HIGH ACCURACY TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR INTACT FILLING

Abstract

A transfer system including at least one base structure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each of the at least one fixture retaining members is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining members of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for helping to maintain the position and orientation of a work piece throughout the filling and packaging process.

2. Description of the Related Art

Machines which are used for pierce filling and laser heat sealing of the filing holes on a work piece require that the orientation and position be maintained from one operation to another. In conventional machines, the stretch, wear and tear, and backlash from the chain, sprockets, couplings, mountings, indexers and reducers can effect the orientation and position of the work piece. Work pieces also very greatly in dimension and thus are difficult to transfer consistently and accurately from one operation station to another.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transfer system is provided, the transfer system including at least one base structure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each fixture retaining member is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the fixture retaining members of the base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

The transfer system may further include at least one side transfer arm. Each side transfer arm may be configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of a different base structure.

In a disclosed embodiment, each fixture retaining member includes at least one peg and each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon. The transfer carriage may include at least one recess which is configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position.

Each fixture may be configured to retain at least one work piece thereon. A gripper may be provided on each fixture, the gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon. Each gripper may also be configured to at least partially surround a work piece, wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a transfer system is provided, the transfer system including first and second base structures disposed adjacent each other wherein each base structure includes at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each fixture retaining member is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A first transfer carriage is configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to another fixture retaining member of the first base structure and a second transfer carriage is configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to another fixture retaining member of the second base structure. A first side transfer arm is configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to a fixture retaining member of the second base structure and a second side transfer arm is configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to a fixture retaining of the first base structure.

A method of transferring work pieces is also provided in accordance with the present disclosure, the method including the steps of providing a transfer system, engaging the transfer carriage with at least one fixture disposed in the first position, lifting the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position, moving the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the second position, lowering the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the second position and disengaging the transfer carriage from the at least one fixture. The transfer system includes at least one base structure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each of the fixture retaining members is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the fixture retaining members of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

In another disclosed embodiment, the transfer system provided in the method further includes at least one side transfer arm. Each side transfer arm may be configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of another base structure.

The method may also include the steps of engaging at least one side transfer arm with at least one fixture disposed in the first position, lifting the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position, moving the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the third position, lowering the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the third position and disengaging the at least one side transfer arm from the at least one fixture.

Each of the at least one fixture retaining member may include at least one peg and each fixture may defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon.

In a disclosed embodiment, the transfer carriage includes at least one recess wherein each recess is configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position. Each fixture may be configured to retain at least one work piece thereon. At least one gripper may be provided on each fixture, each gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon. Each gripper may also be configured to at least partially surround a work piece wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed high accuracy transfer system are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-E are perspective views of the transfer system of FIG. 1, showing two fixtures being transferred from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIG. 1, showing two fixtures, each fixture retaining three work pieces thereon via grippers;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a work piece of FIG. 3A, showing a gripper partially surrounding the work piece and engaging the work piece at a cap of the work piece, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the fixtures of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIG. 4A, wherein side transfer arms have begun to transport fixtures;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4A and 5, wherein the side transfer arms have transported the fixtures to above a third position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4-6, wherein the side transfer arms have been disengaged from the fixture;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 4-7, wherein the transfer carriage engages at least one fixture; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the transfer system of FIGS. 3-8, wherein the transfer carriage has transported the fixtures to a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed transfer system will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

The presently disclosed transfer systems are configured such that work pieces are maintained in a substantially fixed orientation and position on a fixture throughout the transferring of the fixtures from different locations. Maintaining a fixed orientation and position of the work piece helps create a high-accuracy system applicable to transferring, filling, sealing, and other operations.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a transfer system 10 including a base structure 100. Base structure 100 includes two substantially parallel beams 110, 160 spaced a distance 140 apart and connected via connector beams 150. Beam 110 of base structure 100 includes fixture retaining members 111-116 disposed along a length thereof. Similarly, beam 160 of base structure 100 includes corresponding fixture retaining members 161-166 disposed along a length thereof. Beams 110, 160 are shown having six fixture retaining members 111-116, 161-166 each, however it is envisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure, that more or fewer fixture retaining members may be provided. Each fixture retaining member 111-116 and corresponding fixture retaining member 161-166 are configured to detachably retain a fixture thereon. Fixture retaining members 111-116, 161-166 are shown as pegs 111-116, 161-166 in the illustrated embodiments; however it is envisioned that the fixture retaining members 111-116, 161-166 may be any mechanism configured to detachably retain a fixture thereon.

