Parts supply drawer system for robot assisted manufacturing
US9351569B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23P21/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for storing and presenting parts to a robot for automated tending of various manufacturing processes. The method and apparatus allow for an operator, human or other tending robot, to open and place parts into a series of vertically stacked drawers within an enclosure. On the opposing side of the enclosure is the production side where a robot opens an individual drawer and while the drawer is open, successively picks out parts for use in the manufacturing processes as it is programmed to do. The part may or may not be placed back into the drawer based on the part manufacturing process. The robot then closes the drawer and successively cycles through the drawers, opening them on the production side and once the parts have been processed, closing them. The operator then successively opens each drawer, removes any processed parts, if placed back into the drawer as dictated by the part manufacturing process, refills the drawer with new parts and then closes it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.