Article joining control method
US6808058B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/681
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
On a main line (2), when an empty space (cutting-out space s) equal to or greater than a predetermined length is detected between lots of articles (1) or between articles (1) being conveyed, this detected empty space is reserved for an article arrival line (3) on which articles (1) are stored. When this empty space approaches a junction with the article arrival line (3) for which the empty space is reserved, articles (1) corresponding to the length of the reserved empty space are cut out from this article arrival line (3) to the main line (2). This method allows it to reduce empty spaces in which articles (1) are not conveyed on the main line (2), increase the joining efficiency, reduce the frequency of storage of articles (1) on the article arrival line (3), and reduce the waiting time for loading articles (1) to the article arrival line (3), thereby increasing the efficiency of the loading of articles (1).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.