Static Means For Supporting Load Or Workman Adjacent Conveyor For Operation On Load Patents (Class 198/346)
  • Patent number: 11053079
    Abstract: In an aspect, a mounting bracket for use with an automotive conveyor system is provided. A base portion has a set of apertures, the first set of apertures being elongated along a first direction, each of the set of apertures being dimensioned to receive a fastener for fastening the base portion to a trench wall. A cross-member coupler is coupled to the base portion and securable to a cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: STEPHENSON TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Bartholomew John Boelryk, Robert Roy Stephenson
  • Patent number: 10160561
    Abstract: Provided is a relay device capable of moving objects to be conveyed from a conveying section of a continuous conveying system to a conveying section of an intermittent conveying system in various modes. The relay device includes: a first conveying section that conveys the objects to be conveyed, continuously in a forward direction in a first direction; a second conveying section that transfers a plurality of assembly sections intermittently in the forward direction in the first direction; a relay conveying section provided between the first conveying section and the second conveying section; and a relay driving section that moves the relay conveying section in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kakue Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 10022752
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a package sorting system has a sorting module that has a sorting station, an infeed conveyor, and first and second pairs of outfeed conveyors. The sorting station has a front end, a rear end, and first and second sides. The infeed conveyor conveys packages from an infeed end to the front end along a rearward direction. The first pair has first and second outfeed conveyors that adjoin the first side and that convey packages away from one another along the rearward and frontward directions, respectively. The second pair has third and fourth outfeed conveyors that adjoin the second side and that convey packages away from one another along the rearward and frontward directions, respectively. In operation, a person or machine at the sorting station receives incoming packages from the infeed conveyor and selectively places each package on one of the first, second, third, and fourth outfeed conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Rothermel, Sumit Bhangdiya, Mark Bosley, Daniel Jeffry Frank, Christopher Frederic Lobo, Chad Zagar
  • Patent number: 9688478
    Abstract: A conveyor unit which can be displaced for conveying vehicle bodies and which includes a bogie assembly and a coupling device which is connected to the bogie assembly and which is configured such that it interacts with the base areas of the vehicle body which are upwardly orientated to the roof. Also a conveyor system having at least one conveyor unit of such type and a plant for machining vehicle bodies. Vehicle bodies are conveyed by a conveyor system between and/or in machining stations, said plant also including such a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: EISENMANN SE
    Inventor: Joerg Robbin
  • Patent number: 9493202
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overhead conveying device (01) for integration in an assembly plant for transporting vehicle components, having a supporting framework (03) and at least one conveying device, wherein the supporting framework (03) has a length of more than 5 m and a width of more than 2 m and comprises longitudinally and/or transversely oriented and/or diagonal interconnected supporting beam elements (04, 05, 07), wherein the conveying device is mounted on the supporting framework (03) and can implement transport of vehicle components, wherein the supporting framework (03) has bearing means (08.5, 08.6) for bearing the overhead conveying device (01) in the assembly plant, wherein the supporting framework (03) is designed to be self-supporting and can be transported in preassembled form from the place of manufacture to the place of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Torsten Hösker
  • Patent number: 9022199
    Abstract: A machining module includes a molding system, a painting system and a transporting system. The transporting system is positioned between the molding system and the painting system. The transporting system automatically transports a plurality of blank members produced by the molding system to the painting system. The transporting system defines a detecting station for detecting the blank members and an assembly station for assembling the detected blank members to the painting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Wei Hong, Chien-Ming Chang
  • Publication number: 20150107777
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transporting or delivering elastomeric emitters and inserting elastomeric emitters into drip line are disclosed herein, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for manufacturing drip line to form an irrigation assembly or system. In one form, the apparatus comprises a feeder, conveyor, emitter drive mechanism and guide bar for insertion into an extruder to bond the elastomeric emitter to an inner surface of the extruded tube. Friction reducing apparatus and methods are further disclosed as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Berj Zakarian, Raymond P. Feith, Mark Richard Edris, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 8776981
