Device Includes Push-pull Mechanism Patents (Class 414/280)
  • Patent number: 5002449
    Abstract: Inner pickers (6) are provided for respective stages of racks (4) of storage areas (2, 3) to be movable on rails (7). Operations of the inner pickers (6) are independently controlled in the respective rack stages by optical communication through optical communication units (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Itoki Kosakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kita, Shigeki Tsuchida, Tetsuji Hamada
  • Patent number: 5003417
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette transport/accessor assembly is actuated by a sprocket driven, belt drive system. First and second belt drives drive the transport/accessor assembly in horizontal and vertical directions and are tensioned by spring dampener assemblies. Each spring dampener assembly dampens rough and jerky movements and effects smooth and gentle acceleration and deceleration of the transport/accessor assembly. Each spring dampener assembly also provides compensation for belt drive wear, belt stretching and differential thermal expansion and contraction of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Datatape Incorporated
    Inventor: Frederic F. Grant
  • Patent number: 4998857
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage structure for yarn bobbins and it comprises a plurality of storage units having support devices of the bobbin. Such storage units are distributed in a plurality of stationary deposit equipments. The storage units contained within each stationary deposit equipment are movable along an annular path. The stationary deposit equipments are vertically superimposed in groups. The groups of deposits are arranged in lateral, side-by-side relationship, thus defining a vertical surface of loading and a vertical surface of unloading, which are accessible from devices of loading and unloading, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Snia Fibre SpA
    Inventors: Luciano Paravella, Luigi Figini
  • Patent number: 4995498
    Abstract: A hiring and vending slot-machine, in particular for video cassettes, has a cupboard-like housing, two superimposed storage compartments arranged within the housing for the boxes containing the video cassettes, a computer-controlled cassette transporting device that can move vertically and horizontally between both compartments, receive and transport the cassette boxes to and from a determined storage container or input/output shaft in the housing. Reading means read the cassette identification codes and an operating field is provided outside the housing for selecting the desired cassette, requesting or delivering cassette: The operating field has an input keyboard and a display. A cassette transporting carriage (46) can move horizontally or vertically along horizontal or vertical guide-ways in the housing (10) and be shifted into the vertical or horizontal direction within the horizontal or vertical guide-ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: NSM Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhlem Menke
  • Patent number: 4984106
    Abstract: An automated magnetic tape cartridge library system includes a cabinet (24) having a door (26) removably and pivotally connected thereto. The cabinet (24) houses a plurality of tape drives (56A-56E) and a plurality of racks (70) wherein magnetic tape cartridges are stored. A cartridge transport assembly (100) serves to retrieve a cartridge from a rack (70) and to load the cartridge into a target tape drive (56), and vice versa. Movement of the cartridge transport assembly (100) along X, Y and Z rectangular coordinate axes is effected by X, Y, and Z displacement systems (104, 106, 108). The cartridge transport assembly (100) and the X, Y and Z displacement systems (104, 106, 108) are all mounted on the removable, pivotal door (26). The cartridge transport assembly (100) includes a pair of engagement fingers (402A, 402B) which engage a selected cartridge upon contact with the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Exabyte Corporation
    Inventors: Zoltan L. Herger, Vladimir Nejezchleb
  • Patent number: 4984107
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette transport/accessor assembly for use in a system including magnetic tape cassette storage and magnetic tape cassette record/reproduce apparatus. The cassette transport/accessor assembly transports cassettes between locations in the system in a gentle and reliable manner. The magnetic tape cassette transport/accessor assembly includes upper and lower carriages having spring-biased, V-grooved wheels, which travel on spaced, parallel, upper and lower V-shaped horizontal rails located at the top and bottom of the cassette storage and record/reproduce apparatus. An accessor platform travels on two vertical rails rigidly mounted on the upper and lower carriages. The accessor platform supports two accessor assemblies which travel laterally on lead screws to effect insertion and extraction of magnetic tape cassettes. The transport/accessor assembly is lightweight since no actuating motors or motor supports are mounted on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Datatape Incorporated
    Inventors: Ionel Mondocea, John P. Grant, Frederic F. Grant
  • Patent number: 4984108
