U.S. patent application number 09/769590 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-20 for dampening cylinder for transfer mechanism.
Invention is credited to Brown, Edmund W..
Application Number | 20030034214 09/769590 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24606419 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030034214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Edmund W. |
February 20, 2003 |
Dampening cylinder for transfer mechanism
Abstract
A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a load between
an upper conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower conveyor
extending along a second axis, vertically displaced from the first
axis. The transfer mechanism includes first and second spaced,
generally parallel rails having first ends pivotably mounted to the
upper conveyor and opposite second ends. The rails are movable
between a first position wherein the rails are generally co-planar
with the upper conveyor and a second position wherein the rails
extend from the upper conveyor at a predetermined angle. A transfer
conveyor has a first end pivotably mounted to the second ends of
the rails and a second opposite end. The transfer conveyor is
movable between a first position wherein the transfer conveyor is
generally co-planar with the rails and a second position wherein
the transfer conveyor is at a predetermined angle to the rails such
that the transfer conveyor is co-planar with the lower conveyor
when the rails and the transfer conveyor are in the second
positions.
Inventors: |
Brown, Edmund W.; (Racine,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ, S.C.
250 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 1030
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
24606419 |
Appl. No.: |
09/769590 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09769590 |
Jan 25, 2001 |
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09649835 |
Aug 29, 2000 |
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6390278 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
188/313 ;
188/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 47/647
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
188/313 ;
188/297 |
International
Class: |
F16F 009/00; B65G
021/10 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A transfer mechanism for transferring a load between a first
upper conveyor and a second lower conveyor, comprising: first and
second spaced, generally parallel rails having first ends pivotably
mounted to the upper conveyor and opposite second ends, the rails
movable between a first position wherein the rails are generally
co-planer with the upper conveyor and a second position wherein the
rails extend from the upper conveyor at a predetermined angle; and
a transfer conveyor having a first end pivotably mounted to the
second ends of the rails and a second opposite end, the transfer
conveyor movable between a first position wherein the transfer
conveyor is generally co-planer with the rails and a second
position wherein the transfer conveyor is at a predetermined angle
to the rails such that transfer conveyor is generally co-planer
with the lower conveyor when the rails and the transfer conveyor
are in the second positions.
2. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a rail
locking mechanism movable between a lock position for locking the
rails in the first position and a release position for allowing the
rails to pivot between the first and second positions.
3. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a transfer
conveyor locking mechanism movable between a lock position for
locking the transfer conveyor in the first position and a release
position for allowing the transfer conveyor to pivot between the
first and second positions.
4. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a
counterweight operatively connected to at least one of the rails
for urging the rails towards the first position.
5. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a
counterweight operatively connected to the transfer conveyor for
urging the transfer conveyor towards the first position.
6. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a dampening
mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the rails for
controlling the rate of movement of the rails between the first and
the second positions.
7. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a load
restraining mechanism operatively connected to the upper conveyor,
the load restraining mechanism movable between a first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and a second position for
allowing the load to be axially slid between the rails.
8. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 wherein the transfer conveyer
includes a load stopping member projecting from the second end
thereof, the load stopping member preventing the load from sliding
axially off the transfer conveyer.
9. The transfer mechanism of claim 1 wherein the transfer conveyor
includes a plurality of rollers extending in a direction generally
perpendicular to the rails, the rollers facilitating the
positioning of the load onto and off of the transfer conveyor.
10. A transfer mechanism for transferring a load between an upper
conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower conveyor
extending along a second axis, vertically displaced from the first
axis, the transfer mechanism comprising: a support member having a
first end adjacent to and pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor
and an opposite second end, the support member movable between a
first position wherein the support member is generally parallel to
the first axis and a second position wherein the support member is
at a predetermined angle to the first axis; and a transfer deck
having a first end pivotably mounted to the second end of the
support member and a second opposite end, the transfer deck movable
between a first position wherein the transfer deck is co-planer
with the support member and a second position wherein the transfer
deck is at a predetermined angle to the support member.
11. The transfer mechanism of claim 10 wherein the transfer deck
extends generally along the second axis when the support member and
the transfer deck are in the second positions.
