Accurate positioning of solid components for a robotic pickup
US4633584A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53261
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Several embodiments of a method and apparatus for accurately positioning solid components for a robotic pickup mechanism having a floating gripper head, are described. In a first arrangement, connectors are transported along a guide track, with linear arrays of solid projections depending from each connector received in slots formed in the track. Conveyance of the connector is completed when a leading projection contacts an accurately positioned stop wall located in one of the projection receiving slots. An alignment bar, generally coextensive with the linear array of solid projections, presses the projections against a track wall communicating with the slot. In a second arrangement, a gauge block is elevated to receive the solid projections of the connector, and is thereafter translated to a final loading position adjacent a robotic pickup mechanism. In a third embodiment, a shuttle mechanism for use with a gauge block is disclosed. The shuttle mechanism includes latching arms for retaining the connector against the upper movement of the gauge block, the latch arms being pivotable to clear the top surface of the connector, allowing presentation of the connector to a component pick…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.