    Abstract: In a magnetic tape cassette storage and magnetic tape cassette record/reproduce system, disclosed is an accessor which inserts or extracts a cassette from a storage location or a record/reproduce device. The accessor includes a cassette gripper assembly which handles different sizes of cassettes. Lateral motion of the accessor (a) actuates the gripper assembly to grip and ungrip a cassette and (b) effects locking and unlocking of the gripper assembly. A pair of accessors are mounted on an accessor platform so that one accessor can insert a cassette while the other accessor extracts a cassette, either at the same location (record/reproduce device) or at different locations (storage compartments).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Datatape Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic F. Grant, John P. Grant
  • Patent number: 4981409
    Abstract: A catridge changer for carrying a cartridge to a utilization position and returning it to its initial position after the utilization thereof has a cartridge containing chamber for containing a number of cartridges therein, a hand member for gripping a selected cartridge, a hand moving device for moving the hand member gripping the selected cartridge to the cartridge containing chamber and the utilization position to carry the cartridge, and a correcting device for correcting the posture of the cartridge gripped by the hand member to a regular posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Hirose, Noboru Kohmura, Shigeru Sugita, Tadashi Sato
  • Patent number: 4958976
    Abstract: Device for the storage, insertion, and removal of containers in and, respectively, from a secured space, with racks (14) exhibiting storage sites (16) for the containers, arranged in tiers in superposition. The containers are retained in the racks (14) by respectively one detent spring (35). During transporting of the racks (14), the detent springs (35) are locked by locking elements (44), and the containers are thereby secured in the racks (14). The unlocking of the containers takes place automatically, only after complete introduction of the racks (14) into the secured space, by an unlocking element (65) that is moved into a lock (47) by a bar (67) abutting against a stop (73).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Ascom Autelca AG.
    Inventor: Ernst Haueter
  • Patent number: 4943199
    Abstract: Machine tool apparatus utilizes a tool magazine provided with first plurality of horizontally extending parallel separate compartments disposed vertically one above the other. A plurality of elongated tool units are disposed in the compartments, each compartment containing a like number of units, the units in each compartment being disposed in spaced side by side position across the width of the compartment. Each unit in any compartment is vertically aligned with the correspondingly positioned units in all other compartments. Displaceable, first mechanisms coupled to each unit enable each unit to be separately moveable back and forth along the length of its compartment to either extend the unit out of its compartment into position for subsequent transfer or to retract the corresponding unit back into its compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Starrfrasmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Hillen
  • Patent number: 4941800
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus for carrying a semiconductor wafer into a wafer cassette comprising an arm to load a semiconductor wafer thereon, a moving mechanism to move the arm to a wafer cassette, a chucking device to have a wafer attracted to the arm, and an auxiliary mechanism to push a wafer and adjust the position of the wafer to the inlet of a wafer cassette when the wafer comes into contact with the side wall of the wafer cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hisashi Koike, Itaru Takao, Masaki Narushima, Kiyoshi Takekoshi
  • Patent number: 4932828
    Abstract: An automatic article feeding system which includes a conveyor for conveying pallets each of which contains an article or articles such as parts to be assembled and has a mark indicating the kind of article or articles contained therein, having a feeder for feeding each of the conveyed pallets into one of the shelves of the stocker according to empty shelf information supplied by an information processing unit; a memory for storing the address of the shelf in which the pallet has been stocked and further storing information of the kinds of articles on the pallet; a searcher for searching the memory according to the instruction received from the automatic assembling machine to detect the existence or non-existence of the article required by the automatic assembling machine and, if in existence, detect the address of the shelf in which the required article is stocked; a system for withdrawing the pallet from the stocker according to such detection; a feeder for feeding the pallet to a position for supplying the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Katae, Yusaku Azuma
  • Patent number: 4932827
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging elastic rolls in a supercalender has a platform which is movable up and down between the frame of a supercalender and a magazine for spare rolls. The platform supports two cracks with horizontally movable guides for two supports which can engage the end portions of an elastic roll from below before the guides and the supports are moved horizontally to transfer the roll from the supercalender, across the platform and into the magazine. In order to temporarily detach guide rolls which are installed in front of elastic rolls, the platform further supports two tracks for jaw-shaped supports for the end portions of a guide roll which is transferred into the apparatus and remains in the apparatus at a level above the tracks for the supports which transfer elastic rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Kleinewefers GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Schlunke, Dieter Junk, Hartmut Wilke
