US20060002785A1 - Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060002785A1 US20060002785A1 US11/220,764 US22076405A US2006002785A1 US 20060002785 A1 US20060002785 A1 US 20060002785A1 US 22076405 A US22076405 A US 22076405A US 2006002785 A1 US2006002785 A1 US 2006002785A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- bar
- tine
- bars
- finger
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/48—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for glass sheets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/38—Details or accessories
- B65D19/44—Elements or devices for locating articles on platforms
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/0442—Storage devices mechanical for elongated articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/14—Stack holders or separators
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G57/00—Stacking of articles
- B65G57/02—Stacking of articles by adding to the top of the stack
- B65G57/16—Stacking of articles of particular shape
- B65G57/18—Stacking of articles of particular shape elongated, e.g. sticks, rods, bars
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/673—Assembling the units
- E06B3/67365—Transporting or handling panes, spacer frames or units during assembly
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for handling material for the insulating glass industry are disclosed. One method of handling material for the insulating glass industry in accordance with the present invention includes the step of arranging a plurality of bars into a plurality of stacks with adjacent stacks defining spaces dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. The stacks of bars may then be transported to a desired destination. A bar engaging member may be inserted into a space defined by the stacks, and one or more bars may be grasped using the bar engaging member. A container for handling material for the insulating glass industry is also disclosed. The container may advantageously include a plurality of prearranged bar locating members configured to hold a predetermined type of bar stock.
Description
- This application is a Continuation in Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/050,742 by Trpkovski filed on Jan. 15, 2002 the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for handling material for the insulating glass industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for handling elongate barstock that is useful for forming components such as, for example, spacer frames and muntin bar lattices.
- Today, insulating glass units have achieved widespread use as building components. In order to produce insulating glass units inexpensively and in high volume, modern manufacturing of insulating glass units is often mechanized and/or automated. Various materials may be used to manufacture insulating glass units, including sheets of glass, spacer frames, and various sealants. Insulating glass units may also include muntin bars. Muntin bars may be used for both functional and decorative purposes with glass windows or doors. The muntin bars are particularly useful when they retain their geometric configuration and do not separate, as well as when they are able to remain in a flat mating surface relation with the glass.
- The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for handling material for the insulating glass industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for handling elongate barstock that is useful for forming components such as, for example, spacer frames and muntin bar lattices. One method of handling material for the insulating glass industry in accordance with the present invention includes the step of arranging a plurality of bars into a plurality of stacks with adjacent stacks defining spaces dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. The stacks of bars may then be transported to a desired destination. A bar engaging member may be inserted into a space defined by the stacks, and one or more bars may be grasped using the bar engaging member. In some implementations of the invention, the step of grasping one or more bars using the first bar engaging member includes the steps of inserting a second bar engaging member into a second space defined by the stacks and trapping one or more bars between the bar engaging member and the second bar engaging member.
- A container for handling material for the insulating glass industry is also disclosed. In some implementations, the container includes a container frame and a plurality of combs selectively fixed to the frame. In one aspect of the present invention, each comb includes a plurality of tines that are spaced to define a plurality of channels dimensioned to accept bars having a predetermined width. In another aspect of the present invention, the tines are dimensioned to create spaces between adjacent channels, with each space being dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. In some implementations, each tine comprises a shaft and a sleeve disposed over the shaft. The sleeve may advantageously comprise a no-mar material.
- In some implementations, the present invention includes a container having a frame and a plurality of combs that are selectively fixed to the frame by a coupling mechanism. In some implementations, the coupling mechanism comprises a plunger fixed to the frame of the container and a detent defined by a base of the comb. The detent may be advantageously dimensioned to accept at least a portion of the plunger. The plunger may comprise, for example, a ball and a spring arranged to bias the ball toward the detent.
- In certain advantageous implementations, the present invention utilizes a container including a first forklift interface and a second forklift interface. In some implantations, each forklift interface comprises a first receptacle and a second receptacle. Each receptacle may comprise, for example, a lumen defined by a tube. In some advantageous implementations, each forklift interface comprises a first tube positioned on a first side of a centroid of the container and a second tube disposed on a second side of the centroid of the container. When this is the case, the first tube and the second tube may be advantageously positioned substantially equidistantly from the centroid of the container.
