Programmable load forming system, components thereof, and methods of use
US8000837B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/2057
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one aspect, a programmable load forming system is programmed to perform the method of downloading a calculated path from the computer to the robot controller, moving one or more bundles along the calculated path to position the one or more bundles in a predetermined stacking position of a stacking pattern using the robot, and determining if the robot has completed moving along the calculated path. The calculated path is defined, in part, by the stacking pattern and other parameters such as, for example, bundle geometry, bundle levelness, bundle compressibility, among other parameters. In another aspect, the system is programmed to perform a method of sensing the top of a bundle and controllably placing a bundle. Additional aspects are directed to systems and methods of safely operating the robot and an inventive hopper design for holding bottom/tie sheets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.