U.S. patent application number 09/841987 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for container pick and return system.
Invention is credited to Konstant, Anthony N..
Application Number | 20020159865 09/841987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25286257 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020159865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konstant, Anthony N. |
October 31, 2002 |
CONTAINER PICK AND RETURN SYSTEM
Abstract
A container pick and return system is provided having a
two-tiered flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined
upper set of feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and
a lower set of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor
upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is
a transfer conveyor assembly that receives a loaded container. The
line worker may then operate a damper control pedal that permits
the container to be positioned at any desired angle greater than
the angle of the input conveyor. This permits enhanced
accessibility of the contents of the container regardless of the
height or arm length of the line worker or the size and shape of
the container contents. When the container is emptied by the line
worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and the empty
container is automatically lowered and transferred to the exit
conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of the
system for reloading. Upon transfer of the empty container, the
transfer conveyor assembly automatically returns to an upper
position for receipt of another loaded container and subsequent
angular presentation of the contents of the container.
Inventors: |
Konstant, Anthony N.;
(Winnetka, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert A. Vitale, Jr.
NIRO, SCAVONE, HALLER & NIRO
181 West Madison Street - Suite 4600
Chicago
IL
60602
US
|
Family ID: |
25286257 |
Appl. No.: |
09/841987 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/267 ;
198/339.1; 198/346.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/267 ;
198/346.3; 198/339.1 |
International
Class: |
B65G 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A unit load pick and return system, comprising: an inclined
input conveyor assembly; an inclined exit conveyor assembly located
below said input conveyor; a transfer conveyor assembly having a
front end and a rear end, said front end adjustably movable
downward to enable the unit load to be presented at an angle
greater than the angle of inclination of the input conveyor for
unloading; said rear end movable downward to a position below said
front end and in alignment with said exit conveyor to form a
downwardly directed incline that selectively and automatically
transfers an unloaded unit load carrier from the input conveyor
assembly to the exit conveyor assembly; said front and rear end
joints moveable upwardly to return the transfer conveyor assembly
to a position in alignment with said input conveyor assembly to
receive a unit load from the input conveyor assembly; at least one
selectively operable locking gas spring to enable the selective
movement of said front end to position said unit load at any
desired angle of inclination greater than the angle of inclination
of the input conveyor assembly; and, a locking spring control
assembly to selectively permit the operation of said locking gas
spring;
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the transfer conveyor assembly
includes a guide sleeve to keep the transfer conveyor assembly in
proper alignment throughout its range of operation.
3. The invention of claim 2 wherein a trigger mechanism is provided
to cooperate with a deck strut which is provided as part of the
transfer conveyor assembly.
4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the transfer conveyor assembly
includes a stop to keep the unit load from rolling off of the
transfer conveyor assembly upon presentation and transfer of the
unit load.
5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the input conveyor assembly
includes a unit load release to permit the selective advancement of
unit loads to the transfer conveyor assembly.
6. A container unloading and return system comprising: input
conveyor means for delivering the loaded container to the front of
the system; exit conveyor means for returning an unloaded container
to the rear of the system; transfer conveyor means for selectively
presenting a loaded container for unloading, the transfer of an
unloaded container to the exit conveyor means, and the return of
the transfer conveyor means to a position to receive a loaded
container from the input conveyor means; and, a locking gas spring
control means to selectively permit the operation of a locking gas
spring to enable the selection of a desired presentation angle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present inventions relate generally to container return
systems and, more particularly, to improved container pick and
return systems that permit the efficient delivery of containers and
their contents to an access aisle for easy and adjustable unloading
and the automatic return of empty containers to a loading aisle.
The present inventions are particularly advantageous when used in
assembly line applications, such as the automotive industry.
However, they are equally pertinent to a wide variety of other
applications.
[0002] In assembly line applications, for example, an important
consideration is the constant supply of parts, typically of a wide
variety of sizes, shapes and weights, to the assembly line worker.