- A method of handling a first type of bars having a first dimension and a second type of bars having a second dimension is also disclosed. In some implementations, this method includes the step of providing a container including a frame and a first set of combs selectively fixed to the frame. Each comb in the first set of combs preferably has a plurality of tines spaced to accept bars having the first dimension. The first set of combs may be removed from the container and a second set of combs may be selectively fixed to the frame of the container. In certain implementations, each comb in the second set of combs advantageously has a plurality of tines spaced to accept bars having the second dimension.
- Another method in accordance with the present invention may include the following steps:
- 1) Providing a container having a plurality of prearranged muntin bar retaining channels configured to hold a predetermined type of bars.
- 2) Placing a plurality of bars in the retaining channels of the container.
- 3) Placing a plurality of containers in a transportation vehicle. In some applications, the containers may be stacked in a semi trailer.
- 4) Removing the containers from the transportation vehicle.
- 5) Delivering at least one container to an arrival bay arranged to receive a container.
- 6) Sequentially removing bars from the container one at a time.
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FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of handling material for the insulating glass industry. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly including a vehicle and a plurality of containers that are disposed within the walls of vehicle. -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an assembly including a semitrailer and a plurality of containers located within a plurality of walls of semitrailer. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of frame assembly ofFIG. 5 . -
FIGS. 7 through 10 are cross sectional plan views of containers in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a system for automatically selecting and retrieving desired material from an appropriate container. -
FIG. 12 is an additional perspective view a system ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a container assembly in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is an additional cross sectional view of the container assembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a container in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of a container in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view of a container in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered identically. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements. All other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
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FIG. 1 is aflow chart 104 illustrating a method of handling material for the insulating glass industry. The material being handled may comprise, for example, bar stock useful in the insulating glass industry. Various types of bar stock may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, bar stock suitable for forming spacer frames useful in the insulating glass industry may be used. By way of a second example, bar stock suitable for forming muntin bar lattices may also be used. - Bar stock used in the insulating glass industry often comprises thin sheet metal (e.g., 4.5 mil stainless steel, 6.0 mil aluminum, and the like). This thin sheet metal can be easily damaged during handling. For example, the bar stock may be scratched, bent and/or dented. Some types of bar stock may include a finish such as, for example, paint. This finish may be particularly susceptible to scratching.
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Block 106A offlow chart 104 comprises the step of providing a container. The container may be provided, for example, proximate a source of bar stock. This source of bar stock may be, for example, a factory where bar stock is fabricated. In a preferred method in accordance with the present invention, the container includes a plurality of prearranged bar locating members configured to hold a predetermined type of bar stock. In some methods in accordance with the present, the container is provided at a location where bar stock is being fabricated and the bar stock is placed in the container soon after being fabricated. Placing the bar stock in the contained soon after it is fabricated reduces the likelihood that the bar stock will be damaged. - In one exemplary embodiment, the bar locating members comprise tines which include a no-mar sleeve. The no-mar sleeve may reduce the likelihood that the outer surface of the bar stock is scratched during handling.
