Method of independently controlling motion of movers along a path

US10717606B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Clifford Theodore Papsdorf · Loveland, US
• Jason Lee DeBruler · Sharonville, US
• Stephen Douglas Congleton · Loveland, US
• Mark Neil Howdyshell · Mason, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 29, 2018
• Grant date: Jul 21, 2020
• Expiry date: May 29, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05B2219/2621
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.