rotational supports 50 which support the cask 1 and enable the cask 1 to rotate within the device 10 around an axis of rotation R. The rotational supports 50 enable the cask 1 to rotate 360 degrees around the axis of rotation R which enables the bung 2 be orientated at different positions depending upon the task which is being undertaken (as will be discussed below). The rotational supports 50 shown in Figure 2 and 3 are two sets of wheels 51,53 which are located on opposite sides of the base 30 and the rotational supports 50 extend into the volume. The first set of two wheels is a first rotational support 51 and the second set of two wheels is a second rotational support 53. The first set of two wheels 51 is located at a first location 32 and the second set of two wheels 53 is located at a second location 34. The first and second locations 32, 34 are spaced apart from each other such that the first and second set of wheels 51,53 are a cask holding distance apart from each other as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3 the cask holding distance D enables both a first cask type, cask 1C, and a second cask type, cask 1D, to be optionally received within the device 10. As can be seen by comparing the maximum widths B1, B2 of both casks 1C and 1D (respectively) the two casks are different sizes. The distance D is smaller than the smaller of the two maximum widths B1, B2 to enable the seating of both cask types. The distance D may be 50% to 95% of the smaller of the two maximum widths, which in the case of Figure 3 is B2. By removably retaining the cask 1C, 1D in such a way the bottom of the cask 1C, 1D (when stored in the bilge position (on its side) is a distance H1, H2 respectively from the opening 36 in the base 30. In alternative embodiments, the first rotational support 51 may not be a pair of wheels, but instead may be a single wheel, a roller, a concave roller, a pair of rollers or a pair of concave rollers. In alternative embodiments, the second rotational support 53 may not be a pair of wheels, but instead may be a single wheel, a roller, a concave roller, a pair of rollers or a pair of concave rollers. Each of the upright members 40 have an attachment point 42, or attachment points 42. The attachment points 42 enable the device 10 to be moved by a materials handling machine (not shown). In the depicted embodiment of Figure 2 the attachment points 42 are fingers which extend away from the upright member 40 in opposite directions. The attachment points 42 are complementary to a hook-grabber of a crane (the materials handling device) which enable the device 10 to be lifted and manipulated around a warehouse. The cask handling devices 10 may be stacked as shown in Figure 4 to form a stack of cask handling devices 150. The stacking of the devices 10 may be one on top of the other as shown in Figure 4 where first cask handling device 10A is seated directly on top of second cask handling device 10B, or the devices 10A, 10B may be offset such that the device 10A is seated partially on device 10B and partially on a third cask handling device (not shown). To facilitate ease of stacking of the devices 10 each device may have a number of stacking features 60, 62. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 each upright member 40 has a male stacking feature 60 located at a distal end of the upright member 40 spaced apart from the base 30. The male stacking feature 60 is configured to removably connect to a female stacking feature 62. This removable connection is shown in Figure 4 whereby the male stacking features 60B of the second cask handling device 10B are connected to the female stacking features 62A of the first cask handing device 10A. The male stacking feature 60 in Figures 2 to 4 is a stud which is sized to be received into the female stacking feature 62 which is a recessed portion or aperture in the upright member 40 or base 30. The stud may fit into the female stacking feature 62 to form a clearance fit to enable the two components to be mated loosely such that they can slide in and out with minimal obstruction. Alternatively, the fit may be a transition fit such as a slip fit or push fit. The stud may have a tapered end or conical end or frustoconical end. A tapered, conical or frustoconical end enables easier alignment of the two devices 10A, 10B. In alternative embodiments, the male stacking feature 60 may be a finger or extension. In alternative embodiments the male stacking features 60 may be located on the base 30 and the female stacking features 62 may be located on the upright members 40. The cask handling device 10 may have an optional rotation stop device (not shown in Figure 2). The rotation stop device is configured to prevent rotation of the cask 1 in the device 10, for example during a disgorging process where fluid is being removed from the cask 1. The rotation stop device may be an actuatable brake connected to one or more of the rotational supports 50 to prevent the rotational supports 50 from turning and therefore preventing the rotation of the cask 1. Such an actuatable brake may have an actuated position, whereby the one or more rotational supports 50 are prevented from turning, and an unactuated position whereby the one or more rotational supports 50 are free to turn. The actuatable brake may be a magnetically actuated brake, whereby when passing over a magnet the brake actuates to prevent rotation of the rotational support 50. In alternative configurations the rotation stop device may be comprise an actuator and abutting portion. The actuator being connected to a part of the frame 20 and configured to move between an actuated position, whereby the abutting portion abuts the cask 1 and the cask 1 is prevented from