  • Patent number: 4929140
    Abstract: The invention is a loader for loading containers such as large, heavy bottles of bottled-water from a conveyor, into a rack. It comprises a transfer table spaced from the conveyor and generally coplanar therewith. The table includes pairs of upstanding support arms having spacing corresponding to the spacing of the shelves of the rack. Guides are disposed intermediate the conveyor and the table and are adapted to guide the containers in diverging paths from the conveyor into the spaces on the table between the upstanding support arms respectively. Cylinders are provided for moving the containers laterally from the conveyor along the guides and into the spaces. The table is pivotally supported at one end and there is a large cylinder to swing it about the pivot to a vertical position wherein the support arms are horizontal and the containers rest on them. The arms are aligned with the shelves of the rack. Further cylinders are provided to drive the containers from the support arms into the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 4912575
    Abstract: An automatic changing apparatus includes a storage section wherein a number of optical disk cassettes are stored, a disk drive apparatus, and a transfer frame for transferring the disk cassette between the storage section and the disk drive apparatus. The transfer frame has first and second holding frames for respectively holding the disk cassette. The transfer frame inserts the disk cassette into the storage section or the disk drive apparatus, or removes it therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masao Shiosaki
  • Patent number: 4911281
    Abstract: A workpiece subdivided into a plurality of pieces ordered in closely juxtaposed rows is deposited on a stripping tray at an upstream end of a longitudinal path with the rows extending generally perpendicular to the direction and then an upstream edge of the tray carrying the subdivided workpiece is positioned above an upper surface of one of a plurality of distributing units spaced longitudinally along the path and a stripping bar vertically closely juxtaposed with the tray and extending transversely across the tray immediately downstream of the subdivided workpiece is shifted into engagement with the leading edge of the subdivided workpiece on the tray to slide the trailing row of pieces off the tray onto the surface positioned thereunder. The tray is then displaced downstream and stopped with its trailing edge above each of the other distributing units thereon and the deposition step is repeated to deposit on each of the units a respective row of the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Erwin Jenkner
  • Patent number: 4903815
    Abstract: An article gripper is moved by a robotic transporter in two perpendicular directions within a transport plane between a reference location and ID code reading locations aligned with an access port and storage cells of storage assemblies mounted in doors closing a transport compartment of an automatic vending machine. The gripper is also moved by the robotic transporter in a direction intersecting the transport plane to insert or withdraw articles carried by the gripper after displacement by incremental amounts from the aligned reading locations to gripping or releasing positions. The foregoing movements of the gripper as well as other related operations are under programmed control of a computer and inputted data from a keypad and card reader to perform merchandising transactions with respect to manufactured articles stored in the doors of the machine as well as to accommodate servicing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: I.V.D.M. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gidoon Hirschfeld, Abraham Shotland
  • Patent number: 4887953
    Abstract: The installation comprises an endless circulating shelf plant which is divided into a plurality of individual endless bucket belts having run returning stations with horizontal run returning axis in a common plane. A shelf serving apparatus is located in front of this plane and can access every location of the shelves of the individual endless bucket belts which arrive in the mentioned plane. Due to the combination of the endless circulating shelves and the shelf serving apparatus the access time is substantially optimized by the installation which also utilizes the available space to its best.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: System Schultheis AG
    Inventor: Bruno A. Greub
  • Patent number: 4878798
