Computer controlled conveyor system
US4766547A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L23/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A computer-controlled overhead conveyor system is provided wherein all conveyor vehicles substantially continually communicate with a control system to be routed through the track network. The track is conceptually divided into zones each identified by an optically read marker; and the vehicles include scanners for reading the markers as the vehicles traverse the track. The marker information is communicated to the control system which controls track switches and vehicle velocities to prevent collisions and to direct the vehicles to desired destinations. Preferably, each vehicle includes a circuit for indicating the weight of the load transported thereby; and the control system calculates running totals of material weight moved--for example by material type or by track station. Further preferably, the control system controls the acceleration/deceleration of each vehicle in a manner dependent on the material type and weight to effect the maximum vehicle speeds while preventing damage to vehicle loads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.