    Abstract: A static temporary storage device for motor vehicle body parts, the device has a stationary frame; at least two stationary parallel rails that are mounted horizontally or in a slightly angled manner on the frame, each rail being capable of supporting a bearing fitted onto the rail so as to be longitudinally movable on the rail; at least one carriage having bearing fitted onto the rail, the carriage being dimensioned so as to rest on both rails by means of the support; A device or means for suspending a body part from the carriage; each carriage extending longitudinally relative to the rails over a length that is shorter than the longitudinal extent of a body part when in its suspended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Yves Gardelle, Pierre Marcellier, Xavier Ottemer
  • Patent number: 8713899
    Abstract: A goods-to-person picking station and method of picking goods from a product container and placing the goods in at least one order container includes a product container-handling mechanism and at least one order container-handling mechanism juxtaposed with the product container-handling mechanism. The product container-handling mechanism supplies a product container to a pick area. The at least one order container-handling mechanism supplies at least one order container to the pick area. In this manner, an operator can pick goods from a product container at the pick area and place the goods selectively to the at least one order container at the pick area. The product container-handling mechanism includes a product container elevator assembly and a product container extractor assembly. The elevator assembly elevates a product container from the feed area to the pick area. The extractor assembly transfers a product container from the pick area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Philipp J. Hortig, Matthew A. Steenwyk, Aaron J. Hayden, Raffaele Destro, Beat Losenegger
  • Patent number: 8607961
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a locating device for holding a puck in a locating position in a conveyer system, comprising a base portion, a rail section, and a rotating disc rotatable supported in the base portion and having a puck recess, where the locating device comprises a locating position between the puck recess of the rotating disc and a positioning means in the rail section, and that the locating device comprises resilient means adapted to hold a puck in the locating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Patent number: 8459439
    Abstract: A device for driving, dipping and turning bodyworks of motor vehicles, vans, truck cabs and metal article vessels, into processing basin, and for withdrawing the above elements from the processing basins, comprises a slidable framework, which can slide on sliding rails, supporting a pair of arms bearing, at free end portions thereof, a swinging shaft adapted to bear a supporting skid for supporting a bodywork, the sliding framework comprising at least a winch driving a drum, for winding a rope coupled to a respective arm at the swinging shaft, the slidable framework further comprises at least a rack, therealong an end portion of the respective arms coupled to framework slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Geico S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Guerra
  • Patent number: 8408386
    Abstract: A catwalk and conveyor support system adapted to be disassembled and including one or more raised sections each having a catwalk with a walkway and guard rails, and conveyor supports. Each of the conveyor supports have a vertical and a horizontal section, wherein the vertical section is adjustably connected to the catwalk and the horizontal section vertically adjusts with respect to the catwalk via the vertical section. The conveyor supports are arranged in a linear manner and are independently adjustable relative each other and relative the catwalk. Multiple raised sections may be used and are generally connected in a serial manner between storage receptacles. One or more conveyors for transporting the granular material between storage receptacles are supported upon the horizontal sections of the conveyor supports, wherein an angular disposition of the conveyors relative the catwalk is adjusted via vertical adjustment of one or more of the conveyor supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Claire M. Rauser
  • Patent number: 8356705
    Abstract: An improved handling device for driving, immersing/removing and rotating motor vehicle, truck cabin, van and metal article vessel bodyworks into/from processing basins is characterized in that said device comprises a sliding frame designed for sliding on sliding rails, driven by one or two driving chains, and supporting a pair of arms bearing, at their free end portion, a swinging platform, in turn adapted to bear a skid for supporting a bodywork, the sliding frame comprising one or two winch assemblies driving respective pulleys thereon are entrained ropes, belts, chains or the like, and being associated with a respective arm at a swinging shaft, said sliding frame comprising moreover two rack assemblies, therealong slide respective end portions of the arms coupled to the frame, said swinging platform being driven by a chain driving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Geico S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Guerra
  • Patent number: 8132660
    Abstract: Provided is a system for handling a semiconductor module, the system may include a rotor, a rotational driving device, at least one insertion portion, and at least one extraction portion. The rotor may be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis. The rotational driving device may be configured to rotate the rotor. The at least one insertion portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to insert a semiconductor module into a socket. The at least one extraction portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to extract the semiconductor module from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul-jun Park, Yong-soo Shin, Jae-woong Hwang, Jin-gi Kim
