Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for storage and retrieval of thin trays and sheets

US4619575A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
19References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 1985
Grant dateOct 28, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 28, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G1/0435
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for selectively storing a thin tray or sheet in an elongate storage location, and retrieving trays therefrom, includes a tray extractor and a transport assembly. The tray extractor comprises a tray engagement mechanism and a tray linear movement actuator. The tray engagement mechanism operates as a hand to selectively grip or release trays which are being handled by the apparatus. The tray linear movement actuator acts as an arm to position the tray engagement mechanism and, when operated, to move an engaged tray. The tray linear movement actuator comprises a linear movement link and pulley arrangement which moves an engaged tray along a linear path of motion, and which maintains the tray engagement mechanism in a selected orientation with respect to that path of movement. The tray engagement mechanism comprises an X-shaped scissors mechanism having a plurality of jaws thereon. Scissors motion of the mechanism opens and closes the pairs of jaw members to selectively engage or disengage a tray. In the preferred embodiment, the trays comprise rectangular sheets of corrugated material having alternating troughs and rises extending generally parallel to the longer sides, a…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.