Load storage apparatus
US7003375B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/14
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The object of the present invention is to provide a load storage apparatus that can automatically and efficiently adjust the distances for which its transferrer moves loads to transfer them. The apparatus may include a rotary rack, fixed racks and a transferrer. Each of the racks may include shelves. The transferrer includes a carrier for transferring cassettes by moving relative to the shelves. The carrier can be fitted with a unit including a photoelectric switch for detecting ends of the shelves. The apparatus measures the distance for which the carrier moves from a reference position toward each of the shelves until the photoelectric switch of the unit on the carrier is activated. The measurement enables the apparatus to learn the distance for which the carrier moves to the position where a cassette can be transferred onto and from each of the shelves. Consequently, it is possible to transfer the cassettes without hindrance even if the cassette-positioning pins of the shelves shift slightly out of position. Additionally, prior to operation of the apparatus, an operator does not need to adjust the distances for which the carrier moves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.