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Block 106B offlow chart 104 comprises the step of loading the container. The step of loading the container may involve placing a plurality of bars between the bar locating members of the container. This step may also involve arranging a plurality of bars into a plurality of stacks with adjacent stacks defining spaces dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. -
Block 106C offlow chart 104 comprises the step of transporting the container. The step of transporting the container may involve placing a plurality of containers in a transportation vehicle. In some applications, the containers may be arranged in an interlocking fashion in the vehicle. The step of transporting the container may also involve removing the plurality of containers from the transportation vehicle. The step of transporting the container may also involve delivering at least one container to an arrival bay arranged to receive the container. The container may be delivered to the arrival bay using a vehicle, for example, a fork lift. -
Block 106D offlow chart 104 comprises the step of inserting a bar engaging member into a space defined by adjacent stacks of bar stock. Various bar engaging members may be utilized without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Bar engaging members suitable for some applications may comprise, for example, grippers, pinchers, fingers, and vacuum cups. -
Block 106E offlow chart 104 comprises the step of removing bar stock from the container. In some methods in accordance with the present invention, bar stock is removed one piece at a time. In other methods in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of pieces of bar stock are grasped and removed from the container. -
Block 106F comprises the step of returning the container. The container may be returned, for example, to the bar stock source. At the bar stock source, the container may by reloaded by placing a plurality of bars between the bar locating members of the container. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of acontainer 1 00 in accordance with the present invention.Container 100 ofFIG. 2 includes a plurality of pre-arrangedbar locating members 108 dimensioned and spaced for holding and dispensing a desired type of bar stock.Container 100 ofFIG. 2 also includes afirst forklift interface 120A and a secondfork lift interface 120B.First forklift interface 120A comprises a plurality ofreceptacles 124A that are preferably dimensioned to receive the forks of a forklift. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , eachreceptacle 124A comprises alumen 122A defined by abeam 126.Second forklift interface 120B comprises a plurality ofreceptacles 124B that are also preferably dimensioned to receive the forks of a forklift. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , eachreceptacle 124B comprises alumen 122B defined by across member 128. As shown inFIG. 2 , eachlumen 122A has acentral axis 123A and eachlumen 122B has acentral axis 123B. In a preferred embodiment, the forks of a fork lift may be inserted into either end oflumens -
Container 100 haslongitudinal axis 101 and alateral axis 103 that intersect at acentroid 168 ofcontainer 100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 ,beams 126 andcross members 128 both comprise lengths of tubing having a generally rectangular cross section. InFIG. 2 , it may be appreciated that each forklift interface comprises a first tube positioned on a first side ofcentroid 168 ofcontainer 100 and a second tube disposed on a second side ofcentroid 168 ofcontainer 100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , the first tube and the second tube of each forklift interface are positioned substantially equidistantly fromcentroid 168 ofcontainer 100. - In
FIG. 2 it may be appreciated thatfirst forklift interface 120A and a secondfork lift interface 120B are disposed at an angle relative to one another. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , eachcross member 128 is arranged at about a 90 degree angle relative to eachbeam 126. - In
FIG. 2 , it may be appreciated thatcontainer 100 includes a plurality offirst mating elements 130 and second mating elements 132. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 eachfirst mating element 130 comprises apost 134 and eachsecond mating element 136 comprises asocket 138. In some embodiments of the present invention,sockets 140 are dimensioned and located to accept the posts 142 of a second substantially similar container. Also in some embodiments of the present invention,sockets 140 are dimensioned and located to receive the alignment posts of workstation for locatingcontainer 100 in the workstation.Container 100 ofFIG. 2 also includes asensor target 143 that is selectively coupled tocontainer 100. InFIG. 2 , it may be appreciated thatsensor target 143 has an offset location relativelongitudinal axis 101 and alateral axis 103. Some methods in accordance with the present invention include the step of sensing the presence ofsensor target 143 to verify thatcontainer 100 is properly oriented within the workstation. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly including avehicle 144 and a plurality ofcontainers 25 that are disposed within thewalls 74 ofvehicle 144. In some methods in accordance with the present invention, a plurality ofcontainers 25 are mated with one another in an interlocking stacked configuration. