Robotic feeding system
US6481560B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/041
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A parts feeder for an automated robotic selection system has a hopper with an integral hopper conveyor for transporting parts to a chute integral with a frame. A feed conveyor transports parts from the chute to a tilting pan which alternately dumps parts received from the feed conveyor to first and second return conveyors. The first and second return conveyors alternately move the parts into the operating range of a robotic arm whereupon the robotic arm selects and picks a part to be reoriented as desired. Parts not picked by the robotic arm are recycled back to the chute where they will be thereafter transported by the feed conveyor to the parts pan. A parts sensor is provided to detect the quantity of parts held within the chute to determine if more parts need to be supplied from the hopper to the parts feeder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.