12. The transfer mechanism of claim 10 further comprising: a
support member locking mechanism movable between a lock position
for locking the support member in the first position and a release
position for allowing the support member to pivot between the first
and second positions; and a transfer deck locking mechanism movable
between a lock position for locking the transfer deck in the first
position and a release position for allowing the transfer deck to
pivot between the first and second positions.
13. The transfer mechanism of claim 12 further comprising a support
member locking mechanism biasing element for urging the support
member locking mechanism towards the lock position; and a transfer
deck locking mechanism biasing element for urging the transfer deck
locking mechanism towards the lock position.
14. The transfer mechanism of claim 10 further comprising: a first
counterweight operatively connected to the support member for
urging the support member towards the first position; and a second
counterweight operatively connected to the transfer deck for urging
the transfer deck towards the first position.
15. The transfer mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a
dampening mechanism operatively connected to the support member for
controlling the rate of movement of the support member between the
first and the second positions.
16. The transfer mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a load
restraining mechanism operatively connected to the upper conveyor,
the load restraining mechanism movable between a first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and a second position for
allowing the load to be axially slid adjacent the support
member.
17. A transfer mechanism for transferring a load between an upper
conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower conveyor
extending along a second axis, vertically displaced from the first
axis, the transfer mechanism comprising: first and second spaced,
generally parallel rails having first ends adjacent to and
pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor and opposite second ends,
the rails movable between a first position wherein the rails are
generally parallel to the first axis and a second position wherein
the rails are at a predetermined angle to the first axis; a rail
locking mechanism movable between a lock position for locking the
rails in the first position and a release position for allowing the
rails to pivot between the first and second positions; a first
counterweight operatively connected to at least one of the rails
for urging the rails towards the first position; a transfer deck
having a first end pivotably mounted to the second ends of the
rails and a second opposite end, the transfer deck movable between
a first position wherein the transfer deck is disposed between the
rails and a second position wherein the transfer deck is at a
predetermined angle to the rails; a transfer deck locking mechanism
movable between a lock position for locking the transfer deck in
the first position and a release position for allowing the transfer
deck to pivot between the first and second positions; and a second
counterweight operatively connected to the transfer deck for urging
the transfer deck towards the first position.
18. The transfer mechanism of claim 17 wherein the transfer deck
intersects the second axis when the rails and the transfer deck are
in the second positions.
19. The transfer mechanism of claim 17 further comprising a
dampening mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the
rails for controlling the rate of movement of the rails between the
first and the second positions.
20. The transfer mechanism of claim 17 further comprising a load
restraining mechanism operatively connected to the upper conveyor,
the load restraining mechanism movable between a first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and a second position for
allowing the load to be axially slid between the rails.
21. The transfer mechanism of claim 17 further comprising a rail
locking mechanism biasing element for urging the rail locking
mechanism towards the lock position; and a transfer deck locking
mechanism biasing element for urging the transfer deck locking
mechanism towards the lock position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to conveyors, and in
particular, to a transfer mechanism for transferring a load between
an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to transport materials and products throughout a
factory or the like, conveyors are often used. Due to the floor
space limitations in many factories, pairs of conveyors are often
disposed in a vertically spaced relationship. For example, a
delivery conveyor may be provided to deliver pallets or containers
to a work station and a distribution conveyor, vertically spaced
from the delivery conveyor, may be provided to transport such
pallets or containers from the work station.
[0003] In order to convey the pallets or containers from the upper
conveyor to the lower conveyor, complex load transfer mechanisms
have been developed. These types of load transfer mechanisms often
incorporate various types of hydraulic systems for raising and/or
lowering the load between the delivery conveyor and the
distribution conveyor. As such, these types of load transfer
mechanisms are highly complicated and quite expensive.
[0004] Alternatively, simple mechanical types of load transfer
mechanisms have been developed which allow a pallet or container to
be transferred between an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor. By
way of example, Konstant et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,961 discloses
a load transfer and return storage rack system which allows for
wheel carts or empty pallets to be selectively or automatically
transferred from a pair of feed rails to a pair of return rails.