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3 ,vehicle 144 comprises asemitrailer 150. It is to be appreciated that a container may be transported using various vehicles without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of vehicles which may be suitable in some applications include trucks, airplanes, ships, trains, and fork lifts. -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an assembly including asemitrailer 150 and a plurality ofcontainers 25 located within a plurality ofwalls 74 ofsemitrailer 150. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of aframe assembly 152 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Frame assembly 152 includes aframe 154 and a plurality ofcombs 156 that are selectively coupled toframe 154. Eachcomb 156 offrame assembly 152 comprises abase 158 and a plurality oftines 160 extending away from thebase 158.Frame 154 offrame assembly 152 includes a plurality ofbeams 126 and a plurality ofcross members 128 fixed tobeams 126, for example by welding. -
First forklift interface 120A comprises a plurality ofreceptacles 124A that are preferably dimensioned to receive the forks of a forklift. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , eachreceptacle 124A comprises alumen 122A defined by abeam 126.Second forklift interface 120B comprises a plurality ofreceptacles 124B that are also preferably dimensioned to receive the forks of a forklift. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , eachreceptacle 124B comprises alumen 122B defined by across member 128. As shown inFIG. 2 , eachlumen 122A has acentral axis 123A and eachlumen 122B has acentral axis 123B. In a preferred embodiment, the forks of a fork lift may be inserted into either end oflumens -
Frame 154 haslongitudinal axis 125 and alateral axis 127 that intersect at a centroid. 168 offrame 154. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 ,beams 126 andcross members 128 both comprise lengths of tubing having a generally rectangular cross section. InFIG. 5 , it may be appreciated that each forklift interface comprises a first tube positioned on a first side of a centroid of the container and a second tube disposed on a second side of the centroid of the container. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , the first tube and the second tube of each forklift interface are positioned substantially equidistantly from the centroid of the container. InFIG. 5 it may be appreciated thatfirst forklift interface 120A and a secondfork lift interface 120B are generally orthogonal to one another. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , eachcross member 128 is arranged at about a 90 degree angle relative to eachbeam 126. -
Frame 154 ofFIG. 5 also includes asensor target 143 that is selectively coupled toframe 154. InFIG. 5 , it may be appreciated thatsensor target 143 has an offset location relativelongitudinal axis 125 and alateral axis 127 offrame 154. Some methods in accordance with the present invention include the step of sensing the presence ofsensor target 143 to verify thatframe 154 is properly oriented within a workstation. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion offrame assembly 152 offigure 5 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 6 , onecomb 156 is shown in a detached position. In some embodiments of the present invention, combs 156 are selectively coupled to frame 154 by acoupling mechanism 174. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6 ,coupling mechanism 174 comprises aplunger 176 that is fixed to frame 154 and adetent 178 defined bybase 158 ofcomb 156.Detent 178 is preferably dimensioned to accept at least a portion ofplunger 176.Plunger 176 may comprise, for example, a ball and a spring that is arranged to bias the ball towarddetent 178. - In
FIG. 6 , it may be appreciated that eachtine 180 includes ashaft 182 and asleeve 184 that is disposed aboutshaft 182. In a preferred embodiment, eachsleeve 184 comprises a no-mar material that is selected to avoid damaging, marking, or causing blemishes on a bar stock material. Various no-mar materials may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of no-mar materials which may be suitable in some applications include polymeric materials (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene) and elastomeric materials (e.g., polyurethane). It is to be appreciated that a container in accordance with the present invention may be configured to carry a desired type of bar stock by installing combs having tines that are dimensioned and spaced to receive the desired bar stock. -
FIGS. 7 through 10 are cross sectional plan views ofcontainers 100 in accordance with the present invention. Eachcontainer 100 includes a pluralitybar locating members 108 that are preferably dimensioned and spaced for receiving desiredpre-sized bars 188. InFIGS. 7 through 10 , it may be appreciated thatbar locating members 108 are spaced to define a plurality ofchannels 162 dimensioned to accept bars having a given width. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 7 through 10 , astack 228 ofbars 188 is disposed within eachchannel 162. Also inFIGS. 7 through 10 , it may be appreciated thatbar locating members 108 are dimensioned to createspaces 164 betweenadjacent channels 162. In a preferred embodiment, eachspace 164 is dimensioned to receive a bar engaging member. In this preferred embodiment, eachspace 164 has dimensions suitable to allow access of a portion of a selection and retrieval subsystem to automatically select and retrievebars 188 from the container, and deliver the bars to a desired location. Thecontainers 100 illustrated inFIGS. 