  • Publication number: 20110226584
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a locating device for holding a puck in a locating position in a conveyer system, comprising a base portion, a rail section, and a rotating disc rotatable supported in the base portion and having a puck recess, where the locating device comprises a locating position between the puck recess of the rotating disc and a positioning means in the rail section, and that the locating device comprises resilient means adapted to hold a puck in the locating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Patent number: 7845483
    Abstract: A conveying operation method and device that can continue an operation on a workpiece to prevent reduction in production efficiency in conveying a workpiece and performing an operation on the workpiece even if conveyance of the workpiece is stopped during the operation on the workpiece. The workpiece is conveyed by a workpiece conveying device, a movable stand is moved in synchronization with the workpiece conveying device in operation areas along a conveying path, and an operation is performed on the workpiece by an operation device provided on the movable stand. When movement of the workpiece conveying device is stopped, the movable stand stops in synchronization with the workpiece conveying device to continue the operation on the workpiece and complete one cycle operation. When non-normal operation is performed on the workpiece, the workpiece is retracted to a position different from the conveying path while being supported by the movable stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumio Noguchi, Hideya Yamamuro, Mitsugu Takahashi, Masakazu Adachi
  • Patent number: 7721870
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus by which finished products or semifinished products, after being processed in a production facility (11), are dischargeable from a processing station of the relevant production facility for removal or other kind of transfer. The discharge apparatus is essentially composed of a work platform (1) and a run-off surface (2) formed on this platform, wherein the work platform (1) is held in an elevated frame (4) of the discharge apparatus, or outer frame enclosing at least parts of a pit. Discharge of the finished products or semifinished products is effected by their movement over the run-off surface (2), the movement being assisted by conveying means (5) disposed on the work platform (1). According to the invention, the work platform (1) is rotatable without changing its position within the outer frame (4) relative to a horizontal axis (1) by 180° between two operating positions, and is lockable in these positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Henze
  • Patent number: 7654379
    Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark C. Boberg, Mark P. Proulx, Hugh R. Schlosstein, C. Warren Turner, Gaye Turner, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7428957
    Abstract: An order picking station (30) to which storage containers (34) can be transported via a storage container conveyor line (36) and from which order containers (40), into which articles (38a, 38b) from the storage containers (34) are picked by an order picking person (32), can be transported away via an order container conveyor line (52), the order picking station (30) having a buffer (44) for a plurality of order containers (40) which are to be picked, and wherein the order containers (40) can be stored into the buffer (44) and/or removed from the buffer (44) by means of a shuttle (46) (FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peen GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7422096
    Abstract: A conveyor for transporting materials or people from a first location to a second location has an elongated boom having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a conveyor mechanism such as an endless belt, chain, or ladder that is operably attached to the elongated boom; and a plank platform operably attached to the boom adjacent to the bottom surface of the boom, wherein the platform is selectively pivotable from the boom and capable of providing a walking surface for the person unloading the conveyor. The platform may additionally or alternatively be at least partially extendible from one end of the elongated boom. The conveyor may be operably attached to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony J. Crookston
  • Patent number: 7219786
    Abstract: An operator position adjustable production line assembly includes a main unit having a product path and an interior including a product cavity. An operable top is attached to the main unit with a plurality of support posts enabling equal or near equal access to the interior and product cavity from either side and the ends of the main unit. Optional side covers are selectively movable to increase product cavity and interior height of the main unit. A pair of control stations are provided, one on each side of the main unit, to enable operation from either side or both sides. An optional view screen is rotatably attached to the main unit to permit viewing from either of the control stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Eric Sari
  • Patent number: 7059464
    Abstract: A manufacturing system that includes a plurality of worktables detachably combined with each other, each of the worktables further includes a mainframe, a transport part provided in an upper part of the mainframe and transporting a product, and a control part provided in the mainframe and controlling the transporting speed of the transport part. The manufacturing system is readily changeable in its arrangement responding to changes in the amount of production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ku-nam Cho, Hyoung-sik Shin
