Abstract: A bundle handling device is provided that includes a frame, a body, a scoop, a ramp and a controller. The body is mounted to the frame and includes a first opening through which bundles are loaded and a second opening through which bundles are discharged. The scoop and the ramp are mounted to the body. The scoop covers a substantial portion of the second opening, while the ramp covers the remaining portion. The controller is coupled to a plurality of actuators and a plurality of sensors, and controls the rotation of the body, the opening and closing of the scoop and the opening and closing of the ramp, in order to discharge a metered portion of bundles through the second opening.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 26, 2007
Date of Patent:
March 31, 2009
Assignee:
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Inventors:
Benjamin Chaoning Liu, Jason Jin Park, Kevin David Bruner, Robert Louis Stone
Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a table capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement; a column arranged upright on the table so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; an arm protruding sidewise from the column, the arm being capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement and ascending and descending along the column; a head mounted to the tip of the arm so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; and a jig mounting stage mounted to the head so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation, thus allowing six-axis movements. A welding robot or a workpiece can be carried on the jig mounting stage and transported while being grasped, and the six-axis movements can be stopped at desired positions, making it possible to perform positioning on the welding robot or the workpiece in terms of orientation, height, etc.