7 through 10 also include a plurality ofcasters 252.Casters 252 may facilitate movement of the containers. Containers may include, for example, casters, rollers, and wheels without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of asystem 192 for automatically selecting and retrieving desired material from an appropriate container.System 192 includes a plurality ofbays 194. Eachbay 194 is preferably configured to receive a container. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11 , eachbay 194 includes a plurality of alignment pins 198. In a preferred embodiment, eachbay 194 also includes asensor 145 that is adapted to detect the presence of asensor target 143. Onesensor 145 is shown inFIG. 11 . In some methods in accordance with the present invention include thesensor 145 andsensor target 143 fixed to a container may be used to verify that the container is properly oriented within a bay ofsystem 192. -
System 192 also includes abar engaging assembly 200 that is coupled to amotion control system 196. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11 ,bar engaging assembly 200 includes a plurality ofbar engaging members 202. In some embodiments of the present invention, two or morebar engaging members 202 may be selectively urged towards one another to trap one or more bars. The force used to urge two or morebar engaging members 202 towards one another may be provided by, for example, one or more air cylinders. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 11 ,motion control system 196 includes a z-axislinear actuator 204, an x-axislinear actuator 206 and a plurality of y-axislinear actuators 208. In a preferred embodiment,motion control system 196 is capable of selectively placingbar engaging assembly 200 in a desired position.Motion control system 196 may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,motion control system 196 may comprise one or more robots, one or more linear actuators, and/or one or more rotary actuators. Linear actuators which may be suitable in some applications are commercially available from Lintech Corporation of Monrovia, California and Tol-o-matic Corporation of Hamel, Minn. -
System 192 also includes aconveyor 220 that preferably extends through at least a portion ofsystem 192. In some methods in accordance with the present invention,conveyor 220 may be utilized to transport material fromsystem 192 to a desired location. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11 ,conveyor 220 includes abelt 222 and a plurality ofrollers 224. Bar engagingassembly 200 andmotion control system 196 may be used to retrieve bars and place them onbelt 222 ofconveyor 220. -
FIG. 12 is an additional perspective view ofsystem 192 ofFIG. 11 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 12 , acontainer 100 has been positioned in eachbay 194. For purposes of illustration, a portion of eachcontainer 100 is cut-away to reveal analignment pin 198. Thus, inFIG. 12 , it may be appreciated that eachcontainer 100 includes a plurality ofsockets 140 that are dimensioned to receive analignment pin 198. In some methods in accordance with the present invention, alignment pins 198 may be used to locatecontainers 100 relative tosystem 192. - In
FIG. 12 a sensor target 143 is shown fixed to onecontainer 100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 12 ,sensor target 143 is disposed-in alignment withsensor 145 whencontainer 100 is correctly oriented in abay 194. In a preferred embodiment,sensor 145 is adapted to detect the presence ofsensor target 143.Sensor 145 may comprise various sensors without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,sensor 145 may comprise an arm that mechanicallycontacts sensor target 143 and trips a switch. By way of another example,sensor 145 may be an optical sensor which generates a beam that is broken and/or reflected bysensor target 145. By way of yet another example,sensor 145 may sense the presence of sensor target using a change in inductance or capacitance. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 12 , eachcontainer 100 holds a plurality of bar stock stacks 228 which are illustrated somewhat diagramatically inFIG. 12 . In some embodiments, eachstack 228 comprises a plurality ofbars 230 arranged one on top of the other. Onebar 230 shown held bybar engaging members 202 ofbar engaging assembly 200. Bar engagingassembly 200 andmotion control system 196 may be used to select acontainer 100 containing a plurality of desired bars, remove a desired bar, and place the desired bar onbelt 222 ofconveyor 220. InFIG. 12 , onebar 230 can be seen resting onbelt 222 ofconveyor 220. -
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of acontainer assembly 234 in accordance with the present invention.Container assembly 234 includes acontainer 100 having a plurality ofbar locating members 108. A plurality ofbars 230 are disposed between adjacentbar locating members 108 to form stacks 228. InFIG. 13 , a firstbar engaging member 202A can be seen disposed within a first space 164A defined by a plurality ofbars 230. A secondbar engaging member 202B is disposed in asecond space 164B defined by a plurality ofbars 230. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 13 , firstbar engaging member 202A and secondbar engaging member 202B have been urged towards one another, and atop bar 230A has been captured between firstbar engaging member 202A and secondbar engaging member 202B. InFIG. 13 , it may be appreciated that firstbar engaging member 202A and secondbar engaging member 202B are both disposed above a plane P defined by the top surface of asecond bar 230B. -