    Abstract: A handling apparatus for handling boxes stored in shelving compartments of storage shelving systems comprises a main body structure (11) which is adapted to be carried by a lifting device (12) and which is adjustable positionally thereby to a given level to be in registration with a respective shelf compartment (35). The body structure incorporates a plate-like support table (17) for supporting boxes (23), and a box dogging device (20) for dogging the boxes between the support table and respective shelf compartments. The box dogging device includes a vacuum device (21) which includes a plurality of suction cups (22) and which is movable along both the body structure and the support table. The dogging device and the support table are connected together so that the support table will move together with the dogging device during the initial and the final part of the movement of the dogging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: BT Industries AB
    Inventor: Lennart Johansson
  • Patent number: 4861223
    Abstract: A load push-pull slipsheet handler is disclosed having automatic features adapting it particularly for use with driverless, automatically-guided vehicles. These features include proximity sensors which sense the distance between the slipsheet handler and a vertically-oriented external surface so as to deposit a load in a predetermined relationship to the surface either on the floor or atop another load. Load contact sensors also are provided for enabling the device to gauge the distance to a load to be picked up so as to control the approach thereto. Further sensors sense the transversely-opposite extremities of a load prior to engagement, and transversely center the push-pull assembly relative to the load. Other features include a system associated with the slipsheet clamp for sensing the presence or absence of a slipsheet tab prior to clamping, and means for permanently deforming the tab to facilitate subsequent regrasping after the load has been deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Olson
  • Patent number: 4858743
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of automatically vending merchandise to a patron, with the apparatus including display devices and input devices for interaction with the patron. At least one motor is provided for providing vertical and horizontal movement to an elevator which accesses the stored merchandise from respective column positions within the machine. The elevator is then returned to a NEUTRAL position and the merchandise is dumped or dispensed to the patron. The system can provide RENTAL, PURCHASE or RETURN of merchandise procedures along with various other functions related to vending operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: DataVend, Inc.
    Inventors: T. G. Paraskevakos, J. P. Paris
  • Patent number: 4856956
    Abstract: An extraction and transfer mechanism for modular containers in an automated storage and retrieval system of the type having a storage matrix of modular containers and a stacker crane with a vertically movable platform. The extraction and transfer mechanism is carried on the platform and when positioned adjacent a selected modular container, is arranged to extract the container from a first selected storage location laterally onto the platform, and to transfer the container in either lateral direction into a second selected empty storage location. The preferred embodiment uses a pair of continuous loop friction belt and collapsible hook assemblies, which both grasp and hook the sides of handleless modular containers for extraction and transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Supac Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Zur
  • Patent number: 4846619
    Abstract: A robotic materials handling system for storing and handling box-like articles such as videocassettes includes a storage area containing a plurality of columns of storage bins, a vertical support shaft located adjacent the storage area and a manipulator assembly carried on the shaft. The manipulator assembly includes a plurality of gripper mechanisms which may be positioned adjacent desired storage bins. The system includes computer control circuitry for controlling the operation of the manipulator assembly and gripper mechanism to transport articles between desired locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Odetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Crabtree, Robert G. Fairchild, Charles Lindquist
  • Patent number: 4846627
    Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Douglas O. Steuart
  • Patent number: 4844679
    Abstract: A disk file apparatus including a transfer member disposed at the upper side of a shelf for accommodating a multiplicity of cartridges each receiving a disk both sides of which are able to be subjected to recording and reproducing, each cartridge having a forward extending groove formed in the rear portion thereof. The transfer member has lever means which is arranged such that, when a cartridge having the same rating as that of said cartridges is inserted into the transfer member, the lever means detects whether or not there is a groove which is formed in the rear portion of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunichi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 4836621
    Abstract: A disk file apparatus is provided with a plurality of storage compartments disposed in a vertical column for receiving a cartridge therein. A transfer member adapted to receive a single cartridge is mounted for horizontal movement within a housing surrounding the entire apparatus for movement between a position above the storage compartments in alignment therewith and a position disposed adjacent an access opening whereby a cartridge may be removed from or placed in the transfer device. Doors are provided for closing the access opening and are opened automatically by the transfer member. A carrier having cartridge gripping device is mounted for vertical movement along the plurality of storage compartments and the transfer member for transferring cartridges between the transfer member and a respective storage compartment and between a respective storage compartment and a coding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunichi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 4832203
