Pallet system
US6606784B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53548
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pallet system 10 for use in a manufacturing process. The pallet system includes several pallets 14 which are adapted to receive and support a portion of a product, such as a vehicle underbody 12. The system 10 uses simplified pallets 14 having externally actuated clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68. A docking station 16 receives the pallets 14 and includes a pair of robots 24, 26 which detect the proper positioning of the underbody 12 upon the pallet 14 and externally activate the clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68 thereby securing the underbody 12 to the pallet 14. A controller 82 is communicatively connected to the robots 24, 26 and activates a conveyor assembly 20 which transports the pallet 14 to manufacturing stations 21 once the underbody 12 is properly secured to the pallet 14.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.