FIG. 14 is an additional cross sectional view of thecontainer assembly 234 ofFIG. 13 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 14 , firstbar engaging member 202A and secondbar engaging member 202B have been moved to a new position, for example, usingmotion control system 196. - In
FIG. 14 , it may be appreciated thattop bar 230A has been removed fromcontainer 100 by firstbar engaging member 202A and secondbar engaging member 202B. In some methods in accordance with the present invention,top bar 230A may be removed fromcontainer 100 by movingtop bar 230A in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a top surface S ofsecond bar 230B. InFIG. 14 , it may be appreciated that plane P is defined by top surface S ofsecond bar 230B. Plane P is illustrated with a phantom line inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Astack 340 comprising a plurality ofbars 342 is shown inFIG. 15 .Stack 340 includes a top bar 342A and asecond bar 342B. InFIG. 15 , afirst finger 344 and asecond finger 346 are positioned proximate top bar 342A. Afinger sleeve 348 offirst finger 344 is shown contacting afirst side 350 of top bar 342A and afinger sleeve 348 ofsecond finger 346 is shown contacting asecond side 352 of top bar 342A. InFIG. 15 it may be appreciated thatfirst finger 344 andsecond finger 346 are both positioned above a plane P defined by a top surfaces S ofsecond bar 342B. In some methods in accordance with the present invention,first finger 344 and asecond finger 346 may be used to lift top bar 342A fromstack 340. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 16 , afirst tine 454 and asecond tine 456 are laterally spaced from one another so thatfirst tine 454 andsecond tine 456 define a channel 458. In the embodiment ofFIG. 16 , abar 442 is disposed within channel 458.First tine 454 comprises atine shaft 460 and atine sleeve 462 disposed abouttine shaft 460.Second tine 456 also comprises atine sleeve 462 disposed about atine shaft 460. InFIG. 16 ,tine sleeve 462 offirst tine 454 is shown contacting afirst side 450 ofbar 442 at afirst tine interface 464. Also inFIG. 16 ,tine sleeve 462 ofsecond tine 456 is shown contacting asecond side 452 ofbar 442 at asecond tine interface 466. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 16 , a first finger 444 is disposed within afirst space 468 defined in part byfirst fine 454. Also in the embodiment ofFIG. 16 , asecond finger 446 is disposed within asecond space 470 defined in part bysecond tine 456. First finger 444 comprises afinger shaft 472 and afinger sleeve 448 disposed aboutfinger shaft 472.Second finger 446 also comprises afinger sleeve 448 disposed about afinger shaft 472. InFIG. 16 ,finger sleeve 448 of first finger 444 is shown contacting afirst side 450 ofbar 442 at afirst finger interface 474. Also inFIG. 16 ,finger sleeve 448 ofsecond finger 446 is shown contacting asecond side 452 ofbar 442 at asecond finger interface 476. In some embodiments of the present invention, each finger interface has a finger interface coefficient of friction and each tine interface has a tine interface coefficient of friction. In certain advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the finger interface coefficient of friction is generally greater than the fine coefficient of friction. With reference toFIG. 16 , it will be appreciated that because first finger 444 andsecond finger 446 include not laterally extending surfaces, these fingers are retainingbar 442 through frictional engagement only. When the finger interface coefficient of friction is generally greater than the tine coefficient of friction first finger 444 andsecond finger 446 are able to pullbar 442 out of channel 458 defined byfirst tine 454 andsecond tine 456. -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of acontainer 500 in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Container 500 includes aframe 580, alongitudinal axis 582, and alateral axis 584. In the embodiment ofFIG. 17 , acentroid 586 ofcontainer 500 is located at an intersection of longitudinal-axis 582 andlateral axis 584.Container 500 ofFIG. 17 also includes asensor target 588 that is selectively coupled toframe 580. InFIG. 17 , it may be appreciated thatsensor target 588 has an offset location relativelateral axis 584 andlongitudinal axis 582.Container 500 ofFIG. 17 also includes a plurality ofsockets 592 which may be used to locatecontainer 500 within a workstation. Some methods in accordance with the present invention include the step of sensing the presence ofsensor target 588 to verify thatcontainer 500 is properly oriented within the workstation. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 17 ,container 500 includes a plurality of tines 590 that are laterally spaced apart to define a plurality ofchannels 594. Also in the embodiment ofFIG. 17 , tines 590 are longitudinally spaced about to define a plurality ofspaces 596. Aproximal stack 540 comprising a plurality ofbars 542 is disposed between afirst tine 590A andsecond tine 590B. IfFIG. 17 it may be appreciated that aproximal side 502 ofproximal stack 540 is located a first distance D1 from adistal socket 592A. - In some methods in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of containers containing various types of bars are provided for use with a workstation. In some cases the various types of bars may have different widths. In the embodiment of