The system disclosed in the Konstant et al., '961 patent is
intended to transfer empty carts or pallets between the feed rails
and the return rails. As such, the system disclosed in the Konstant
et al., '961 patent is not intended to deliver product to or
distribute the product from a work station at the load transfer
structure. Further, no mechanism is provided for dampening the
movement of the load transfer system between the feed rails and the
return rails. As such, transfer of a loaded cart or pallet between
the feed rails and the return rail may cause damage to the load
transfer system disclosed in the Konstant et al. '961 patent.
[0005] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present
invention to provide a transfer mechanism for transferring a load
between a first upper conveyor and a second lower conveyor.
[0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide a transfer mechanism which transfers a load between a
first upper conveyor and a second lower conveyor and which provides
for an intermediate position during transfer of the load wherein
the load is in an ergometrically friendly position at a work
station.
[0007] It is a still further object and feature of the present
invention to provide a transfer mechanism which transfers a load
between a first upper conveyor and a second lower conveyor which is
simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a transfer
mechanism is provided for transferring a load between a first upper
conveyor and a second lower conveyor. The transfer mechanism
includes first and second spaced, generally parallel rails having
first ends pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor and opposite,
second ends. The rails are movable between a first position wherein
the rails are generally co-planar with the upper conveyor and a
second position wherein the rails extend from the upper conveyor at
a predetermined angle. The transfer mechanism also includes a
transfer conveyor having a first end pivotably mounted to the
second ends of the rails, and a second opposite end. The transfer
conveyor is movable between a first position wherein the transfer
conveyor is generally co-planar with the rails and a second
position wherein the transfer conveyor is at a predetermined angle
to the rails such that the transfer conveyor is generally co-planar
with the lower conveyor when the rails and the transfer conveyor
are in the second positions.
[0009] The transfer mechanism may include a rail locking mechanism
which is movable between a locked position for locking the rails in
the first position and a release position for allowing the rails to
pivot between the first and second positions. A transfer conveyor
locking mechanism is also provided. The transfer conveyor locking
mechanism is movable between a locked position for locking the
transfer conveyor in the first position and a release position for
allowing the transfer conveyor to pivot between the first and
second positions. A first counterweight is operatively connected to
at least one of the rails for urging the rails towards the first
position. A second counterweight is operatively connected to the
transfer mechanism for urging the transfer conveyor towards the
first position. A dampening mechanism is operatively connected to
at least one of the rails for controlling movement of the rails
between the first and second positions.
[0010] The transfer mechanism may also include a load restraining
mechanism operatively connected to the upper conveyor. The load
restraining mechanism is movable between a first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and a second position for
allowing the load to be axially slid between the rails. The
transfer conveyor also includes a plurality of rollers extending in
the direction generally perpendicular to the rails. The rollers
facilitate the positioning of a load onto and off of the transfer
conveyor.
[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, a transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a load
between an upper conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower
conveyor extending along the second axis, vertically displaced from
the first axis. The transfer mechanism includes a support member
having a first end adjacent to and pivotably mounted to the upper
conveyor and an opposite second end. The support member is movable
between a first position wherein the support member is generally
parallel to the first axis and a second position wherein the
support member is at a predetermined angle to the first axis. The
transfer mechanism further includes a transfer deck having a first
end pivotably mounted to the second end of the support member and a
second opposite end. The transfer deck is movable between a first
position wherein the transfer deck is co-planar with the support
member and a second position wherein the transfer deck is at a
predetermined angle to the support member. It is contemplated that
the transfer deck extend generally along the second axis when the
support member and the transfer deck are in the second
positions.
