System and method for calibrating an automated materials handling system
US7921690B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J9/1692
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of calibrating positions within a materials handling system, wherein the materials handling system includes multiple stations for carrying out tasks and a carrier that is movable between the multiple stations, includes the steps of: providing calibration points at a plurality of the multiple stations; moving the carrier to at least some of the calibration points; contacting the calibration points; recording the locations of the calibration points; and determining locations of key components of the stations based on the locations of the calibration points. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting the calibration points with a calibration tool, which may include: a cylindrical body; a groove in the cylindrical body sized and configured to receive jaws from the carrier; and a cylindrical upper flange positioned on an upper end of the cylindrical body. In this configuration, the tool can be gripped by the carrier and employed to perform a variety of calibration functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.