Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for the automated accumulation and loading of parts wherein an automated part transfer apparatus is utilized to successively pick up predetermined arrangements of spaced parts from a shuttle at a pair of unloading stations. The part transfer apparatus preferably includes a gantry robot which places the parts in predetermined positions in a container located in the work envelope of the robot. The robot continues to load the parts until the container is full. In the disclosed embodiment, the method and system are utilized for racking automotive parts after they exit a sheet metal processing machine. Preferably, the parts are vertically accumulated in spaced relationship at an accumulator station in which the shuttle aids in the stacking process. A part indexing mechanism also aids in the stacking process at the accumulator station.

Abstract: A method for changing the tooling in a robot-based material transfer system is disclosed as well as a system utilizing the method. The tooling is changed to accommodate the transfer of material such as automotive parts having different configurations within the system. Initially, end effectors of gantry robots and/or transfer beds of the system are placed in at least one container which is indexed through the work envelopes of the robots. Then, at least one specially designed container containing new tooling is indexed into the work envelopes. The robots are controlled to remove the new tooling from the containers and to place the new tooling in operative positions in the system. In the disclosed embodiment, one of the robots utilizes a special transfer bed gripper to replace the old transfer beds with new transfer beds. Preferably, an automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) moves containers to and from loading and unloading stations in the material handling system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein web material is unwound from successive rolls of web material by imparting a constant draw in the web material. The web is then forwarded through a constant tension zone to downstream equipment such as a converter for manufacturing disposable absorbent products. The constant tension zone is provided to isolate the web being forwarded under constant tension from tension fluctuations which may occur in the constant draw unwind portion of the apparatus: such tension fluctuations being relatively large in magnitude and random in nature especially with net-like webs, and blocking prone web marterials. A splicer is provided in the constant tension zone in close proximity to the constant-draw unwind to effect splices near the tail end of a just depleted roll of web but prior to the tail end passing out of the constant-draw unwind portion of the apparatus.