rotating, and an unactuated position whereby the abutting portion is not abutting the cask 1 and the cask 1 is free to rotate. The cask handling device 10 may have a data source (not shown) which may be a barcode, RFID tag, QR code, or other similar data exchange device or means. The data source may comprises information about the cask handling device 10 for example the tare weight (weight of the device 10 when empty) and / or information about the cask types which are able to be loaded into the cask handling device 10. Another cask handling device 100 will now be described with the aid of Figures 5 and 6. The cask rotation device 100 is substantially similar to the cask handling device 10 described previously. As such, the same features utilise the same reference numerals unless a new reference numeral is provided. The cask rotation device 100 has a frame 120 that has four upright members 40 located at each corner of the base 130. The frame 120 differs from frame 20 in that it further comprises a number of support members 160 and cross members 170. In the depicted embodiment the frame 120 comprises six support members 160 and four cross members 170, however alternative numbers of support members 160 and / or cross members 170 may be utilised without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, there may be two to eight support members 160 and / or two to four cross members 170. In the depicted embodiment two of the support members 160 are disposed on the frame 120 substantially on axis X. Axis X is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R (not shown for reasons of clarity). When a cask 1 is located within the frame 120 in use the two support members 160 disposed substantially on axis X act as stops which reduce the likelihood of a cask 1 passing out through the frame 120 along axis X when the cask 1 is loaded in a bilge position in the frame 120. Likewise, there is a support member 160 located either side of an axis Y on a first side of the frame 120 and also on a second side of the frame 120. Axis Y is substantially perpendicular to axis X as shown in Figure 5. These support members 160 reduce the likelihood of a cask 1 passing through the frame 120 through the first or second side of the frame 120 along the Y-axis in use. The frame 120 further comprises optional cross members 170. The cross members 170 extend between the upright members 40 in a similar fashion as the base 130. The cross members 170 add additional stiffness and rigidity to the structure. The cask handling device 100 further comprises a number of optional box sections 44. The box sections 44 are sized to receive a tine of a forklift truck. Such that the device 100 may be lifted using a materials handling device with tines such as a forklift truck. The box sections 44 are shown connected to the base 130 and a part of an upright member 40 however the box sections 44 may be disposed on the frame 120 in alternative positions, for example they may be located on the cross members 170. The frame 120 has four box sections 44 (two for each tine) however in alternative configurations there may be only a single box section 44 for each tine. Figure 6 is a callout depicting an enlarged view of a rotational support 50. The rotational support 50 is a wheel 54 which is connected to the frame 120 by means of two brackets 52, one either side of the wheel 54. The brackets 52 may be removably bolted to the frame 120 or fixed using other means known in the art (for example welding or brazing). The cask handling device 10 may comprise any additional feature, and / or features of the cask handling device 100. For example, the cask handling device 10 may have box sections 44, cross members 170, support members 160 or any other feature without departing from the scope of the disclosure. A cask loading and unloading system 200 will now be described with the aid of Figures 7, 8 and 9. The cask loading and unloading system 200 is shown in Figure 7 and comprises a cask feed 210, a cask handling device 10 and / or 100 and a pivot mechanism 220. As will be apparent the cask handling device 10, 100 may be any cask handling device according to any of the previously described cask handling devices 10, 100 or embodiments thereof. For the purpose of explaining system 200 the system 200 will be described with the aid of the cask handling device 10. The system 200 enables loading and unloading of casks 1 into the cask handling device 10. The depicted embodiment of Figure 7 shows the cask feed 210 connected to a cask input / output 202. The cask input / output 202 may be a trailer of a heavy goods vehicle or lorry or forklift truck which has been located next to the cask feed 210. In the depicted embodiment the cask feed 210 feeds casks 1 into the system 200 from the cask input / output 202 by means of gravity or powered assistance by a materials handling machine. The cask feed 210 has a slopped surface which a cask 1 is able to roll down as shown in Figure 7. This enables the cask 1 to be fed into the system 200 and thus pivot mechanism with minimal intervention by an operator or manual handling. As will be apparent the cask feed 210 and the depicted embodiment of Figure 7 is showing casks being moved out of the trailer 202 onto the cask feed 210 and into system 200. In other words, casks 1 are being unloaded from the trailer 202 and into the system 200. By rotating the cask feed 210 a cask 1 can be fed out of the system 200 and into the trailer 202 instead. Alternatively, the cask feed 210 may have an actuator which controls the angle of the slope of the cask feed 210 such that it may be configured to direct casks 1 under the action of gravity or powered assistance by a materials handling device selectively from