  • Patent number: 7007790
    Abstract: A load transfer platform adapted for attachment to a lift has a pair of laterally extending roller conveyor which are space in a front to rear direction thereby providing a pathway there between for a workman loading and unloading merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: James D. Brannon
  • Patent number: 6840367
    Abstract: A material handling and manufacturing system which includes separate temporary storage facilities so that loaded trailers may be dropped off without an extended waiting time. The manufacturing method utilizes plural entry ports at various points along an assembly line to reduce in-house storage and handling of materials. A subcombination material handling tray is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Richard R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6827021
    Abstract: A specimen conveying system according to the present invention selectively supplies specimens, which are carried in by a specimen carry-in line having conveyor-belt type conveying lane, to a plurality of specimen processing lines each having a conveyor-belt type conveying lane which perform respective specific processes for the specimens. The supply of the specimens to the specimen processing lines is performed using a motor vehicle whose running is controlled by running control means including means for transmitting a command given from a host computer. The configuration of the whole system is simplified to lower the costs, and an operating passage, which crosses the conveying line, is secured to improve the efficiency of the entire specimen processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 6812308
    Abstract: Initiator systems of the present invention include both a complexed initiator and a carboxylic acid decomplexer. For example, dicarboxylic acid decomplexer, carboxylic acid ester decomplexers, and monocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferably those comprising an alkyl group having at least nine carbon atoms for low odor compositions) are useful in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Deviny, Dean M. Moren
  • Publication number: 20030146066
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing articles from a continuous manufacturing line without interrupting the line comprising a pair of conveyor portions arranged in substantially parallel alignment, each having means for transporting an article along the manufacturing line and being mounted on a frame, the frame being reversibly transportable between a first and second position in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of an article on the manufacturing line, said first and second positions corresponding with a conveyor portion being in alignment with the continuous manufacturing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Ashton Industrial Sales Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Richard Ashton
  • Publication number: 20030138312
    Abstract: A depalletizer includes an input assembly for supporting a loaded pallet loaded with at least one product, a lift assembly, and a product take-away assembly. The input assembly presents the loaded pallet to the lift assembly, which moves the loaded pallet to a product unloading elevation. The product take-away assembly is positioned for receiving a product from the pallet at the unloading elevation. The depalletizer assembly also includes a pallet take-away assembly. After the product is unloaded from the pallet, the lift assembly moves the unloaded pallet to a pallet discharge elevation, where the pallet take-away assembly is positioned to receive an unloaded pallet from the lift assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael B. Watson, Troy E. Coolbaugh, Thomas B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030057056
    Abstract: An articulating cabinet support assembly for a moving conveyor system includes a base assembly, fixed to the conveyor, and a movable support arm. A cabinet traveling down an assembly line is arranged on the support arm as the cabinet proceeds through various assembly stations. The support arm can articulate relative to the base assembly from a home, normally horizontal position to a position angled with respect to the direction of travel in order to enhance assembly procedures. An adjustable arm assembly including a cam roller and roller guide structure are provided to establish the home position and to counterbalance the weight of the cabinet. A tilt stop mechanism is employ to enable adjustments in the degree of pivoting of the support arm and provisions are made to automatically reposition the cabinet in the home position following various assembly stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: David Beversdorf, Dale L. Brooks, Bob Dodge, Donald D. Dowell, Dennis Easley, David Fawer, Wayne Glisan, Michael E. Groff, Edwin C. Hunter, William H. Mast, Richard J. Miller, Deborah A. Morse, Frances Piester, James E. Rounds, Joe R. Torrance
  • Patent number: 6193047
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying objects to a seated human operator, including a powered conveyor with slippable rollers that is part of a workstation area for the operator. The conveyor is compact enough that a human operator can sit adjacent to it with the operator's legs underneath the moving surface path and perform work on objects being conveyed along the surface path. Also there is a compact driving mechanism for driving the roller shafts. The roller driving and support assemblies are of low vertical height and clear the operator's legs while at the same time maintaining the top surface of the driving and support assemblies and surface path at a comfortable height for the operator's arms. The driving and support assemblies, rollers and roller shafts, and various driving elements provide protection for the human operator. A product stop assembly is also included that stops an object being conveyed along the surface path so that it can be worked on by the human operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Shuttleworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brumm, Robert E. Liner, Christopher L. Cramer, Brent R. Howard