Fixtures 310, 330 are configured to releasably secure at least one work piece thereon. As shown in FIG. 1, three work pieces 411, 412, 413 are secured on fixture 310 and three work pieces 431, 432, 433 are secured on fixture 330. However, it is envisioned that the fixtures 310, 330 may be configured such that more or fewer work pieces may be releasably secured thereon. It is also envisioned that at least one work piece holding device, such as grippers 311, 312, 313, 331, 332, 333 may be disposed on fixtures 310, 330, respectively, in order to hold work pieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433, respectively, in a substantially fixed orientation and position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, fixture 310 defines apertures 317, 318 therein and fixture 330 defines apertures 337, 338 therein. Each fixture 310, 330 may define two apertures, one aperture defined at a first end thereof and the other aperture defined at a second end thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, fixture 310 defines aperture 317 at first end 315 and defines aperture 318 at second end 316. Similarly, fixture 330 defines aperture 337 at first end 335 and defines aperture 338 at second end 336. The apertures 317, 337, 318, 338 are configured such that pegs 112, 113, and 162, 163 disposed on beams 110, 160 respectively, may engage fixtures 310, 330 and detachably retain fixtures 310, 330 thereon. As shown in FIG. 1, pegs 112, 162 of beams 110, 160, respectively are engaging apertures 317, 318 of fixture 310, detachably retaining fixture 310 thereon. Pegs 113, 163 of beams 110, 160, respectively are engaging apertures 337, 338 of fixture 330, detachably retaining fixture 330 thereon. In such a configuration, work pieces 411, 412, 413 are held in a substantially fixed position and orientation on fixture 310 by grippers 311, 312, 313 and fixture 310 is held in a substantially fixed position and orientation by the fixture retaining members 112, 162 of the base structure 100. Similarly, work pieces 431, 432, 433 are held in a substantially fixed position and orientation on fixture 330 by grippers 331, 332, 333 and fixture 330 is held in a substantially fixed position and orientation by the fixture retaining members 113, 163 of the base structure 100. Thus, this combination maintains a fixed orientation and position of each work piece 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433. Furthermore, the spacing between pegs 111-116, 161-166 may be uniform or different distances.