Ease of access to these parts, the removal of empty parts
containers, and the re-supply of parts are also important
considerations to the overall efficiency of the process. Any delay
in the flow of parts, any difficulty in access to parts or any
difficulty in removing empty containers can lead to inefficiencies
in the entire assembly line process.
[0003] Systems capable of accommodating these considerations are
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,725 B1 to Konstant,
entitled "Container Pick and Return System," U.S. Pat. No.
5,567,103 to Konstant and U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,976 to Konstant, both
entitled "Unloading Device" (the "Konstant patents") (all of which
are incorporated herein by reference).
[0004] The latter two Konstant patents teach, among other things,
container unloading systems that selectively and automatically
cycle carts carrying unit loads, such as containers or parts bins,
to the front (or access aisle) of the system where the load is held
at an angle for unloading. The system then cycles (returns) the
carts and unloaded unit containers to the rear of the system
(loading aisle) for re-loading and re-use. In other such systems,
pallets or bins ride on pairs of parallel flow rails and carry the
unit loads to the access aisle for use. The empty unit loads may
then be selectively and automatically returned to the rear of the
system for reloading.
[0005] The first referenced Konstant patent teaches, among other
things, a container pick and return system having a transfer
conveyor assembly that, upon receipt of a loaded container,
automatically and smoothly positions the container at an angle
increased from the angle of the input conveyor assembly to enhance
the accessibility of the contents of the container. When the
container is empty, the transfer conveyor assembly is selectively
triggered and the empty container is automatically transferred to
the exit conveyor for unloading.
[0006] Other available systems require the use of air cylinders,
solenoids and motors to cycle unit loads. One such system is the
Roll 'n Lift system by Creative Storage Systems, Inc. of Kennesaw,
Ga. Such devices utilize relatively complex electronics and
pneumatics to present a pallet and return unloaded pallets and the
like. Such systems also suffer from, among other things, their
expense, complexity and high maintenance.
[0007] In some applications, it is desirable to eliminate the
necessity of wheeled carts used to carry the unit loads. In this
manner, there is greater flexibility of unit load size and systems
costs, and associated maintenance and shipping costs, may be
reduced. For similar reasons, it is also desirable to eliminate the
need for and complexity of electronically controlled air cylinders,
pneumatics and motors.
[0008] Moreover, it is also desirable to have an efficient and
smooth system that can be effective with heavy loads and provide
the gentle presentation of such loads to the transfer conveyor.
Further, it is learned that many in the industry believe it is
desirable for the operator or line worker to be able to selectively
adjust the angle of presentation of a parts container or other
load.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present inventions preserve the advantages of container
unloading and return systems and also provide new features and
advantages. For example, the present inventions provide container
unloading systems that can deliver unit loads, parts container bins
and the like to an access aisle and smoothly present the loads at
an operator selected angle of presentation for ease of access. The
empty containers may then be automatically and selectively returned
for refilling and another loaded container may automatically take
its place. Such systems can accommodate a wide variety of load
sizes, shapes and weights, including relatively heavy loads, all
without the use of carts or complex electronically controlled
pneumatics and the like.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present inventions, a
container pick and return system is provided having a two-tiered
flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined upper set of
feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and a lower set
of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor assembly
upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is
a transfer conveyor assembly that receives a loaded container. The
line worker may then operate a locking spring control pedal that
permits the container to be positioned at any desired angle greater
than the angle of the input conveyor. This permits enhanced
accessibility of the contents of the container regardless of the
height or arm length of the line worker or the size and shape of
the container and its contents. When the container is emptied by
the line worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and
the empty container is automatically lowered and transferred to the
exit conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of
the system for reloading. Upon transfer of the empty container, the
transfer conveyor assembly automatically returns to an upper
position for receipt of another loaded container and subsequent
presentation of the contents of the container. A transfer trigger
mechanism is provided to enable the selective transfer and return
of unloaded containers through the activation of the transfer
function. In addition, a container stop may be provided on the
input conveyor so that a number of containers may wait in line
behind one another in multiple depths on the input conveyor to be
selectively advanced to the transfer conveyor assembly for use.