  • Patent number: 6073336
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lacing stator coil windings and leads is provided. Lacing of the stator coil windings and leads is performed during an automated process which occurs while the stator is situated on a pallet which is moved by a conveyer belt through a manufacturing facility. The pallet includes an inner ring and an outer ring rotatably disposed therein. The inner ring supports the stator and allows the stator to be rotated during lacing. The outer ring is rotated at the same rotational speed and direction as the inner ring and includes a plurality of clips for releasably securing leads of the stator. The pallet further includes a lead lift assembly which is movable in a substantially vertical direction. Upon introduction of the pallet to a lacing station in the manufacturing facility, a vertical positioning device engages the lead lift assembly from beneath the pallet and raises the assembly to a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Hobart DeHart
  • Patent number: 5819904
    Abstract: A production line has a plurality of processing stations which includes both manual and automatic processing stations. A workpiece conveying system combined with the production line has a base, a pair of side plates mounted on the base, a plurality of spaced roller shafts rotatably supported on the side plates, a plurality of rollers mounted on the roller shafts for conveying workpieces thereon, and a drive mechanism for rotating the roller shafts to rotate the rollers. In the manual processing station, the rollers are rigidly fixed to the roller shafts for conveying workpieces at fixed intervals. In the automatic processing station, the rollers are held in frictionally rotatable engagement with the roller shafts for rotation in unison with the roller shafts. When resistive forces greater than a given level are applied to the rollers, the roller shafts rotate idly thereby adjusting intervals between workpieces in the automatic processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kanji Tominaga, Toshio Ando
  • Patent number: 5730579
    Abstract: A load forming apparatus is described for forming a load comprised of layers of bundles, in which first and second conveyors are configured to deliver individual first bundles of load components to individual respective first and second transfer stations. A load former operatively joins the conveyor transfer stations. A transfer device adjacent the transfer stations is alternatively operable to (a) move the first bundles from the first transfer station to the load former to form a load comprised of first bundles; (b) move the second bundles from the second transfer station to the load former to form a load comprised of second bundles; or (c) alternate moving the first and second bundles from the first and second transfer stations to the load former to form a load comprised of first and second bundles. A load former feed system is also described in which the bundle transfer station and bundle transfer device are selectively separable to form a manual operator station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Thermoguard Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua N. Keck, Steve Corrales
  • Patent number: 5325953
    Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: John Doster, Jimmy Barnett, Joe W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5263591
    Abstract: A controllable refuse recycling system includes a conveyor for conveying refuse. The refuse is carried past a plurality of operating personnel who extract recyclable materials from the refuse, and deposit the extracted materials into separate deposit chutes. At least one deposit chute is situated directly in front of each operator so that the deposit chute is located on the conveyor itself, or on the other side of the conveyor from the operator. The system is also controllable, and includes a control deck for monitoring and controlling the operation of the system. In one embodiment, the operation of the refuse recycling system is modified depending upon the species of refuse which is introduced into the system, so that the system operates in a first mode when commercial refuse is received, and in a second mode when residential refuse is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Taormina Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Taormina, Vincent C. Taormina
  • Patent number: 5205417
    Abstract: A sanitary trash recycling apparatus includes a pit for receiving unsorted refuse, a electromagnetic device for removing ferrous materials and stations for permitting manual sorting of recyclable materials. The stations for manually sorting materials includes a device for moving the material to be sorted out toward the sorting operators as it moves through the station. A plurality of chutes are provided for each one of a number of recyclable products and bins are provided for receiving the sorted materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: John T. Herren
  • Patent number: 5126027
