Apparatus and method for sensing and holding an item
US5471445A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B17/228
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automated storage and retrieval system includes an accessor device to magnetically hold a stored item while the item is transported within the system. To sense the presence of a magnetically attractable label on the item, the device generates a pulsed signal having a first strength. The reluctance of the magnetic field is compared with a base value; if the comparison indicates that a label is present, the device generates another pulsed signal having a greater strength to "lock" the item against the accessor. The device then generates another pulsed signal having a reduced strength to maintain and hold the item against the accessor during transportation. Less power is used and, therefore, less heat generated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.