[0012] The transfer mechanism may also include a support member
locking mechanism and a transfer deck locking mechanism. The
support member locking mechanism is movable between a locked
position for locking the support member in the first position and a
release position for allowing the support member to pivot between
the first and second positions. The transfer deck locking mechanism
is also movable between a locked position for locking the transfer
deck in the first position and a release position for allowing the
transfer deck to pivot between the first and second positions. A
support member locking mechanism biasing element urges the support
member locking mechanism towards the locked position. A transfer
deck locking mechanism biasing element urges the transfer deck
locking mechanism towards the locked position. The transfer
mechanism also includes a first counterweight operatively connected
to the support member for urging the support member towards the
first position and a second counterweight operatively connected to
the transfer deck for urging the transfer deck towards the first
position. A dampening mechanism is operatively connected to the
support member for controlling the rate of movement of the support
member between the first and second positions. A load restraining
mechanism is operatively connected to the upper conveyor. The load
restraining mechanism is movable between a first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and a second position for
allowing the load to be axially slid adjacent the support
member.
[0013] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present
invention, a transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a load
between an upper conveyor extending along the first axis and a
lower conveyor extending along a second axis which is vertically
displaced from the first axis. The transfer mechanism includes
first and second spaced, generally parallel rails having first ends
adjacent to and pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor and
opposite second ends. The rails are movable between a first
position wherein the rails are generally parallel to the first axis
and a second position wherein the rails are at a predetermined
angle from the first axis. A rail locking mechanism is movable
between a locked position for locking the rails in the first
position and a release position for allowing the rails to pivot
between the first and second positions. A first counterweight is
operatively connected to at least one of the rails for urging the
rails towards the first position. A transfer deck is also provided.
The transfer deck includes a first end pivotably mounted to the
second ends of the rails and a second opposite end. The transfer
deck is a movable between a first position wherein the transfer
deck is disposed between the rails and a second position wherein
the transfer conveyor deck is at a predetermined angle to the
rails. A transfer deck locking mechanism is movable between a
locked position for locking the transfer deck in the first position
and a release position for allowing the transfer deck to pivot
between the first and second positions. A second counterweight is
operatively connected to the transfer deck for urging the transfer
deck towards the first position. It is contemplated that the
transfer deck intersect the second axis when the rails from the
transfer deck are in the second position.
[0014] A dampening mechanism may be operatively connected to at
least one of the rails for controlling the rate of movement of the
rails between the first and second positions. A load restraining
mechanism is operatively connected to the upper conveyor. The load
restraining mechanism is movable between the first position for
retaining the load on the upper conveyor and the second position
for allowing the load to be axially slid between the rails. A rail
locking mechanism biasing element urges the rail locking mechanism
towards the locked position and a transfer deck locking mechanism
biasing element urges the transfer deck locking mechanism towards
the locked position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred
construction of the present invention in which the above advantages
and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be
readily understood from the following description of the
illustrated embodiment.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a transfer mechanism in
accordance with the present invention showing the transfer
mechanism in a first loading position;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the transfer mechanism
of the present invention showing the transfer mechanism in an
intermediate loading position;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the transfer
mechanism of the present invention showing the transfer mechanism
in a third, transferred position;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, similar to FIG. 1,
showing the transfer mechanism of the present invention in the
first, loading position;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the transfer mechanism of the
present invention taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer mechanism
of the present invention taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing a
load retaining mechanism in a first load retaining position;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 6, showing
the load retaining mechanism in a released position;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of
FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of
FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 5;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of
FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of
FIG. 5;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a dampening mechanism
of the transfer mechanism of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an upper conveyor for
use with the transfer mechanism of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view, similar to FIG. 16,
showing an upper conveyor for use with the transfer mechanism of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a transfer mechanism in accordance
with the present invention is generally designed by the reference
numeral 10. Transfer mechanism 10 is intended to transfer a load
such as container 12 between an upper conveyor generally designated
by the reference numeral 14, and a lower conveyor, generally
designated by the reference numeral 16.
[0035] Transfer mechanism 10, upper conveyor 14, lower conveyor 16
are supported above a supporting surface 18 by a supporting frame
20. Support frame 20 includes pairs of end columns 22a and 22b
interconnected by upper spaced beams 24a (FIG. 5) and 24b, and by
lower spaced beams 26. Each of the end columns 22a and 22b include
adjustable feet 28 which are telescopically received within the
lower ends of end columns 22a and 22b so as to allow support frame
20 to be leveled with respect to supporting surface 18. Support
frame 20 further includes a pair of intermediate columns 30 having
upper ends interconnected to corresponding upper beams 24a and 24b
and lower ends interconnected to corresponding lower beams 26.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, upper conveyor 14 includes first and
second generally parallel guide members 32 mounted on corresponding
upper surfaces 25 of upper beams 24a and 24b. As best seen in FIG.