    Abstract: A thin film forming method includes the steps of preheating a plurality of base plates placed at a first position, sequentially picking up the base plates one by one and positioning a picked-up base plate at a second position, heating the picked-up base plate at the second position so that a temperature of the picked-up base plate becomes approximately equal to a predetermined temperature, moving the picked-up base plate from the second position to a third position, and growing a thin film on a surface of the picked-up base plate at the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Hideo Kudo, Shigeru Tani, Yasushi Tamaki, Genichi Ishida, Shoji Ishida, Seigo Toyofuku, Fumio Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 4909697
    Abstract: An automated work station which may be used when needed in conjunction with two vertical temporary holding conveyors makes use of a tiltable table and associated transition table for each conveyor. One tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive empty boxes, one at a time, from its vertical conveyor. The other tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive box units in which have been stored supply quantities of the different material items from which the operator selects specified quantities of items and places those items in the empty box units until an order is filled. The tiltable tables each have a tilted position for the operator's convenience while the boxes are being unloaded and loaded. When a box unit is to leave the tiltable table, the table is again tilted to a second and lower horizontal position from which the box unit is moved to a second lower horizontal level of the transition table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Computer Aided Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clay Bernard, II, Robert D. Lichti
  • Patent number: 4802567
    Abstract: In a plate processing machine such as punch press provided with a workpiece moving/positioning device (49) including a carriage base (53) movable in the longitudinal Y-axis) direction of the machine and a carriage (69) movable in the lateral (X-axis) direction of the machine, a carriage drive unit of an X-axis motor (79) and a reduction gear (77) for moving the carriage is disposed near a middle portion of the carriage base to balance the workpiece moving/positioning device, so that workpiece processing precision can be improved. Further, the width of a caterpillar table (82) fixed to the carriage base between two movable tables (81) also fixed to the carriage base is reduced to prevent vibration of the caterpillar table, so that scratches under the surface of a workpiece can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hidekatsu Ikeda, Hidetoshi Miyama, Yoshihiko Kashiwabara
  • Patent number: 4703558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling products of various raw materials and components, mainly for so-called light industry. Raw materials and components are transported on standard-size pallets, by means of conveyor robots, all through the system from storages to packing stations wherefrom assembled products are shipped. The system preferable includes a number of production preparation stations for serving a plurality of subsequent intermediate handling stations each of which serves an assembly line with a plurality of work stations pairwise on opposite sides of respective assembly line conveyor robots. Display terminals are provided for communication between the different kinds of stations, as well as control means for operating the conveyor robots. Even a fully automated production is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Inventor: Matti Makinen
  • Patent number: 4646915
    Abstract: An apparatus moving a workpiece onto and off of a working station without stopping the conveying line or the conveying carrier. A loading carrier lifts the workpiece off the conveying carrier at a receiving station and transfers it to a jig table over the conveying line. After the operation at the working station is completed, an unloading carrier takes the workpiece off the jig table to a delivering position where it is set upon the empty conveying carrier which in the meantime had passed under the jig table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keizaburo Ohtaki, Ryo Niikawa
  • Patent number: 4544318
    Abstract: A manufacturing system in which the automatic control of the system and the automatic control of a process management are organically coupled, thereby to sharply reduce the number of workers to be engaged in the manufacture. In order to establish both the versatility necessary for multiple type of treatment and the high efficiency necessary for large-quantity treatments, the arrangement of respective treatment sections is made the job-shop-type, and the construction of treating devices themselves included in the treatment sections is made the flow-shop-type, to achieve the consecutive automation. In order to also automate the management of the process, a stocker in which unfinished products are put is situated in a specified place of the system such as the central part thereof, while the process is put forward in such a manner that a conveyor machine controlled by a control unit having a computer reciprocates between the stocker and the groups of treatment sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Nagatomo, Hisashi Maejima, Jun Suzuki, Keishin Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 4527685
    Abstract: A robot assembly station is provided for use with a programmable distribution system which includes a moving belt for transferring articles between various locations. The assembly station comprises various functional elements which engage and further position articles being received from the moving belt securing the articles in a final work position in a relatively rigid, accurately aligned configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Raymond Production Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William C. Welder
  • Patent number: 4511024