Fixtures 310, 330 may further be configured such that a length of fixtures 310, 300 is greater than the distance 140 between beams 110 and 160. Thus, when the fixture retaining members 112, 162, 113, 163 engage fixtures 310, 330 (e.g. through a peg-aperture connection), a portion of each fixture extends beyond each beam 110, 160 of base structure 100, thereby creating an over-hang.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a transferring carriage 200 is shown including beams 210 and 260. Beams 210, 260 of transfer carriage 200 are substantially parallel and spaced a fixed distance 240 apart. The distance 240 between beam 210 and beam 260 of transfer carriage 200 may be greater than the distance 140 between beam 110 and beam 160 of base structure 100 such that transfer carriage 200 may surround base structure 100, as shown in FIG. 1. Each beam 210, 260 of transfer carriage 200 may also include at least one recess. Each recess 211-217, 261-267 may be configured to retain a portion of a fixture therein. Specifically, each recess 211-217, 261-267 may be configured to accept an end portion 315, 316, 335, 336 of a fixture 310, 330 which over-hangs the base structure 100 as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-E, the operation of transfer system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be discussed. As shown in FIG. 2A, fixture 310 is detachably secured to base structure 100 via the engagement of peg 112 and aperture 317 at one end 315 and the engagement of peg 162 and aperture 318 at the other end 316. Similarly, fixture 330 is detachably secured to base structure 100 via the engagement of peg 113 and aperture 337 at one end 315 and the engagement of peg 163 and aperture 338 at the other end 316. As a point of reference, the position illustrated in FIG. 2A and described above may be an at-rest or first position. Transfer carriage 200 is positioned below base structure 100. Transfer carriage 200 is then translated upwardly relative to base structure 100 in the direction of arrow A. As transfer carriage 200 is moved farther in the direction of arrow A, it eventually contacts fixtures 310, 330. The recesses 212, 213, 262, 263 on beams 210 and 260 of transfer carriage 200 engage each end portion 315, 335, 316, 336 of fixtures 310, 330, respectively, which overhang base structure 100. As transfer carriage 200 is moved even farther in the direction of arrow A, fixture ends 315, 335, 316, 336, which are now partially disposed within recesses 212, 213, 262, 263, respectively, are lifted along with transfer carriage 200. As the fixtures 310, 330 are lifted along with transfer carriage 200, pegs 112 and 162 disengage from apertures 317 and 318 and pegs 113 and 163 disengage from apertures 337 and 338, respectively. Upward movement maintains the relative position of work pieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433 with respect to transfer carriage 200 of transfer system 10.

Muhammad, we need additional information as to how the system moves the beams of the transfer carriage both vertically and horizontally. I presume you would employ an electric motor coupled to the beams using gears, pulleys, or the like. Also, what type of controller is coupled to the system for regulating the movement of the beams? We would also appreciate line drawings for the two systems so we do not have to employ the services of a draftsman to prepare the drawings for filing in the USPTO. Any additional information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, transfer carriage 200 is positioned above base structure 100 (as a result of the movement described above in connection with FIG. 2A), thereby suspending fixtures 310, 330 above base structure 100. Apertures 317, 318 are positioned directly above pegs 112, 162, respectively and apertures 337, 338 are positioned directly above pegs 113, 163, respectively. Transfer carriage 200, and thus fixtures 310, 330, are then moved in the direction of arrow B relative to base structure 100. Transfer carriage 200 moves fixtures 310, 330 in the direction of arrow B until apertures 317, 318 are positioned directly above pegs 113, 163, respectively and apertures 337, 338 are positioned directly above pegs 114, 164, respectively.

Once transfer carriage 200 has moved fixtures 310, 330 such that 317, 318 are positioned directly above pegs 113, 163, respectively and apertures 337, 338 are positioned directly above pegs 114, 164, respectively, transfer carriage 200 is lowered with respect to base structure 100 in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. 2C. Transfer carriage 200 lowers fixtures 310, 330 in the direction of arrow C until pegs 113, 163 of base structure 100 engage apertures 317, 318 of fixture 310, respectively and pegs 114, 164 of base structure 100 engage apertures 337, 338 of fixture 330, respectively. Transfer carriage 200 is lowered farther such that transfer carriage 200 is disengaged from fixtures 310, 330, as shown in FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2E shows fixtures 310, 330 detachably secured to base structure 100 via the engagement of pegs 113, 114 of beam 110 to the respective apertures 317, 337 of fixtures 310, 330 and via the engagement of pegs 163, 164 of beam 160 to the respective apertures 318, 338 of fixtures 310, 330. As illustrated in FIG. 2E, fixtures 310 and 330 are in a second position.

FIGS. 2A-E illustrate one operation of transfer system 10 in which fixtures 310, 330 are moved from the first position wherein fixtures 310, 330 are retained by fixture retaining members 112, 162 and 113, 163, respectively, of base structure 100 to the second position wherein fixtures 310, 330 are retained by fixture retaining members 113, 163 and 114, 164, respectively, of base structure 100. Fixtures 310, 330 are transported from the first position to the second position while substantially maintaining the position and orientation of the work pieces 411, 412, 413, 431, 432, 433 with respect to the fixtures 310, 330 and to base 100.