5, upper beams 24a and 24b are interconnected by spaced, forward
and rearward cross beams 36a and 36b, respectively, which, in turn,
support first and second roller sets 38 and 40, respectively, of
parallelly extending rollers 41 (FIG. 8).
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, load retaining mechanism 42 is
provided for maintaining load 12 on upper conveyor 14 and
selectively preventing container 12 from axially sliding from
roller sets 38 and 40 onto transfer mechanism 10. Load restraining
mechanism 42 includes a first rod 44 extending along the upper
surface 24a of one of the pair of upper beams 24a and 24b. Rod 44
includes a handle 46 mounted to a first end 48 thereof and a plate
50 rigidly mounted to an opposite second end 52 thereof. Load
retaining mechanism 42 further includes a second rod 54 having a
first end 56 interconnected to plate 50 and a second end rigidly
connected to load restraining plate 60. Load restraining plate 60
is pivotably mounted to forward cross beam 36a by a pivot pin 62.
With handle 46 in a first position, FIG. 6, load restraining plate
60 extends vertically from forward cross beam 36a so as to prevent
container 12 from sliding axially (from right to left in FIG. 8)
along roller sets 38 and 40 of rollers 41 onto transfer mechanism
10. By rotating handle 46 counterclockwise in FIGS. 6-7, plate 50
is rotated by rod 44 such that second rod 54 is drawn from right to
left in FIGS. 6-7. As a result, load restraining plate 60 pivots on
pivot pin 62 such that load restraining plate 60 is generally
parallel to forward cross beam 36a and is out of interfering
relationship with container 12, FIG. 7, thereby allowing container
12 to be slid axially along roller sets 38 and 40 of rollers 41
onto transfer mechanism 10.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 14, lower conveyor 16 includes a
pair of spaced lower conveyor rails 66 which extend from
corresponding end columns 22a such that lower conveyor 16 is
disposed below upper conveyor 14. Lower conveyor rails 66 support
first and second roller sets 67 of rollers 41, for reasons
hereinafter described.
[0039] As best seen in FIG. 5, transfer mechanism 10 includes a
pair of spaced rails 70a and 70b having first and second opposite
ends 72 and 74, respectively. Rails 70a and 70b are pivotably
connected to corresponding upper beams 24a and 24b, respectively,
by pivot pins 76. Rails 70a and 70b pivot between a first position,
FIGS. 1 and 4, wherein the rails 70a and 70b are generally
co-planar with upper conveyor 14 and a second position, FIGS. 2-3,
wherein rails 70a and 70b are at a predetermined angle to upper
conveyor 14. It is contemplated that in the second position, FIGS.
2-3, rails 70a and 70b be at an angle, e.g. 45 degrees, with
respect to supporting surface 18 so as to allow container 12 to be
in an ergometrically friendly position, as hereinafter described.
Rails 70a and 70b are retained in the first position by pin
structures 80 (FIG. 10), as hereinafter described.
[0040] Rails 70a and 70b have first portions 82 adjacent the first
ends 72 thereof and second portions 84 adjacent second ends 74
thereof First and second portions 82 and 84 are at predetermined
angles with respect to each other. Counterweights 86 are mounted to
first portions 82 of rails 70a and 70b so as to urge rails 70a and
70b towards the first position, FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 10-11, first ends 74 of rails 70a and 70b
are interconnected by cross beam 90. Cross beam 90 includes an
upper surface 92 and a lower surface 94. Pin structures 80 are
mounted onto lower surface 94 at opposite ends 95 and 96 of cross
beam 90 adjacent corresponding ends 74 of rails 70a and 70b,
respectively. Each pin structure 80 includes a pin housing 98
having an inner surface 100 defining a generally cylindrical
chamber therein. A pin member 102 is slidably received within the
chamber in pin housing 98. Pin member 102 includes a first end 103
which projects through a corresponding opening 104 in a first end
106 of pin housing 98 and a second opposite end 108 which projects
through an opening 110 in a second opposite end 112 of pin housing
98. A flange 114 projects radially from pin member 102 and includes
a radially outer surface 116 which engages the inner surface 100 of
pin housing 98 and forms a slidable interface therewith. A spring
118 is disposed within the chamber within pin housing 98 so as to
engage flange 114 and urge flange 114 away from second end 112 of
pin housing 98.