    Abstract: Modular units including foldable panels are (22, 23) mounted on either side of a central divider, such as a conveyor surface (12) mounted on a frame (13). The modular units provide multiple work stations (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) on either side of the central divider. The units are joined together to form a conveyor line for sequenced handling of various items in the work stations. The conveyor system is particularly adapted for materials handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 4508209
    Abstract: An accessory attachment for a conveyor has one or more straps mounted on the accessory which can be seated in openings in the side rail of the conveyor. Openings are provided at suitable intervals to permit accessory relocation along the conveyor. The lower end of the strap is inclined to form a cam finger to pull the accessory tightly against the conveyor to form a stop against further downward movement when the top of the strap engages under the wall forming the upper end of the opening in the conveyor rail to prevent unintentional upward movement. The strap has sufficient resilience to permit it to be flexed when it is desired to detach the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Whitman
  • Patent number: 4474283
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking features, particularly linear dimensions, of mechanical pieces being transported by a conveyor, comprising a slide supporting a gauging device adapted to check the subsequent pieces and cam devices for actuating the slide and the gauging device. The actuating devices are coupled to the slide in such a way that the slide performs a reciprocating motion including a forward stroke, during which a piece is checked, and a return stroke for rendering possible the checking of the subsequent piece. The checking of each piece is carried out during a portion of the forward stroke of the slide, while the slide moves in synchronism with the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Finike Italiana Marposs S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Solaroli
  • Patent number: 4396107
    Abstract: A device for transporting flexible workpieces comprises one or more carrying brackets for holding the flexible workpieces having a substantially horizontal receiving rod for receiving the workpieces and a clamping lever movably mounted to the receiving rod having a spring connected thereto for biasing the clamping lever into a closed position to hold the workpieces. The clamping lever has an end portion which extends downwardly beyond the receiving rod so that when the carrying bracket is placed on a holding apparatus which has a support surface, the free end of the clamping lever causes the clamping lever to move into an open position, releasing the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: Pfaff Industriemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Stanislaw Krawczyk, Jerzy Nowak, Tadeusz Pawlowski, Jerzy Nowak
  • Patent number: 4382500
    Abstract: In a production line for producing color picture tubes, a conveyor system for conveying panels P and masks M between a shadow mask demounting or mounting apparatus 6, 7 and a processing apparatus 2 having downwardly directed panel carrier head 4 and upwardly directed mask table 5. The system 8, 9 includes a mask transfer device 13 and a panel transfer device 30 movably carried by upper rail devices 11, 12, and a panel traverser 41 carried by a lower rail device 40. The convey of the mask is performed solely by the mask transfer device 13, while the panel is conveyed by the panel transfer device 30 and the panel traverser 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Oyama, Takashi Ohta
  • Patent number: 4373406
    Abstract: A machine tool has a pallet transfer system comprising a rotary deck having a pair of pallets oppositely disposed about a vertical rotary transfer axis, wherein at the transfer position, the pallets are further movable along a horizontal linear transfer axis toward and away from the pallet transfer system. A vertical guard plate is affixed to the rotatable section or deck of the transfer system, and the plane of the guard plate passes through the rotary transfer axis at an oblique angle to the linear transfer axis. The rotatable guard plate interacts with an elastomeric seal at the interface of a guard opening in a stationary guard assembly on a machine tool to substantially confine coolant overspray and the like within the machine guard enclosure. By passing obliquely across the linear transfer axes of the pair of parallel pallets, substantially full access of a stationary pallet lying outside the machine guard enclosure may be had.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz W. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 4280301
    Abstract: A material handling system is provided having particular application in grey iron foundries. In general, the system provides a continuous flow of work from the time castings are removed from their molds until the castings are ready for shipping. In particular, the system includes an environmentally acceptable grinding room work station in the form of a totally enclosed work area. Means for feeding material into and from the work station include a first plurality of gravity feed input chutes operatively coupled to a conveyor system on the input side of the work station, and a second plurality of gravity feed output chutes leading to another area on the output side of the work station. The conveyor system is designed to carry the castings from shake-out to the enclosed work area. Scrap is separated from the molded parts prior to their entrance into the work area and rejected parts continue along past the gravity feed input chutes to an accumulation storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: St. Louis Conveyor Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Herzog, Larry Thomas