Simply by way of example, two fixtures 310, 330 are transported from a first position to a second position in FIGS. 2A-E. However, it is envisioned that more or fewer fixtures may be transported by the transfer carriage 200. It is also within the scope of, and contemplated by, the present disclosure that the fixtures 310, 330 be transported such that the fixtures 310, 330 are transferred to different operational stations along the base structure 100, such as filling stations and sealing stations. The first and second positions are simply used to represent two different positions and are not intended to define specific locations. As will be described hereinbelow, it is also envisioned that the fixtures may be transported from one base structure to another base structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, two fixtures 310′ and 330′ are shown in which another embodiment of the grippers is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, fixture 310′ includes work pieces 411′, 412′, 413′ and fixture 330′ includes work pieces 431′, 432′, 433′. Grippers 311′, 312′, 313′, 331′, 332′, 333′ are partially surrounding work pieces 411′, 412′, 413′, 431′, 432′, 433′, respectively. Referring now to FIG. 3B, an enlarged work piece 411′ is shown, including work piece cap 411x′. Gripper 311′ is partially surrounding work piece 411′ with a first part 311a′ surrounding one side of work piece 411′ and a second part 311b′ surrounding an opposite side of work piece 411′. First and second parts 311a′, 311b′ of gripper 311′ surround and engage cap 411x′ of work piece 411′, thereby securing work piece 411′ in a substantially fixed orientation and position. Gripper 311′ is secured to fixture 310′ such that work piece 411′ is secured in a substantially fixed orientation and position to fixture 310′. While the specific embodiment of the grippers in FIGS. 3A-B are shown and described, it is contemplated that any gripper system in which a work piece is held in a substantially fixed orientation and position on the fixture is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In another embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure, illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, transfer system 20 comprises a first base structure 1100 and a second base structure 2100 disposed adjacent to first base structure 1100. First and second base structures 1100, 2100 are substantially similar to one another. First base structure 1100 includes beams 1110, 1160, separated a fixed distance 1140 apart. Similarly, second base structure 2100 includes beams 2110, 2160, separated a fixed distance 2140 apart. Beam 1110 of first base structure 1100 includes fixture retaining members 1111-1116 disposed along a length thereof. Beam 1160 of first base structure 1100 includes corresponding fixture retaining members 1161-1166 disposed along a length thereof. Beam 2110 of second base structure 2100 includes fixture retaining members 2111-2116 disposed along a length thereof. Beam 2160 of second base structure 2100 includes corresponding fixture retaining members 2161-2166 disposed along a length thereof. While six fixture retaining members are shown disposed on each of beams 1110, 1160, 2110, 2160, it is envisioned that more or fewer fixture retaining members 1111-1116, 1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 may be provided. Each fixture retaining member 1111-1116, 2111-2116 and corresponding fixture retaining member 1161-1166, 2161-2166 are configured to detachably retain a fixture thereon. Fixture retaining members 1111-1116, 1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 are shown as pegs 1111-1116, 1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 in the illustrated embodiments, however it is envisioned that the fixture retaining members 1111-1116, 1161-1166, 2111-2116, 2161-2166 may be any mechanism configured to detachably retain a fixture thereon.

A first transfer carriage 1200 is provided in connection with the first base structure 1100. A second transfer carriage 2200 is also provided, the second transfer carriage 2200 being associated with the second base structure 2100. The first base structure 1100 and first transfer carriage 1200 and the second base structure 2100 and second transfer carriage 2200 may be configured substantially similarly to base structure 100 and transfer carriage 200 of transfer system 10, discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A-E. In this configuration, the distance 1240 between beams 1210 and 1260 of first transfer carriage 1200 would be greater than the distance 1140 between beams 1110 and 1160 of first base structure 1100, such that first transfer carriage 1200 may surround first base structure 1100. The distance 2240 between beams 2210 and 2260 of second transfer carriage 2200 would also be greater than the distance 2140 between beams 2110 and 2160 of second base structure 2100, such that second transfer carriage 2200 may surround second base structure 2100. First and second base structures 1100, 2100 may include at least one fixture retaining member, which may be a peg, and first and second transfer carriages 1200, 2200 may included at least one recess. The operation of each base structure 1100, 2100 and corresponding transfer carriage 1200, 2200 would operate in substantially the same manner as described above in connection with transfer system 10, comprising a single base structure 100 and transfer carriage 200.

