Method for automated handling of materials such as automotive parts and system utilizing same
US4773523A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/60
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for the automated loading of parts wherein multiple gantry robots are utilized to pick up automotive parts from movable transfer beds and placed into predetermined positions in containers which are serially indexed through the work envelopes of the robots until the containers are full. In the disclosed embodiment, the method and system are utilized for racking automotive parts after they exit a sheet metal stamping machine. Preferably, empty containers are automatically delivered to a container queue such as by an automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) at an unloading station adjacent the robots. Thereafter each AGV is moved to a loading station to receive and retain thereon containers loaded with parts by the gantry robots.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.