Sorting, swapping, and organizing objects on transfer ball grids
US9205996B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C2301/0008
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An approach is provided to sort objects on a surface of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules that are controlled by processors. A request to sort the plurality of objects in a horizontal direction is received with each of the objects is assigned a sort position. Sets of the vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are selected. The vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are arranged in a grid formation on the surface, with each of the sets of selected transfer modules being underneath a different object. The sets of selected transfer modules are vertically adjusted causing each of the objects to move independently from the other objects while avoiding the other objects in two or more dimensions formed on the surface. The result of the movement is that each of the objects is moved to a position respective of the other objects according to each object's respective sort position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.