Tube handling machine and method
US9815107B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0276
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An illustrative example tube handling machine includes a lifter configured to receive a plurality of tubes when at least a portion of the lifter is at a first position. The lifter is configured to lift the plurality of tubes to a second, higher vertical position. A plurality of cells are respectively configured for at least temporarily holding the plurality of tubes. A first one of the cells is situated to receive the plurality of tubes from the lifter at the second vertical position. The cells are situated relative to each other such that the plurality of tubes can be sequentially transferred among the cells from the first one of the cells to a last one of the cells that releases the plurality of tubes to a delivery location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.