Conveying apparatus
US5927464A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q7/1436
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveying apparatus, particular for use in conveying large products such as engines around a production line, comprises a pallet which is driven with respect to a pair of guide rails. Power supply rails are provided on guide rails and power is drawn from these as the pallet moves to continuously power the pallet without requiring any on board power supply. Coding means are provided at particular spaced locations with respect to the rails and means are provided on the underside of the pallet to detect the code and so signals to a control unit which identifies the location of the pallet or acts upon the code to move the pallet in a particular predetermined manner. An electronic tag is uniquely associated with a product to be carried by the pallet and data from this is downloaded to the pallet where it can be subsequently downloaded to a work station as the pallet passed the work station to instruct the work station as to the operation to be performed on the product. Bi-directional communication may be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.