the cask input / output 202 to the system or from the system 200 to the cask input / output 202. The cask feed 210 may optionally have a cask stop to hold a cask 1 in position and prevent it moving forward whilst the cask stop is actuated. When the cask stop is unactuated the cask 1 is able to move forward. Alternatively, the cask stop may enable a cask 1 to roll and move forward in the bilge position only when it is activated, and the unactuated position is where the cask stop abuts the cask 1 to prevent movement. The pivot mechanism 220 is configured to move between a first and second position and removably receive a cask handling device 10 to load or unload a cask 1 into the cask handling device 10. The pivot mechanism 220 has a cradle 222. The cradle 222 is configured to removably receive the cask handling device 10 and cradle the cask handling device 10 as it is translated between a first position to a second position. The pivot mechanism 220 is shown in an exploded view in Figure 8. The pivot mechanism 220 comprises the cradle 222, a moveable arm 226, an optional hand 228 connected to the moveable arm 226 and an actuator 224 configured to pivot the moveable arm 226. Not shown in Figure 8 is the actuator which controls the movement of the cradle 222. Optionally the actuator 224 may control the movement of both the arm 226 and the cradle 222. For reasons of clarity, the actuator 224 is not shown in Figures 9a to 9c. The system 200 and components thereof such as the pivot mechanism 220 and conveyors 230, 240 may be controlled by a controller (not depicted). The controller may comprise: control circuitry; and / or processor circuitry; and / or at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); and / or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA); and / or single or multi-processor architectures; and / or sequential / parallel architectures; and / or at least one programmable logic controllers (PLCs); and / or at least one microprocessor; and / or at least one microcontroller; and / or a central processing unit (CPU), to perform the described methods discussed below. The controller may include an associated memory or the memory may be located locally to the controller or remotely. The memory may be a non-volatile flash memory. The moveable arm 226 is moveable between an unactuated position whereby the moveable arm is stored (Figure 9a) and an actuated position (Figure 9b) for cradling a cask 1 into the cask handling device 10. The moveable arm 226 may be stored within a recessed portion 212 of the cask feed 210 as shown in Figure 8. The pivot mechanism 220 is connected to an empty cask handling device conveyor 230 the conveyor 230 is configured to move empty cask handling devices 10 into or In the first position the pivot device 220 pivots the cask handling device 10 such that an open side (the top side of frame 20) is arranged to receive a cask 1 from the cask feed 210. This position is shown in Figure 9a. In this position the cask 1 is permitted to be received within the cask handling device 10 this marriage of the two components is indicated by the dashed line cask 1 which has moved from a position on the cask feed 210 into the cask handling device 10. The direction of travel T being indicated by the arrow. Subsequently, the actuator 224 actuates the moveable arm 226 to engage the cask 1 and cradle the cask 1 between cradle 222 and the moveable arm 226. In the case of the depicted embodiment of Figures 9a to 9c the optional hand 228 abuts the side of the cask 1. The hand 228 being complementary to the side wall of the cask 1 in the bilge position. In alternatives the arm 226 may not be complementary to the cask 1 but may simply be a planar surface or other suitable abutting surface. Subsequently, the pivot mechanism 220 is rotated to the second position as shown in Figure 9c. In this position the cask 1 is loaded within the cask handling device 10. Once the moveable arm 226 and / or hand 228 are disengaged or at least partially disengaged from the cask 1 the cask handling device 10 is able to move out of the pivot mechanism 220. This movement may be achieved by means of a conveyor, such as a roller conveyor. This conveys the cask handling device 10 containing cask 1 to the loaded cask handling device conveyor 240. Once the cask handling device 10 has moved out from the pivot mechanism 220 the pivot mechanism 220 may reset ready to receive another empty cask handling device 10 for loading with a cask 10 from the cask feed 210. Whilst the example of figure 7 shows the cask handling device 10 arriving in an upright fashion with the upright members 40 pointing upwards in alternative embodiments the cask handling device 10 may be pre-turned sidewards so that they are ready to receive the casks 20 1 before being loaded into the pivot mechanism 220. Subsequently the pivot mechanism is 220 turns the cask handling device 10 as described previously. As will be apparent the pivot mechanism 220 may work with both orientation of cask handling device 10. By loading the cask handling devices 10 in a sideways orientation the speed of loading casks 1 may be increased as the cask handling device 10 is already in a As will be apparent to the skilled reader the above process may be undertaken in reverse in order to unload a cask 1 from a cask handling device. The directional arrows T in Figure 7 indicate that the cask handling devices 10 and conveyors 230, 240 may move in either direction. Optionally the system 200 may comprise an automatic identification and data capture device 250 shown in Figure 10. The automatic identification and data capture device 250 is able to read the data source 6 on the cask 1 and / or a data source on the cask handling device 10. The