[0011] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a unit load unloading conveyor system that automatically
returns empty containers, unit loads, pallets and the like to the
rear of the system for reloading.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
transfer and return system that minimizes interference with the
efficiency of the assembly line process by providing a steady
stream of parts to the assembly line worker.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
smooth container return system that is effective for heavy loads
and does not require the use of wheeled carts.
[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a container unloading system that smoothly presents the contents of
a container at an angle, that selected by the operator, for ease of
use and unloading and then smoothly, selectively and automatically
transfers the unloaded container to the rear of the system.
[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to use
locking gas springs and dampers in a container unloading system
that smoothly and gently effectuates container presentation and
transfer, which is also applicable for use with a wide variety of
load weights, including heavy loads.
[0016] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a container unloading system that automatically,
selectively and smoothly transfers unloaded containers from an
unloading end to a loading end where they may be stored or
re-used.
[0017] Yet an additional object of the present invention is to
eliminate the need for solenoids, motors and the like for a
container unloading and return system, although such items may be
used on or in conjunction with systems of the present
invention.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
container unloading system that can accommodate multiple depths of
containers and a wide variety of container contents.
[0019] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
an unloading system that can be used in combination with other such
systems and that can be used in conjunction with other transfer of
storage and/or delivery systems.
INVENTOR'S DEFINITION OF THE TERMS
[0020] The terms used in the claims of this patent as filed are
intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the
requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the
broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are
intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and
the English language.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] These and other features, objects and advantages will become
apparent from the following descriptions and drawings wherein like
reference numerals represent like elements in the various views,
and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention shown with the transfer conveyor assembly in
an upper or container entry position;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1 with the transfer conveyor assembly
in a container pick or unloading position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1 with the transfer conveyor assembly
in an increased angle container pick or unloading position;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention with the transfer conveyor assembly in a
lowered or container return position;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of portions of a
representative transfer trigger mechanism component of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention shown in an entry or feed
position;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
container release mechanism of the present invention shown in a
locked or stop position; and,
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
container release mechanism of the present invention shown in an
open or release position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Set forth below is a description of what is currently
believed to be the preferred embodiment or best representative
example of the inventions claimed. Future and present alternatives
and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated.
Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes
in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to
be covered by the claims of this patent.
[0030] A container unloading or unit load pick and return system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventions is
shown generally in the Figures. By reference to FIGS. 1-4, the
overall system includes a two-level flow rail conveyor assembly 20;
a transfer conveyor assembly 22; and, a support structure 24. Each
of these system components, as well as the operation of the overall
system, will be described below with particular reference to
assembly line applications using containers or parts bins. However,
it will also understood that the present inventions may be used in
a large number of other applications. In addition, the present
inventions are applicable to pallets, slip sheets and unit
loads.
[0031] The support structure 24 is designed to support the flow
rail conveyor system assembly 20 and the transfer conveyor assembly
22. Support structure 24 includes a number of spaced parallel
columns 30, support braces (not shown) and a number of beams (not
shown) interconnecting the spaced parallel columns 30. The
resulting configuration is generally similar to storage bays. Also
provided are top frame members 36, bottom frame members 38 and
lower cross-frame members 40 (see also FIG. 5). Base brackets 37
(see also FIG. 5) may be provided which may be used to, among other
things, accommodate the pivotal attachment of various components of
the transfer conveyor assembly 22, as hereinafter described. In
addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
support structure 24 includes spaced, parallel, front guide columns
39. Guide columns 39 are formed by opposing tubular members. Guide
columns 39 serve as guides for various components of the transfer
conveyor assembly 22, as hereinafter described.
