Lowerator having an actuator capable of combined latch actuation and carrier movement
US6419071B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23P2700/50
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a work piece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a work piece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, wherein the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the work piece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.