device 250 may be connected to the controller of system 200 such that data read by the device may be stored in a memory. Storing data read by the device helps to keep track of particular casks 1 and their position within the system 200. The automatic identification and data capture device 250 of the depicted embodiment comprises a number of data readers 252. The data readers 252 may be any known means in the art configured to read the data source 6 on the cask 1 and / or data source on the cask handling device 10. For example: where the data source 6 is a barcode the data reader 252 may be a barcode scanner, where the data source 6 is a QR code the data reader 252 may be a QR code scanner, where the data source 6 is an RFID tag the data reader 252 may be an RFID scanner, etc. Optionally, the automatic identification and capture device 250 may comprise a plurality of data readers 252 of the same type, or a combination of different data readers 252 such that casks with different data sources 6 and / or cask handling devices having different data sources may be read by the same automatic identification and data capture device 250. The data reader(s) 252 may be located on a gantry 254 as shown in Figure 10. The gantry 254 is above a portion of the loaded cask handling device conveyor 240 as shown in Figure 10. As will be apparent the system 200 may comprise a plurality of automatic identification and capture devices 250. Where the system 200 comprises multiple stations where an operation happens to the cask 1 located in the cask handling device 10 an automatic identification and capture device 250 may be located at one or both of the entry and exit of said station. The system 200 may further comprise a number of process stations, for example any one or more of: a cask rotation station, a process check station, a materials handling station, or other such stations. A cask rotation station being a station whereby the cask 1 is rotated within the cask handling device 10 such that the bung 4 is orientated in a particular direction, e.g. upwards or downwards or any point therebetween. A process check station may be a station whereby particular process checks are made such as an alcohol by volume (ABV) check or a tint check (checking the colour of the spirit contained in the cask). A materials handling station may be a station whereby a cask handling device 10 is directed for removal from the loaded cask handling device conveyor 240 by a crane or forklift for storage in a storage area. When the cask handling device 10 containing a cask 1 passes through any one of these stations the automatic identification and capture device 250 may log the position of the cask 1 in the system and record it in the memory of the controller. Similarly, where the cask 1 and cask handling device 10 are removed from the conveyor 240 after passing through an automated identification and capture device 250 the fact that the cask 1 and cask handling device 10 have been removed from the conveyor 240 may be recorded as well as the position the cask 1 and cask handling device 10 have been placed in in the storage area. The system 200 may optionally further comprise a cask sorting system 300. The cask sorting system 300 is shown in Figure 11. The cask sorting system 300 may be connected to the pivot mechanism 220 at the end of the cask feed 210 (as shown in Figure 11) or in the place of a cask feed 210 to enable empty casks 1 to be sorted automatically into two or more exit lines 330, 340. A cask feed 210 may be disposed at the end of each exit line 330, 340 to feed casks 1 into a trailer 202 or cask input / output 202. The cask sorting system 300 may be controllable by the controller. The cask sorting system 300 comprises an output conveyor 310 connected to the output of the pivot mechanism 220. The output conveyor 310 may be a powered conveyor or tracks configured to enable the cask 1 to roll in a bilge position. The cask system 300 has a rotary table 320. The rotary table 320 is connected to the output of the output conveyor 310. The rotary table 320 may be a turntable which allows a cask 1 to be rotated 360 degrees around a rotational axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cask 1. Optionally the turntable may also be configured to rotate 360 degrees around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cask 1 and substantially parallel to the horizontal. Alternatively, instead of a turntable the rotary table 320 may comprise a wheel configured to abut the cask 1 and rotate the cask 1 whilst it is in the bilge position. The cask sorting system 300 may have a vision system 342 configured to inspect the cask 1 for damage. The vision system 342 is connected to the controller. The cask sorting system 300 may optionally have a data reader 350 similar to data reader 252 configured to read a data source 6 on the cask 1. The data reader 252 is connected to the controller. The output of the rotary table 320 is connected to the first exit line 330 and the second exit line 340. The first exit line 330 may comprise casks 1 having a first set of common parameters and the second exit line 340 may comprise casks 1 having a second set of common parameters. The first set of parameters and second set of parameters may comprise any one or more of: number of times cask 1 has been used, type of cask, a cask damage flag, distillery location flag, etc. The casks 1 can then be sorted based on which parameters the casks have 1. For example, for two casks which are the same type, have the same number of times previously used, with no damage flag but from two different distillery locations may be sorted into the first and second exit lines 330, 340 respectively so that casks from a first distillery location