FIG. 17 , eachbar 542 has a width W1. In some advantageous methods, the distance between a distal socket of each container and the proximal side of a proximal stack of bars held by the container is the same for all containers. In these advantageous methods, the proximal side of the proximal stack of bars is located in a consistent location regardless of the type of bar that is held in a particular container. -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of acontainer 600 in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Container 600 includes afirst tine 690A and asecond tine 690B that define achannel 658. Aproximal stack 640 comprising a plurality ofbars 642 is disposed in channel 658 (i.e., betweenfirst tine 690A andsecond tine 690B). In the embodiment ofFIG. 18 ,bars 642 ofproximal stack 640 have a width W2. - In
FIG. 18 it may be appreciated that aproximal side 602 ofproximal stack 640 is located a distance D2 from aproximal socket 692A. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 18 , distance D2 is substantially equal to distance D1 shown inFIG. 17 . This is the case, even though width W2 shown inFIG. 18 is different than width W1 shown inFIG. 17 . Adistal stack 640′ comprising a plurality ofbars 642 is also shown ifFIG. 18 . Adistal side 606 ofdistal stack 640′ is located a distance D3 from adistal socket 692B. InFIG. 18 , distance D3 is generally greater than distance D2. -
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view of acontainer 700 in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 19 , a first tine 754 and asecond tine 756 are laterally spaced from one another so that first tine 754 andsecond tine 756 define 30 achannel 758. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19 , abar 742 is disposed withinchannel 758. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19 , each tine comprises atine shaft 760 and atine sleeve 762 disposed about thetine shaft 760. InFIG. 19 ,tine sleeve 762 of first tine 754 is shown contacting afirst side 750 ofbar 742 at afirst tine interface 764. Also inFIG. 19 ,tine sleeve 762 ofsecond tine 756 is shown contacting asecond side 752 ofbar 742 at asecond tine interface 766. - In the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 19 ,bar 742 has width B andchannel 758 has a width C when the sleeves of thetines defining channel 758 are allowed to assume a resting shape. With reference toFIG. 19 , it may be appreciated that width B is generally larger than width C. InFIG. 19 , it may also be appreciated thattine sleeve 762 of first tine.754 andtine sleeve 762 ofsecond tine 756 are shown assuming a generally deformed shape. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 19 , afirst finger 744 is disposed within afirst space 768 defined in part by first tine 754. Also in the embodiment ofFIG. 19 , asecond finger 746 is disposed within asecond space 770 defined in part bysecond tine 756. Athird finger 745 and afourth finger 747 are also shown inFIG. 19 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 19 , each finger comprises afinger shaft 772 and afinger sleeve 748 disposed about thefinger shaft 772. InFIG. 19 ,finger sleeve 748 offirst finger 744 is shown contacting afirst side 750 ofbar 742 at afirst finger interface 774. Also inFIG. 19 ,finger sleeve 748 ofsecond finger 746 is shown contacting asecond side 752 ofbar 742 at asecond finger interface 776. In some embodiments of the present invention, each finger interface has a finger interface coefficient of friction and each tine interface has a tine interface coefficient of friction. In certain advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the finger coefficient of friction is generally greater than the tine coefficient of friction. - Each
tine sleeve 762 and eachfinger sleeve 748 may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include, polymeric materials (e.g., polyethylene) and elastomeric materials (e.g., polyurethane). In some cases, each sleeve may comprise a foam material (e.g., a closed cell foam material). In some embodiments of the present invention, each finger sleeve has a first hardness and each tine sleeve has a second hardness with the first hardness being greater than the second hardness. In some embodiments of the present invention, each finger sleeve has a first durometer and each tine sleeve has a second durometer with the first durometer being greater than the second durometer. In some embodiments of the present invention, each finger sleeve has a first modulus and each tine sleeve has a second modulus with the first modulus being greater than the second modulus. - Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size and ordering of steps without exceeding the scope of the invention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims (7)
1-13. (canceled)
14. In combination;
a container having a plurality of tines;
a plurality of bars disposed between a first tine and a second tine;
the bars forming a proximal stack having a proximal side;
a plurality of sockets for locating the container relative to a workstation;
a sensor target fixed to the container for indicating the orientation of the container relative to the workstation;
the sensor target having an offset location relative to a centroid of the container.