Alternatively, both base structures 1100, 2100 and respective transfer carriages 1200, 2200 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 4-9. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 includes beams 1110, 1160 separated by a distance 1140. First transfer carriage 1200 includes beams 1210, 1260 separated by a distance 1240, which is smaller than distance 1140. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 may surround first transfer carriage 1200. Similarly, second base structure 2100 includes beams 2110, 2160 separated by a distance 2140. Second transfer carriage 2200 includes beams 2210, 2260 separated by a distance 2240, smaller than distance 2140, such that second base structure 2100 may surround second transfer carriage 2200. In this configuration, first and second transfer carriages 1200, 2200 contain at least one peg disposed along a length thereon. First and second base structures 1100, 2100 also include at least one peg disposed along a length thereon configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon, as described above in connection with transfer system 10.

With reference to FIG. 4B, each of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 include three apertures defined at a first end and three apertures defined at a second end. Fixtures also include grippers secured on each of the fixtures to retain work pieces thereon. Work pieces may be secured to any of the fixtures by the grippers. The grippers are configured to hold work pieces in a substantially fixed orientation and position.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, fixture 1310 defines apertures 1317a-c at a first end 1315 thereof and defines apertures 1318a-c at a second end 1316 thereof. Fixture 1310 also includes gripper 1311, 1322 for retaining work pieces thereon. Fixtures 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 are configured in substantially the same manner as fixture 1310. Thus, each fixture includes three apertures defined at a first end and three apertures defined at a second end. Each fixture also includes two grippers for retaining work pieces thereon, although it is envisioned that more or fewer grippers may be provided.

Generally, the outer apertures (1317a, 1337a, 1357a . . . , 1318a, 1338a, 1358a . . . 2317a, 2337a, 2357a . . . , 2318a, 2338a, 2358a . . . ) are configured such that the pegs disposed on the corresponding base structure (1100 for 13**a apertures, 2100 for 23**a apertures) respectively, may engage the outer apertures and detachably retain the fixtures thereon. As shown in FIG. 4A, base 1100 includes pegs 1111-1115 of beam 1110 engaging outer apertures 1317a, 1337a, 1357a, 1377a, 1397a of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Similarly, pegs 1161-1165 of beam 1160 respectively are engaging outer apertures 1318a, 1338a, 1358a, 1378a, 1398a of fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Base 2100 includes pegs 2112-2116 of beam 2110 engaging outer apertures 2317a, 2337a, 2357a, 2377a, 2397a of fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390, respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. Similarly, pegs 2162-1166 of beam 2160 respectively are engaging outer apertures 2318a, 2338a, 2358a, 2378a, 2398a of fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390, respectively, detachably retaining the fixtures thereon. In such a configuration, the fixtures are held in a substantially fixed position and orientation by the fixture retaining members of the base structures, as described above and the work pieces may held in a substantially fixed position and orientation on the fixtures by the grippers, as described above.