    Abstract: A tag having a tag body and a suspension tape is attached to a baggage. The baggage is conveyed by a conveyor. During the conveying the tag is caught by a catcher. A carrier is provided for gripping the tag caught by the catcher. The carrier is driven by a motor to carry the baggage. A loader is provided for loading the carried baggage in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignees: Shiroh Shirakawa, Hideaki Nozawa
    Inventor: Hideaki Nozawa
  • Patent number: 4824311
    Abstract: A system to assemble a large number of component parts that are located in various positions and brought together to an assembly position. The system contemplates an intermediate station located adjacent to the assembly position to which a supply of components are brought prior to being moved to the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce L. Mims
  • Patent number: 4815921
    Abstract: The invention relates to article containment apparatus which is adapted to store articles such as vials on shelves disposed at different elevations by placing them on the successive shelves. In a known article containment apparatus including an elevating mechanism which drives a plurality of shelves, disposed at different elevations for stowing articles thereon, up and down, and a conveyor for conveying articles to a shelf disposed at a given elevation, the invention is characterized by the provision of a plurality of infeeders disposed between the shelf and the conveyor. The infeeders are operated in an alternate fashion so that while one of the infeeders is operating to store articles from the conveyor, another infeeder conveys the stored article thereon onto the shelf. In this manner, there is no need to interrupt the supply of articles by the conveyor during the time the articles are conveyed onto the shelf, thus improving the efficiency of stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Yamamoto, Kazutoyo Itoh, Kazuo Kishimoto, Wakio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4812102
    Abstract: A machine for transporting tote pans to and from storage compartments arranged longitudinally in vertical rows along an aisle includes a vertically movable carriage provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending tote pan supporting guides which are transversely shiftable between centered and tote pan transfer positions. Associated with the guides is a pair of endless chains, each arranged in a horizontal orbit extending below one of the guides around the sides and ends thereof and carrying a pair of equidistantly spaced pins projecting above the support level of the guide, the pins on one chain being aligned longitudinally with the pins on the other chain. The chains are driven simultaneously in opposite directions on a storage or retrieval cycle synchronously with a cam which shifts the support assembly transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Harry E. Smith, William E. Riedner
  • Patent number: 4808058
    Abstract: The invention provides conveying apparatus consisting of a framework adapted to stand beside a vehicle and having a floor in substantial alignment with a battery support bed of the vehicle. Longitudinal track devices extend parallel to the floor on the framework and spaced from the floor to receive the battery between the floor and the track devices. A transport mechanism has drive devices coupled to the track devices for operation to move the transport mechanism longitudinally along the track devices and a coupling assembly is attached to the transport mechanism for movement with the transport mechanism and includes an upwardly biased connector adapted to releasably engage the battery so that on operation of the transport mechanism the battery may be loaded onto or unloaded from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventors: Wayne D. Carney, Wayne D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 4800645
    Abstract: The mechanical machining center is associated with a magazine for the tools in which the tools are collected in two horizontal rows superposed on vertical frames (pallets) transportable by means of a rotatable handling device from the magazine to a position in which an exchange arm withdraws the tools and brings them to the spindle of the working head. The magazine is composed of a fixed structure with a variable number of modules disposed in the form of a fan around the rotatable handling device and in which the pallets complete with tools are accommodated. The pallets may be transported manually or with the aid of wire-guided trolleys from a central magazine to each module. The handling device comprises a rotatable carousel structure on which two cage-like frames for supporting the pallets are pivoted in diametrically opposed position.Normally, one of the two frames is in a loading position, while the other frame is in an exchange position close to the exchanger arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: OCN-PPL S.p.A.
