Patent · US Expired

Variable motion system and method

US6876896B1 · kind B1 · utility

93Cited by
99References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 26, 2000
Grant dateApr 5, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 26, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65B51/306
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for performing a manufacturing operation at a predetermined position relative to a first path. The system includes a plurality of first elements mounted for movement relative to the first path. The first elements have a plurality of motion parameters which are independently controllable. Active elements are operatively associated with reactive elements to produce relative movement between the first elements and the first path, with the active elements controlling the relative movement. A controller controls the activation of the active elements and a first tool is associated with each first element for performing at least part of the manufacturing operation. The system may also include at least one second element and a second path. The method includes the steps of mounting a plurality of first carriages for movement relative to a first path, operatively associating a plurality of active elements with at least one reactive element to produce relative movement between the first carriages and the path, associating a first tool with each first carriage for performing at least part of the manufacturing process, and controlling the activatio…

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