are less likely to be sent to a second distillery location. Where a cask damage flag is raised the cask 8 may be fed into an exit line 330, 340 which indicates remedial work may be required on the cask 8 and may need to be manually inspected and / or repaired by a cooper. Where a cask damage flag is raised the cask 1 may be moved into a cask exit line 330, 340 comprising other damaged casks irrespective of other parameters or a specific cask exit line 330, 340 comprising damaged casks from a single distillery. As will be apparent there may be a plurality of exit lines 330, 340 with each exit line 330, 340 comprising a similar casks 1 which fit any sub-set of the above permutations of parameters. The sorted empty casks 1 may remain in the lines 330, 340 until they are ready to be collected for new processes, such as repair by a cooper or being sent back to a distillery for refilling. The cask sorting system 300 may comprise a plurality of second exit lines 340 connected to the output of the rotary table. For example, one line being a line to store casks 1 which have been determined by the controller to require repair, another line being a line to store casks 1 which have reached the end of their usable life. The cask sorting system 300 may optionally comprise a cask labeller 350. The cask labeller 350 may configured to attach a new data source 6 to the cask 1. The new data source 6 may be any previously described data source 6 or a data source 6 which includes new information after a process, such as disgorging (emptying of spirit from the cask 1) has been undertaken on it. For example, the data source 6 may be a visual indicator like a sticker indicating that the cask 1 must be repaired or that it has reached the end of its useful life. Alternatively, the data source 6 may have information written on it that can be read by a data reader to indicate that the cask 1 is in need of repair or that it has reached the end of its useful life or cause a controller to look up the details of the cask 1 obtained by the data source 6 from a memory containing information about the cask itself. With the aid of flow chart 400 in Figure 12 a method 400 of loading a cask 1 into a cask handling device 10 will be discussed. The method 400 comprises providing a cask handling device 10 or 100 as previously described as well as the system 200 according to any previously described embodiment. The method 400 comprises the steps of first at step 410 of loading a cask handling device into the pivot mechanism 220. Subsequently, at step 420 the pivot mechanism 220 and cask handling device 10 is pivoted to the first position. Next at step 430 a cask 1 from the cask feed 210 is loaded into the cask handling device 10. Then at step 440 the pivot mechanism 220 pivots the cask handling device 10 to the second position, at which point the cask handling device 10 containing the cask 1 may then exit the pivot mechanism 220 as described previously. With the aid of flow chart 500 in Figure 13 a method 500 of unloading a cask 1 from a cask handling device 10 will be discussed. The method 500 comprises providing a cask handling device 10 or 100 as previously described as well as the system 200 according to any previously described embodiment. The method 500 comprises the steps of first at step 510 loading a cask handling device 10 containing a cask 1 into the pivot mechanism 220 from the input conveyor 240 in the second position. Subsequently at step 520 the pivot mechanism 220 and cask handling device 10 are pivoted to the first position. Then at step 530 the cask 1 is unloaded from the cask handling device 10 as the cask 1 may be allowed to roll out of the cask handling device 10. An optional method 600 will be described with the aid of Figure 14. The method 600 comprises a number of additional steps and however a number of steps (510, 520, 530) are the same as method 500. As such only the additional steps are provided with new reference numbers. Method 600 further comprises providing a cask sorting machine 300 as described above. The cask sorting machine 300 being provided at an output of the pivot mechanism 220. The method 600 comprises the additional steps of: at step 640 loading the cask 1 after it has been removed from the cask handling device 10 into the cask sorting mechanism. Subsequently at step 650 the cask is sorted. Then at step 660 in dependence upon the result of the sorting the cask is sorted into either the first exit lane 330 or the second exit 340. FEATURE REFERENCE TABLE No. FEATURE B, B1, B2 Maximum Width D Cask Holding Distance E End Width H, H1, H2 Distance Above Opening L Length R Rotational Axis T Direction of Travel X Axis 1 Cask 2 Bung 4 End 6 Data Source 10 Cask Handling Device 10A First Cask Handling Device 10B Second Cask Handling Device 20 Frame 22 Volume 30 Base 32 First Location 34 Second Location 36 Opening 40 Upright Member 42 Attachment Point 44 Box Section 50 Rotational Support 51 First Rotational Support 52 Bracket 53 Second Rotational Support 54 Wheel 60, 60A, 60B Male Stacking Feature 62, 62A, 62B Female Stacking Feature 100 Cask Handling Device 150 Stack of Cask Handling Devices 160 Support Member 170 Cross Member 200 Cask Loading and Unloading System 26 202 Trailer, Cask Input 210 Cask Feed 212 Recessed Portion 220 Pivot Mechanism 222 Cradle 224 Actuator 226 Moveable Arm 228 Hand 230 Unloaded Cask Handling Device Conveyor 240 Loaded Cask Handling Device Conveyor 250 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Device 252 Data Reader 254 Gantry 300 Cask Sorting System 310 Output Conveyor 320 Rotary Table 330 First Exit Une 332 Cask Reuse Storage Area 340 Second Exit Line 342 Vision System 350 Cask Labeller 400 Flowchart 410 Step 420 Step 430 Step 440 Step