[0032] It will be understood that any number of support structures
24 may be placed in side-by-side relationship, or even stacked one
on top of the other, also depending upon the application. Depending
upon the design load, any necessary support can be provided by
additional or larger columns, beams and the like, which may be
attached in any variety of ways such as bolts, welding and the
like. In addition, generally tubular structural members are used
for the majority of the components of a preferred embodiment of the
support structure 24, as well as many of the components of the
transfer conveyor assembly 22, as shown in the Figures. Such
members provide the preferred strength and torsional and stiffness
characteristics of the preferred embodiment. However, a wide
variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as cold-rolled I and S beam
cross-sections, may also be used for the support structure and
other components of the present inventions.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, conveyor rail system 20 is
supported by support assembly 24. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, conveyor rail system 20 consists of a pair of
spaced, parallel input flow conveyors 21 and a pair of spaced,
parallel exit return flow conveyors 23. As will be understood by
those of skill in the art, the input 21 and return 23 flow
conveyors may be formed from a series of in-line rollers that
define rolling surfaces which permit a container, pallet or unit
load to roll along their length. In the preferred embodiment, a
pair of input 21 and exit 23 conveyors are utilized. However,
depending upon the type of container or unit load for which the
system is designed, as well as the design loads, one or any number
of additional flow conveyor assemblies may be used. Alternatively,
a single flow conveyor assembly may be used for the input 21, exit
23 and/or transfer conveyor 25.
[0034] Input conveyors 21 are sloped gradually downward from the
rear to the front of the system and return conveyors 23 are sloped
downward from the front to the rear of the system. The forward end
of input conveyor 21 and return conveyor 23 terminates before the
front end of the system in order to accommodate the transfer
conveyor assembly 22. In addition, and of particular utility in
multiple container applications, a container release mechanism 100
(see also FIGS. 6 and 7) may be placed on or cooperate with the
input conveyor 21 to enable the selective release of containers to
the transfer conveyor assembly 22. One example of a suitable
container or other unit load release assembly 100 is shown and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,472, entitled "Release Mechanism
for Carts, Pallets or Unit Load Storage System," which issued to
John F. Pater and was assigned to Konstant Products, Inc., and
which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a release may be
readily utilized with the present inventions and is shown generally
as 100 in FIGS. 1 and 3. Container release assembly 100 is
activated through release handle 102. Specifically, when release
handle 102 is pulled, it forces a generally horizontal link 104
forward which rotates a generally vertical link 106 forward. This
enables selective activation of the container stop 100 (see FIGS. 6
and 7).
[0035] In addition, retarders or brakes (not shown) may be
incorporated along the input conveyor 21 in order to slow the flow
of and separate any containers in the system, especially when
multiple depths of containers are utilized. The type and
incorporation of retarders or brakes in the present invention will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In general,
however, such retarders may take the form of a large rubber roller
having a centrifugal brake assembly, the surface of which contacts
the bottom of a roller which is in contact with the unit load or
container. In this manner, among others, the flow of containers may
be slowed and desired spacing maintained between containers.
[0036] The preferred transfer conveyor assembly 22 of the present
inventions may be better understood by reference to FIGS. 1-4. The
assembly 22 consists of a container deck 50 which may be
constructed from a number and variety of structural members,
including side deck members 51. As will be hereinafter described,
container deck 50 may be used to accommodate some of the other
components of the transfer conveyor assembly 22. Container stops 85
are provided at the front of container deck 50. Attached to
container deck 50 are transfer flow conveyors 25. Transfer flow
conveyors 25 are in line with the input flow conveyors 21 to
receive a container or other load. The transfer flow conveyors 25
then move with container deck 50 during the parts presentation and
transfer modes as hereinafter described.
[0037] Container deck 50 is adapted to receive deck struts 56,
which extend downwardly toward bottom frame members 38.
Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, deck struts 56 are
pivotably connected at their proximate end to container deck 50
using tabs 57 or similar methods and configurations. Stabilizer
bars 58 (FIG. 5) may also be provided to ensure that deck struts 56
rotate the same amount when the system is under load and in
operation. The distal ends of deck struts 56 are adapted to
rollingly engage bottom frame members 37. In a preferred
embodiment, the distal ends of deck struts 56 are adapted to
accommodate wheels or rollers 59. Wheels 59 cooperate with locking
spring control assembly 70, as hereinafter described.