15. The combination of claim 14 , wherein the proximal side of the proximal stack is located first distance from a proximal alignment socket and a distal side of a distal stack is located a second distance from a distal socket;
the second distance being different from the first distance.
16. The combination of claim 14 , further including an alignment pin of a workstation disposed within a socket of the container.
17. The combination of claim 14 , further including a sensor of a workstation arranged to detect the presence of the sensor target.
18-31. (canceled)
32. An apparatus for handling bars, comprising;
a first tine and a second tine defining a channel for holding a stack of bars;
a first finger and a second finger capable of removing bars from the stack;
the first tine contacting a first wall of a bar at a first interface having a first coefficient of friction;
the second finger contacting a second wall of the bar at a second interface having a second coefficient of friction;
the second coefficient of friction being greater than the first coefficient of friction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/220,764 US20060002785A1 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2005-09-07 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/050,742 US6591988B2 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2002-01-15 | Material handling for the insulating glass industry |
US10/347,500 US6962476B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2003-01-15 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
US11/220,764 US20060002785A1 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2005-09-07 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/347,500 Division US6962476B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2003-01-15 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060002785A1 true US20060002785A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
Family
ID=21967133
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/347,500 Expired - Fee Related US6962476B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2003-01-15 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
US11/220,764 Abandoned US20060002785A1 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2005-09-07 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/347,500 Expired - Fee Related US6962476B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2003-01-15 | Methods and apparatus for handling fragile bars |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6962476B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1465824A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003205175A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2474049A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003059790A1 (en) |
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US20080110795A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-05-15 | Innolux Display Corp. | Packing case for substrates of flat display device |
US11694876B2 (en) | 2021-12-08 | 2023-07-04 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of waveform signals during plasma processing |
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US6591988B2 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2003-07-15 | Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. | Material handling for the insulating glass industry |
US7074002B2 (en) * | 2002-12-04 | 2006-07-11 | Griswold Machine & Engineering Inc. | Parts container with in and out conveyors driven in unison |
US7874435B2 (en) * | 2005-08-23 | 2011-01-25 | Integris Rentals, L.L.C. | Pipeline pig storage rack apparatus |
US8025161B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2011-09-27 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Laminated glass rack, and/or method of making and/or shipping laminated glass panels using the same |
US8430254B2 (en) * | 2009-03-20 | 2013-04-30 | Steven C. Kunis | Portable modular closet insert and method of using the same |
US20100239404A1 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2010-09-23 | Bert Joseph Blanchard | Storage and deployment system |
NO333286B1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2013-04-29 | Robotic Drilling Systems As | Device at portable rudder storage |
DE102014004544A1 (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2014-10-16 | Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg | "Rod magazine" |
CN111532548B (en) * | 2020-05-06 | 2021-10-01 | 吉林大学 | Medical instrument is with transport protection machanism |
CA3188439A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-02-10 | Tomas BUTTAZZONI FONTAINE | Platform for the storage, transport and handling of drilling or prospection rods of different lengths and diameters |
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US6394743B1 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2002-05-28 | Cymer, Inc. | Cart for module replacement |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20080110795A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-05-15 | Innolux Display Corp. | Packing case for substrates of flat display device |
US11694876B2 (en) | 2021-12-08 | 2023-07-04 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of waveform signals during plasma processing |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003059790A1 (en) | 2003-07-24 |
EP1465824A1 (en) | 2004-10-13 |
US6962476B2 (en) | 2005-11-08 |
CA2474049A1 (en) | 2003-07-24 |
AU2003205175A1 (en) | 2003-07-30 |
US20030190227A1 (en) | 2003-10-09 |
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