    Inventors: Felice Limongelli, Favareto Marcello
  • Patent number: 4789295
    Abstract: An article manipulator for use with an industrial robot includes an upper frame adapted for fastening to the industrial robot and a lower frame coupled to the upper frame. A pair of lifting members operable for lifting an article are connected to the lower frame. At least one vacuum cup is coupled to the frame and is restrained to move in a plane substantially parallel to the lifting members. Sensing mechanisms are provided for sensing the position of an article relative to the manipulator and for generating electrical signals which are utilized by a controller to enable the vacuum cups to grip the article at one side and move the article onto the lifting members. Subsequently, the manipulator transfers the articles to a second position. The manipulator is suited for depalletizing and/or palletizing parallelepiped shape articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Boucher, Jr., Jack E. Inscoe
  • Patent number: 4787802
    Abstract: A hoistway car for transporting wheeled carts between floor levels which includes means for reversing the cart swivel wheels to facilitate off-loading of the cart while avoiding chafing or jamming of such swivel wheels. In the illustrated embodiments, the reversing means comprises turntables at the plane of the car platform which turn in predetermined directions to control wheel swivel action. In one embodiment, the turntables rely on gravitational forces to initiate swivel action, and in another embodiment, the turntables are power-operated for inducing swivel action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: The Peelle Company
    Inventors: Angelo M. Vaccaro, Robin C. Morse
  • Patent number: 4787533
    Abstract: A dispenser for flat products consists of a cabinet containing magazines for storing a plurality of products stacked according to predefined categories, with an outlet slot for a product selected from one of the magazines. A mechanism for extracting and dispensing the products in front of the magazines extracts the top product from a selected stack and transfers it to the outlet slot. This mechanism comprises a product holding device, individually controlled and motorized vertical and horizontal carriages carrying this device and a support for the device articulated to one of the carriages. The support assumes a holding position in which the device is placed against the top product in a selected stack and then moves to a position retracted against the carriages, holding the product. The magazines are inclined to the horizontal so that the stacks are offered up slantwise to the mechanism and the outlet slot is in a side of the cabinet, between the magazines and the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: SML Alcatel
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Haroutel, Philippe Michel
  • Patent number: 4783021
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying packages to a warper creel having a plurality of package supporting pegs comprises a lining station for lining up packages transported on a conveyor in a predetermined order, and a package exchanging apparatus located between the lining station and the positioned creel for transferring a plurality of packages lined up at the lining station collectively to the pegs on the creel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 4781512
    Abstract: A pallet changing system for a machine tool including a pallet changing device which is horizontally rotatable for exchanging a pallet on the work table of the tool with another pallet in a standby station. A plurality of pallet storing shelves are arranged in a plurality of concentric circular arrays and each shelf has a plurality of pallet supporting racks located one above another. The standby station forms a part of those circular arrays defining a central space surrounded by the racks. A rotary table is rotatably disposed in the center of that space. A pair of guide posts are upstanding from the rotary table. A structure is vertically movably supported on the posts. A pallet handling fork is provided on the structure horizontally movably to and away from the standby station. A pair of guide rails guide the horizontal movement of the fork. The fork has one end defining a pallet supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Ohta, Tetsuro Yamakage
  • Patent number: 4779151
    Abstract: An automated tape cassette sequencing system includes a cassette storage library containing a plurality of columns of storage bins facing an interior space within which a cassette manipulator is located. The manipulator moves cassettes between the storage bins and tape transport units which also face the interior space. Rotary loading and unloading mechanisms are provided in openings in the housing of the library and include one or more storage bins. The mechanisms are rotatable from a first position in which the storage bins face outwardly through the openings to a second position in which the storage bins face the interior space of the library. Cassettes can be loaded and unloaded by an operator while the mechanisms are in their first position and handled by the manipulator assembly while the mechanisms are in their second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Odetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lind, Timothy L. Crabtree
  • Patent number: 4775281
