Vacuum table conveying apparatus and associated methods
US6216848A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/1916
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum table conveying apparatus and associated methods are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a frame, a vacuum chamber positioned to extend along an upper portion of the frame, a vacuum source positioned in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to apply a low vacuum with a high volume of air to the vacuum chamber, and at least one vacuum belt overlying the vacuum chamber. The at least one vacuum belt preferably has a plurality of openings extending through upper and lower surfaces thereof so that vacuum from the vacuum chamber extends through the plurality of openings and applies to articles mounted on the upper surface of the at least one vacuum belt. A method of conveying articles preferably includes providing a low vacuum and high volume air source in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, positioning at least one conveyor belt having a plurality of openings extending therethrough to overlie the vacuum chamber and in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and positioning a plurality of articles on the at least one conveying belt to be held in position by the vacuum applied through the plurality of openings from the vacuum chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.