Feeder and method for feeding components into an assembly line
US10179705B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for presenting isolated components to an assembly line over a plurality of cycles includes a container configured to direct components towards a central axis. An elongated pedestal within the container has ribs which define an upper surface and a plurality of channels. The pedestal is reciprocally mounted to move along the central axis, and isolates components during each cycle. The isolated components are transferred to an assembly line. The number of isolated components of each cycle is measured and the value stored. A threshold value is calculated based on a number of stored values. A running average of the quantity of isolated components for a number of cycles can then be compared to the threshold to determine when to refill the component container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.