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading wafers including a support structure having associated with it a predetermined wafer engagement position at which wafers can be engaged by the processing machine, a temporary storage device mounted on the support structure for storing a wafer in position for pick up, the flat surfaces of the wafer being parallel to an X-axis and perpendicular to a Z-axis, a first wafer engagement member for carrying the wafer on the first engagement member between the temporary storage device and the engagement position, a first X-direction mover mounted on the support structure and operable to move the first engagement member parallel to the X-axis, a second wafer engagement member for carrying the wafer on the second engagement member between the temporary storage device and the engagement position, a second X-direction mover mounted on the support structure and operable to move the second engagement member parallel to the X-axis independent of the first engagement member, a Z-direction m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Antonios E. Prentakis
  • Patent number: 4773807
    Abstract: An elevated track network guides self-propelled guided vehicles (with containers thereon) from an entry location where objects enter the system, to a storage zone defined by sets of compartmentalized storage racks wherein containers filled with objects are temporarily stored, and from thence to an exit location where retrieved objects leave the system. Each set of storage racks comprise four racks and two aisles, with two of the racks arranged back-to-back between the aisles and the other two racks on opposite sides of the aisles. Each storage rack comprises storage compartments arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. A track in the track network extends through and along an intermediate row in one of the back-to-back racks (pre-empting the compartments in that row). Each aisle accommodates a self-propelled aisle crane which services the racks on both sides of the aisle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Kroll, John Briggs, Keith O. Jurkowski, Eric C. Blom
  • Patent number: 4762457
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending storage racks that provide a plurality of storage compartments, each compartment adapted to store a box-like bin which can contain smaller items, articles of commerce, and the like. Each storage compartment has an inner and outer opening adapted to receive and pass, respectively, a bin, and the compartments are arranged in longitudinally extending rows and in multileveled tiers. A plurality of rail pairs that incline downwardly at about 45 degrees are mounted between storage racks and are adapted to guide a bin placed thereon in speedy sliding motion under the force of gravity. There is means for moving a bin from a compartment and placing it, in alignment, upon an adjoining rail pair and releasing the bin. Near the lower part of the racks are take-off rails which curve from about 45 degrees, towards a horizontal direction, terminating just above a horizontally extending conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Alexander Stefan
  • Patent number: 4757401
    Abstract: A cartridge handling mechanism for use in a disk file system having a stocker in which a multiplicity of thin cartridges respectively having disks accommodated therein are respectively accommodated in a multiplicity of accommodating shelves in parallel to each other, a player for writing and reading data onto and from the disk in each cartridge, and a carrier linearly moved along the front side of the stocker. The carrier has a pair of engagement members selectively engaged with a pair of grooves respectively provided in two side end surfaces at one end of each of the cartridges, so that a selected cartridge is drawn out of the stocker by means of the pair of engagement members, moved to a position facing the front side of the player by the operation of the carrier and then pushed out from the carrier and inserted into the player by the action of the engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunichi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 4756657
    Abstract: A carriage is mounted for longitudinal movement on the elevator of a stacker crane and carries a rod adapted to engage the flange on the container drawer to move the drawer in and out of the storage rack. The rod is mounted on a pair of chains trained on sprockets at opposed sides of the carriage. Drive means is provided for moving the carriage back and forth into and out of contact with the storage rack at the level where the drawer enters the slot or bin in the rack. As the chains move on the sprockets, the extractor rod engages the flange on the drawer and, depending upon the direction the chains are moving, either pulls the drawer out or pushes it into its slot. The container drawer slides on suitable supports in the rack and on the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Interlake, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Kinney
  • Patent number: 4752179
    Abstract: A push-pull slipsheet handler for a forklift truck is capable of utilizing the truck's standard forks for load-supporting purposes, while enabling mounting and demounting of the push-pull assembly and forks in unison with respect to the lift truck carriage. The upstanding portions of the standard forks are suspended from a transverse mounting member affixed to the frame of the push-pull assembly at an elevated position. The mounting member has a pair of fork-supporting surfaces positioned in transversely offset relation to vertically pivotable push-pull links, thereby minimizing forward protrusion of the push-pull assembly in its fully-retracted position despite the mounting of the standard forks on the push-pull frame. The construction also permits side shifting of the push-pull assembly and standard forks as a unit relative to the lift truck carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Seaberg