Claims

1. A cask handling device comprising:a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, anda plurality of rotational supports supported by the frame, and wherein the rotational supports are configured to permit rotation of a cask received in the frame around a rotational axis.

2. The cask handling device of claim 1, wherein a first rotational support of the plurality of rotational supports is connected to the base at a first location and the first rotational support extends into the volume.

3. The cask handling device of claim 2, wherein a second rotational support of the plurality of rotational supports is connected to the base at a second location spaced apart from the first location and the second rotational support extends into the volume.

4. The cask handling device of claim 3, wherein the first and second rotational supports are laterally spaced across the rotational axis by a cask holding distance,wherein the cask holding distance is smaller than a diameter at a first point along a longitudinal axis of a first cask type and a diameter of at a first point along a longitudinal axis of a second cask type such that the cask handling device is configured to optionally receive both the first cask type and the second cask type.

5. The cask handling device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second locations are on opposite sides of the base.

6. The cask handling device of claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein:the first rotational support is any one of: a roller, a concave roller, a wheel, a pair of wheels; andthe second rotational support is any one of: a roller, a concave roller, a wheel, a pair of wheels.

7. The cask handling device of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein base has an opening sized to receive a portion of a second cask, and preferably the first and second rotational supports are arranged to retain the cask a distance above the opening.

8. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of upright members comprise an attachment point configured for removable connection to a materials handling machine; preferably wherein each of the plurality of upright members comprise an attachment point configured for removable connection to a materials handling machine; and more preferably wherein the attachment point is located at a distal end of the upright member spaced apart from the base.

9. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises at least one box section connected to one or both of the base and at least one of the plurality of upright members, the box section being configured for receipt of a tine of a materials handling device; and preferably wherein the frame further comprises two to four box sections.

10. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein the frame is configured to be removably connected to a second cask handling device; preferably wherein the frame is configured to be removably connected to a top and / or bottom of the second cask handling device.

11. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein:each upright member comprises a male stacking feature at distal end or a proximal end of the upright member configured to removably connect to a complementary female stacking feature of a second cask handling device; orthe base comprises a plurality of male stacking features configured to removably connect to a complementary female stacking feature of a second cask handling device.

12. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein:each upright member comprises a female stacking feature at a proximal end or a distal end of the upright member configured to removably connect to a complementary male stacking feature of a second cask handling device; orthe base comprises a plurality of female stacking features configured to removably connect to a complementary male stacking feature of a second cask handling device.