Alternatively, the distal end of the deck struts 56 may be adapted
to slide or otherwise move along base brackets 37 or the ground and
the like.
[0038] Container deck 50 is also designed to accommodate guide
sleeves 60, which in a preferred embodiment of the present
inventions are pivotably connected by well known means to side deck
members 51. Guide sleeves 60 are designed to collar and slidably
engage guide column 39. Guide sleeves 60 are also provided with
tabs or other means to permit the attachment of other components of
the transfer conveyor assembly 22, as hereinafter described. In
this manner, and in conjunction with deck struts 56, container deck
50 is kept in proper alignment throughout its range of operation
during container transfer and parts presentation.
[0039] With particular reference to FIG. 5, deck struts 56, and
hence container deck 50, are held in the entry position (see also
FIG. 1) by trigger mechanism 70, which also serves to permit the
selective activation of the transfer assembly 22. Trigger mechanism
70 consists of horizontal bracket member 71 and vertical bracket
member 72, both of which serve as the frame structure for trigger
lever 73. Horizontal bracket member 71 is connected at its front
end (not shown) and at its rear end to vertical bracket member 72,
which in turn is connected to bottom frame member 37. Trigger lever
73 is pivotably mounted to horizontal bracket member 71 by pins 74
or other well known means. In addition, trigger lever 73 is
operably connected to or in contact with a front stop bracket 78
and a rear stop bracket 76 (see FIG. 5), which, in a preferred
embodiment, for one generally rectangular assembly.
[0040] In situations where multiple container pick and return
systems are used side-by-side in rows, it is particularly helpful
to position the means for activation of the trigger mechanism 70 on
the front of the system. One way to accomplish this is to provide a
strut stop release 80 having an engagement end 81 and an activation
end 83 which are interconnected by two lateral members 82. The
activation end 83 extends out of (or is accessible from) the front
of the system. When transfer is desired, the operator may simply
step on activation end 83 or other member causing the two lateral
members 82 to pivot about point 84 and thereby rotate and activate
the trigger lever 73. Other means will be readily understood by
those of skill in the art as dictated by the actual use and set-up
of the system.
[0041] Deck support arms 56, and their wheels 59, are placed so
that they may roll rearward along bottom bracket members 37. The
front end of trigger lever 73 engages stop wheel 60 when the
transfer assembly 22 is in the pick position and the trigger
mechanism 70 is in the stop position, as shown in FIG. 5. When
transfer of an empty container is desired, the forward end of
trigger lever 73 is activated by stepping on activation end 83 of
strut stop release 80. As a result, engagement end 81 rotates
upward and contacts front stop bracket 78. Upon activation, trigger
lever 73 disengages from wheel 59, which enables wheel 59 to roll
rearward along bottom bracket member 37 and effectuates transfer,
as hereinafter described.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least one or more, but
preferably two, gas dampers 64 are provided as part of the transfer
conveyor assembly 22. The dampers 64 are connected at one end to
guide column sleeve 60 through tab 68 or other well known means.
The other end of gas dampers 64 is angled downwardly from side
members 51 and attached to bottom frame member 38 through tabs 65
or other well known means. The dampers 64 help control the descent
of the loaded container deck for smooth presentation, as well as
supporting a portion of the load.
[0043] At least one, and preferably two, locking gas springs 66 are
also provided as part of transfer conveyor assembly 22. Locking gas
springs 66 are connected at one end to column sleeve 60 through tab
69 or other well known means, and pivotably mounted to bottom frame
member 38 through tab 67 or other well known means. Locking gas
springs 66 aid in controlling the descent of container deck 50
during parts presentation and transfer, serve to return the deck to
its upper or loading position after completion of transfer and
enable the selective angular presentation of transfer deck 50 and a
container. The placement of locking gas springs 66 and gas dampers
64 may be adapted to provide smooth and effective operation
depending upon the design load of the system and may be readjusted
for different loads.
