Robotic carousel workstation
US7013198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0425
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A storage and retrieval apparatus including a robotic device capable of gripping items stored in the apparatus and delivering the item to a separate, proximate instrument. The items to be stored are loaded from the outside of the apparatus at each face of the hexagonal or octagonal shaped storage carousel. The storage carousel, which can be manually rotated, is mounted on a stationary base, both structures including a hollow core. The robotic device includes slider bars within the core of the apparatus and is rotatable about the central axis of the apparatus. The robotic device is capable of translating vertically, telescoping horizontally, rotating and gripping an item stored at a desired location within the storage carousel. Upon retrieval of a desired item, the robotic device will proceed to retract and translate downward to an aperture within the base. The item is transferred to an adjacent instrument through the aperture using the telescopic arm of the robotic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.