13. The cask handling device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a rotation stop device, the rotation stop device being configured to prevent rotation of a cask in a brake position and to permit rotation of a cask in a brake-off position.

14. A stack of cask handling devices comprising two or more cask handling devices according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A cask loading and unloading system comprising: a cask feed,a cask handling device having a frame, the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, anda pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between:a first position whereby a cask is permitted to enter the cask handling device from the cask feed or is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed, and a second position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cask handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. The system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a motor or an actuator for moving the pivot mechanism between the first and second positions.

18. The system of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a moveable arm, the moveable arm moveable between an unactuated position whereby the moveable arm is stored and an actuated position for cradling a cask into the cask handling device; and preferably wherein in the unactuated position the moveable arm is stored in a recessed portion of the cask feed.

19. The system of any of claims 15 to 18, further comprising an unloaded cask handling device conveyor and a loaded cask handling device conveyor.

20. The system of any of claims 15 to 19, further comprising an automatic identification and data capture device configured to read a data source on one or both of: a cask and a cask handling device.

21. The system of any of claims 15 to 20 further comprising a controller configured to control the pivot mechanism.

22. The system of any of claims 15 to 20 further comprising a cask sorting system controllable by the controller and two or more exit lines, wherein the cask sorting system is configured to sort casks into one exit line of the two or more exit lines.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first exit line comprises casks having a first set of parameters and the second exit line comprises casks having a second set of parameters.

24. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the cask sorting system comprises an output conveyor and a rotary table, the output conveyor is connected to an output of the pivot mechanism and an input of the rotary table, and wherein the rotary table having a first output connected to the first exit and a second output connected to the second exit line.

25. A method of loading a cask comprising:providing:a cask feed having a cask,a cask handling device having a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein, anda pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between:a first position whereby a cask is permitted to enter the cask handling device from the cask feed or is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed, anda second position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device; and the steps of:loading a cask handling device into the pivot mechanism, loading a cask from the cask feed into the cask handling device, and pivoting the cask handling device to the second position.

26. A method of unloading a cask comprising:providing:a cask handling device having a frame comprising: a base and a plurality of upright members extending away from the base, and the frame defining a volume for removably receiving at least a portion of a cask therein,an input conveyor for conveying the cask handling device, anda pivot mechanism configured to removably receive the cask handling device and pivot the cask handling device, wherein the pivot mechanism is moveable between:a first position whereby a cask is loaded in the cask handling device, anda second position whereby a cask is permitted to exit the cask handling device to the cask feed; andthe steps of:loading a cask handling device containing a cask into the pivot mechanism from the input conveyor in the first position,pivoting the pivot mechanism and cask handling device to the second position,unloading the cask from the cask handling device.

27. The method of claim 26 further comprising:providing:a cask sorting mechanism connected to an output of the pivot mechanism,a first exit lane connected to a first output of the cask sorting mechanism and a second exit lane connected to a second output of the cask sorting mechanism; andthe steps of:loading the unloaded cask into the cask sorting mechanism,sorting the cask, andoutputting the sorted cask to either the first exit lane or the second exit lane.Application No: GB2413177.3Examiner:Mr David J EvansClaims searched: 1-14Date of search: 19 February 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-14 CN 209554077 U (SHAOGUAN HUASHIINNOVATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR MODERN AGRICULTURE) see whole brief translated description and figures 1 &3 especially. X 1-14 US 4024621 A (MOLSON CO LTD) whole document of interest, especially see figures 3 &4. X 1-14 EP 1582480 Bl (SAGARTE SA) especially refer to paragraphs [0010]-[0014] &[0024]-[0031] and figure 1. X 1-14 CN 207090252 U (PENGLAI CITY WOLIN COOPERAGE CO. LTD) refer to figure 1 and whole brief translated description. Y 1-14 US 7641059 B2 (LUIS GRACIA SIST) see figures 4 &5. Y 1-14 ES 2680268 Bl (SAGARTE SA) see figures 1-3.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Ofncewww.gov.uk / ipoInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B65G 0001 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0001 / 02 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0001 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0001 / 06 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0001 / 14 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0045 / 24 01 / 01 / 2006 B65G 0047 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Ofncewww.gov.uk / ipo

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