System for selectively storing and reintroducing parts into an industrial assembly line
US6516935B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G65/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for temporarily storing and subsequently reintroducing parts into an industrial assembly line is disclosed having a first and second side-by-side conveyor, each having a first end. A robot manipulator is positioned adjacent both the assembly line and the first ends of the conveyors and the manipulator is configured to selectively engage and release the parts. The system includes a plurality of containers wherein each container is adapted to receive a plurality of parts within the container. A first alignment rail is positioned adjacent one corner of the first conveyor while a second alignment rail is positioned a corner of the second conveyor. An actuator is associated with each alignment rail so that, upon activation of the actuator to its extended position, the actuator engages a container at the first end of its associated conveyor and moves the container against the alignment rail thus positioning the container at a predetermined position relative to the conveyor. A controller selectively controls the actuation and direction of movement of both conveyors, the actuation of the robot manipulator as well as the activation of the actuators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.