Workpiece storage system
US4316535A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1980 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/57
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For use in a work processing line for workpieces, a workpiece storage system including a topologically closed loop track means having downwardly sloping surfaces coupled with elevators and lowerators in the loop, and work holding, gravity-operated pallets to run on said tracks having track engaging wheels equipped with retarding means responsive to wheel angular velocity and utilizing wheels of different diameters on the track depending on the loaded or unloaded condition of the pallets to control the speed of the pallets. Auxiliary track means, pallet loaders and unloaders, and switching mechanisms are incorporated in the system with elevators and lowerators to allow the storage system to function between multiple work processing lines, between single and multiple lines or between multiple and single lines to increase the flexibility of a work processing activity and reduce downtime.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.