Asymmetric article handling and orientation
US9073695B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0261
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An asymmetric article-carrying puck is driven by a linear star conveyor through an angular rotation orienting section to orient the pucks and articles therein irrespective of random initial orientation. In one embodiment, an upper puck plate carries the article while a separated lower puck plate defines a rotational orienting circular gear rack with a rotation-stopping bridge, separating ends of the rack and inclined from a base of one end tooth in the rack to a crest of another end tooth in the rack. The lower puck plate can be a combination of two circular plates with the circular gear rack interposed therebetween and within the periphery of the circular plates. Pucks can be accumulated in mutual engaged positions and separated by the linear star into preselected pitch while transported and turned. Integral pucks can be used. The structural details and methods are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.