With continued reference to FIG. 4B, the middle apertures (1317b, 1337b, 1357b . . . , 1318b, 1338b, 1358b . . . 2317b, 2337b, 2357b . . . , 2318b, 2338b, 2358b . . . ) defined on each fixture are configured to accept pegs of transfer carriages 1200, 2200, in order to detachably secure the fixtures onto transfer carriages 1200, 2200 during transferring from a first position to a second position, as will be described in more detail below. The inner apertures (1317c, 1337c, 1357c . . . , 1318c, 1338c, 1358c . . . 2317c, 2337c, 2357c . . . , 2318c, 2338c, 2358c . . . ) of each fixture are configured to accept pegs of side transfer arms 1500, 2500 (FIG. 4A). Side transfer arms 1500, 2500 will be discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 4A & 5-9, side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are configured to transport fixtures from one base structure 1100 or 2100 to another base structure 2100 or 1100. Each side transfer arm 1500, 2500 includes a base portion and two extended arms. Each of the two extended arms contains at least one peg configured to retain a fixture thereon during transportation of the fixture. Side transfer arm 1500 includes pegs 1511, 1512 and side transfer arm 2500 includes pegs 2511, 2512. The operation of the side transfer arms 1500, 2500 will be described in more detail below.

The operation of transfer system 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4-9. As shown in FIG. 4A, first base structure 1100 is disposed adjacent to second base structure 2100. Each base structure 1100, 2100 is detachably securing five fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 thereon. Fixture retaining members 1111-1115 of first base structure 1100 and corresponding fixture retaining members 1111-1115 are securing fixtures 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390 thereon, via apertures outer apertures 13*7a and 13*8a (wherein * represents the corresponding fixture, i.e., *=1 for fixture 1310, *=3 for fixture 1330 . . . ), respectively. Fixture retaining members 2112-2116 of second base structure 2100 and corresponding fixture retaining members 2162-2166 are securing fixtures 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370, 2390 thereon, via outer apertures 23*7a and 23*8a respectively.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, first side transfer arm 1500 is disposed below fixture 1310 and second side transfer arm 2500 is disposed below fixture 2390. Side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are moved upward, in the direction of arrow AA, with respect to base structures 1100, 2100, such that pegs 1511, 1512 of first side transfer arm 1500 engage apertures 1317c, 1318c of fixture 1310 and such that pegs 2511, 2512 of second side transfer arm 2500 engage apertures 2397c, 2398c of fixture 2390. Side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are raised farther upward, in the direction of arrow AA, such that apertures 1317a, 1318a and 2397b, 2398b of fixtures 1310, 2390, respectively, are disengaged from pegs 1111, 1161, 2116, 2166, respectively and are positioned above base structures 1100, 2100, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, first side transfer arm 1500 is moved in the direction of arrow BB. Fixture 1310, which is secured to first side transfer arm 1500, is thus also moved in the direction of arrow BB. Similarly, second side transfer arm 2500 is moved in the direction of arrow CC. Fixture 2390, which is secured to second side transfer arm 2500, is thus also moved in the direction of arrow CC. First side transfer arm 1500 is moved farther in the direction of arrow BB until apertures 1317a and 1318a are positioned directly above pegs 2111 and 2161, respectively, of second base structure 2100. Similarly, second side transfer arm 2500 is moved farther in the direction of arrow CC until apertures 2397a and 2398a are positioned directly above pegs 1116 and 1166 of first base structure 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, side transfer arms 1500, 2500 are disposed above base structures 1100, 2100, respectively, as described above. First side transfer arm 1500 is then lowered in the direction of arrow DD with respect to base structure 2100 such that fixture 1310 is also lowered in the direction of arrow DD with respect to base structure 2100. Side transfer arm 1500 is lowered farther until pegs 2111 and 2161 of base structure 2100 engage apertures 1317a and 1318a of fixture 1310, respectively. Upon further lowering of side transfer arm 1500, pegs 1511, 1512 of side transfer arm 1500 are disengaged from apertures 1317a and 1318a of fixture 1310. A substantially similar process is carried out by side transfer arm 2500. Side transfer arm 2500 is lowered in the direction of arrow DD such that fixture 2390 is also lowered with respect to base structure 1100 until pegs 1116 and 1166 of base structure 1100 engage apertures 2397a and 2398a of fixture plate 2390, respectively. Pegs 2511, 2512 of side transfer arm 2500 are eventually disengaged from apertures 2397a and 2398a of fixture 2390.