[0044] Alternative arrangements of the locking gas springs 66 and
gas dampers 64 may be utilized. For example, only one of each may
be utilized. And, the locking gas springs 66 and gas damper 64 may
be configured in a manner other than that of the preferred
embodiment to achieve smooth and efficient transfer, as discussed
herein.
[0045] The preferred locking gas springs 66 are presently available
from Hahn Gas Springs of Aichschieb, Germany; namely, its gas
spring model number S14 40 650 1 1700 GZ25 WG45 1400 N/5/6/7.
Although other types and makes of gas springs may be used in the
present invention, these gas springs provide the best operation and
adjustability of the spring factor or constant, as well as
presentation angle, adjustability and selectivity. Similarly, gas
dampers 64 are presently available from Hahn Gas Springs; namely,
its model number D14 40 750 2 1630 WG35 001 N/6. Other suitable gas
dampers that provide controlled action that can handle the designed
load and control the descent of the load may be used.
[0046] A locking gas spring control mechanism shown generally at 90
in FIGS. 1-4 is also provided. Locking gas spring control mechanism
90 includes a foot pedal 91 (or other means) that is operably
connected to L-shaped pin 95 through link 92. Pin 95 is in turn
operably connected to valve 96 of locking gas spring 66. Thus, when
desired, foot pedal 91 may be activated which rotates valve 95 and
permits locking gas spring 66 to compress (descend). This then
permits the front end of container deck 50 to drop downward (see
FIGS. 2 and 3). The desired angle of presentation is controlled by
depressing pedal 91 for longer periods (i.e., permitting a greater
angle of presentation, FIGS. 3 and 4) or a shorter period (i.e., a
smaller angle of presentation, FIG. 2). In this manner, almost
infinite adjustments of the angle of presentation may be
achieved.
[0047] The operation of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention may be better understood by reference to FIGS. 1-3. The
entry position is shown in FIG. 1. A loaded container or parts bin
(not shown) is placed on the rear end of input conveyor assembly
21. As previously described, retarders may be used on the input
conveyor 21. If container release mechanism 100 is employed along
input conveyor 21, container will be engaged (FIG. 6). Upon any
such release through activation of handle 102 (FIG. 7), the
container rolls forward onto transfer conveyor 25 until it comes
into contact with container stop 85. When desired, locking spring
control 90 may be activated by stepping on foot pedal 91. The
activation of locking gas spring 66 and the weight of the container
forces the front end of container deck 50 downward to present the
parts at any desired unloading and use angle. Dampers 64 and
locking gas spring 66 counteract some of the weight and slowly and
smoothly lower the load to the desired angle. Guide columns 39, in
conjunction with column sleeves 60, keep the container deck
assembly in proper alignment upon descent and return.
[0048] Once the container is unloaded and the container collapsed,
if necessary, trigger mechanism 70 is activated by depressing the
activation end 83 of strut stop release 80 which activates trigger
lever 73. As a result, stop wheel 59 is disengaged from trigger
lever 73 and the wheels 59 of deck strut 56 roll rearward on bottom
members 37. The front and rear of transfer conveyor assembly 22 and
container deck 50 ease downward so that the empty container may
roll down transfer conveyor 25 and onto exit conveyor 23. Once the
empty container clears the transfer conveyor 25 and rolls toward
the rear of the system, gas springs 66 counteract the weight of the
transfer conveyor assembly 22, and push the assembly up into the
input position and ready to receive the next container. In this
manner, smooth and efficient transfer of, for example, parts bins
is accomplished.
[0049] The above description is not intended to limit the meaning
of the words used in the following claims that define the
invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in
structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial
changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed
are intended to be covered by the claims. Thus, while preferred
embodiments of the present inventions have been illustrated and
described, it will be understood that changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the claimed invention.
[0050] Various features of the present inventions are set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *