Patent · US Expired

Cantilevered, self-adjusting pneumatic pallet positioner

US6537017B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
15References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 9, 2001
Grant dateMar 25, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S414/104
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a flat, low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted laterally for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. A pneumatic bellows and an air reservoir in the base are adapted to raise and provide self-leveling to the platform. Two hydraulic cylinders provide dampening and a stabilizing effect. The flow of hydraulic fluid in the cylinders is used to control the motion of the carrier. A braking system under the platform prevents its rotation at ground level.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.