FIG. 7 represents the positions of the fixtures relative to base structures 1100, 2100 after the operation of side transfer arms 1500, 2500 as described above. More specifically, FIG. 7 reflects that fixture 1310 has been moved from base structure 1100 to base structure 2100 while fixture 2390 has been moved from base structure 2100 to base structure 1100.

While the above-described operation of transfer system 20 includes two base structures and two side transfer arms, it is envisioned that more base structures and thus more side transfer arms could also be used in accordance with the present disclosure. It is also envisioned that the side transfer arms may be configured to detachably secure and transport more than one fixture per operation.

Beginning with FIG. 7, another operation of transfer system 20 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, transfer carriage 1200 has been raised, in the direction of arrow EE such that pegs 1211-2115 have engaged apertures 1337b, 1357b, 1377b, 1397b and 2397b, respectively and such that pegs 1261-1265 have engaged apertures 1338b, 1358b, 1378b and 1398b, thereby securing fixtures 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 2390 thereon. Similarly, transfer carriage 2200 has been raised, in the direction of arrow EE such that pegs 2211-2216 have engaged apertures 1317b, 2317b, 2337b, 2357b and 2377b, respectively and such that pegs 2261-2265 have engaged apertures 1318b, 2318b, 2338b, 2358b and 2378b, thereby securing fixtures 1310, 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370 thereon. In a substantially similar manner as described above in relation to transfer system 10, transfer carriages 1200, 2200 are then raised even further, disengaging the outer (“a”) apertures of the fixtures from pegs 1112-1116, 1162-1166, 2111-2115, 2161-2165 of base structures 1100, 2100. Transfer carriage 1200 may then be moved in the direction of arrows FF (FIG. 8). Similarly, transfer carriage 2200 may then be moved in the direction of arrows GG, as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 9, transfer carriages 1200, 2200 are lowered with respect to base structures 1100, 2100, in the direction of arrow HH, such that pegs 1111-1115, 1161-1165, 2112-2116, 2161-2166 engage the corresponding “a” apertures of the fixtures, thereby retaining the fixtures thereon. Lowering transfer carriages 1200, 2200 further in the direction of arrow HH disengages the pegs on transfer carriages 1200, 2200 from the “b” apertures of the fixtures.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A transfer system comprising:

at least one base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon; and

a transfer carriage configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining member of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

2. The transfer system of claim 1, further comprising at least one side transfer arm, each side transfer arm being configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of a different base structure.

3. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one fixture retaining member includes at least one peg and wherein each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon.

4. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the transfer carriage includes at least one recess, each recess configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position.

5. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein each fixture is configured to retain at least one work piece thereon.

6. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, each gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon.

7. The transfer system of claim 6, wherein each gripper is configured to at least partially surround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.

8. A transfer system comprising:

first and second base structures disposed adjacent each other, each base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon;

a first transfer carriage configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to another fixture retaining member of the first base structure;

a second transfer carriage configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to another fixture retaining member of the second base structure;

a first side transfer arm configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to a fixture retaining member of the second base structure; and

a second side transfer arm configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to a fixture retaining member of the first base structure.

9. A method of transferring work pieces comprising the steps of: at least one base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon; and

providing a transfer system comprising:

a transfer carriage configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining member of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure;

engaging the transfer carriage with at least one fixture disposed in the first position;

lifting the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position;

moving the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the second position;

lowering the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the second position; and

disengaging the transfer carriage from the at least one fixture.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfer system further comprises at least one side transfer arm, each side transfer arm being configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of another base structure.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

engaging at least one side transfer arm with at least one fixture disposed in the first position;

lifting the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position;

moving the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the third position;

lowering the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the third position; and

disengaging the at least one side transfer arm from the at least one fixture.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the at least one fixture retaining member comprises at least one peg and wherein each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfer carriage includes at least one recess, each recess configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein each fixture is configured to retain at least one work piece thereon.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, each gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each gripper is configured to at least partially surround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.