  • Patent number: 4744198
    Abstract: A total system and method for storage and delivery of heads of various sizes is disclosed. The system and method are particularly adapted for application of circular disc heads to the end of a paper roll during a roll wrapping operation. A plurality of vertically spaced storage racks are provided for handling different sized heads, and a head dispenser including a pickup mechanism for lifting an uppermost head from a storage rack and delivering it to a pickup platen is also provided. The storage racks are preferably inclined to allow gravity feed to indexing positions at the lower ends of each rack. The pickup platen operates independently of the pickup mechanism so that heads can be lifted from the storage rack while the platen is enroute to the pickup location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Engerprises International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Hood, Joseph Norkoski, Halan P. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4734005
    Abstract: A machine for automatically dispensing a selected container from a store of containers and for automatically storing a container returned to the machine. The machine includes an array of storage bins arranged in a plurality of vertically-stacked, horizontal rows, with a horizontal passage between adjacent ones of the horizontal rows and a vertical passage connecting the horizontal passages, and each container being stored in a respective one of the bins. A carriage is mounted for movement relative to the bins for transporting a container between a first machine position for dispensing a selected container and for receiving a returned container, and a second position corresponding to one of the bins. A controllable arm is mounted to the carriage for movement therewith between the first and second machine positions and for movement relative to the carriage along a horizontal path transverse to the horizontal passages, the controllable arm presenting first and second vertical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Marvin Blumberg
  • Patent number: 4725182
    Abstract: A printed circuit board, load-unload system which has a printed circuit board processing portion; a magazine stock portion where a plurality of magazines, each of which houses a plurality of printed circuit boards, is arranged on a conveyor route; and a load-unload portion where one of the plurality of printed circuit boards is transferred between one of the plurality of the magazines in the magazine stock portion and the printed circuit board processing portion. The conveyor route of the stock portion includes a bypass route which bypasses the load-unload portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Sakamoto, Yoshikuni Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4718810
    Abstract: A high-speed, bidirectional transporter for a multiple station production line provides for the programmable pickup, transport and delivery of materials at non-sequential work stations along the production line. The transporter is self-propelled by a rack and pinion drive and moves along a track that defines a course through the multiple work stations. A turntable on the transporter carries an extensible and retractable arm whose motion, when coupled with a materialladen pallet, provides for either the pickup or delivery of a pallet to or from an individual work station. Coupling and uncoupling of the arm with a pallet is effected by the controlled rotation of the turntable, which is capable of 180 degrees of rotation to also impart to the transporter the ability to transfer pallets off of both sides to address a work station on either side of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Lico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hoehn, Thomas B. Doyle, Donald L. Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 4705445
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for exchanging metal molds for a molding machine that employs such molds. The apparatus includes a mold carriage capable of mounting thereon at least two metal molds and a mold transfer and exchange unit capable of transporting the mold to be exchanged from the carriage to the molding machine and to give and receive the molds horizontally. The apparatus includes a guide rail and an extension of said guide rail which pivots in a horizontal plane to effect the exchange of said molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Kobayashi Bansokiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneharu Morita, Toshiharu Ikeyama, Osamu Iwaki, Hisao Katsuta
  • Patent number: 4690602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic storage and retrieval system for extracting individual storage elements from locations in a two dimensional array and replacing each extracted element into any other vacant location in that array or in some other location, possibly a second two dimensional array opposed to the first array and spaced from it by a distance only slightly greater than the length of the element. The present invention specifically relates to a system in which the bins are engaged by the extractor element along their sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Applied Retrieval Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Castaldi, Fred Greenzang