[0042] Second ends 108 of pin members 102 of pin structures 80 are
interconnected to connection bracket 120 by cables 122. Connection
bracket 120 is pivotably mounted to the lower surface 94 of cross
beam 90 by a pivot pin 124. Connection bracket 120 is further
connected to a first end 126 of a push/pull cable 128. Second end
130 of push/pull cable 128 is interconnected to a handle 132 (FIG.
12).
[0043] Upper beams 24a and 24b include corresponding inwardly
directed surfaces 134 and 136, respectively. Mounting brackets 138
and 140 are affixed to corresponding inner surfaces 134 and 136,
respectively, of upper beams 24a and 24b, respectively. Mounting
brackets 138 and 140 include corresponding openings 142 and 144,
respectively, which are axially aligned with pin members 102 of
corresponding pin structures 80. Mounting bracket 138 includes a
generally horizontal handle supporting portion 146 interconnected
thereto. Handle 132 is pivotably mounted to handle support portion
146 such that handle 132 is movable between a first non-release
position, FIG. 9, and a second release position, shown in phantom
in FIG. 9. As described, with the handle in the first position,
second ends 108 of pin members 102 of pin structures 80 filly
extend from the second end 110 of pin housing 98. By pivoting
handle 132 to the release position, push/pull cable 128 rotates
connection bracket 120 on pivot pin 124 so as to retract pin
members 102 within pin housings 98 through cables 122 and to allow
rails 70a and 70b to pivot on pivot pins 76.
[0044] As best seen in FIG. 12, rail 70b is interconnected to one
of the intermediate columns 30 by a cylinder assembly generally
designated by the reference numeral 150. Cylinder assembly 150
includes a dampening cylinder 152 pivotably mounted to one of the
intermediate columns 30. Dampening cylinder 152 includes cylinder
housing 154 having first and second opposite ends 156 and 158,
respectively. Referring to FIG. 15, cylinder housing 154 includes
an inner surface 160 defining a chamber therein. Ends 156 and 158
of cylinder housing 154 includes corresponding openings 162 and 164
therein which are axially aligned with each other. A piston rod 166
extends through openings 162 and 164 in cylinder housing 154.
Piston rod 166 includes a first end 168 pivotably mounted to a
mounting flange 170 depending from the underside 172 of rail 70b
and a second opposite end 169.
[0045] Piston rod 166 further includes a flange 174 projecting
radially from the outer surface 176 thereof and disposed within the
chamber of cylinder housing 154. Flange 174 divides the chamber
within cylinder housing 154 into a first portion 178a and a second
portion 178b. Flange 174 is defined by a first surface 180 which is
directed towards first portion 178a of the chamber within cylinder
housing 154 and a second surface 182 directed towards the second
portion 178b of the chamber within cylinder housing 154. First and
second surfaces 180 and 182, respectively, of flange 174 are
interconnected by a radially outer end surface 184 which forms a
slidable interface with the inner surface 160 of cylinder housing
154.
[0046] First and second portions 178a and 178b, respectively, of
the chamber within cylinder housing 154 are interconnected by a
conduit 190. Conduit 190 includes first and second flow control
valves 192 and 194, respectively, which control the flow of fluid
between first and second portions 178a and 178b, respectively, of
the chamber within cylinder housing 154. Flow control valve 192
includes first and second parallel passages 196 and 198,
respectively, therethrough. Check valve 200 is disposed in second
passage 198 so as to allow fluid exiting first portion 178a of the
chamber in cylinder housing 154 to flow therethrough and to prevent
fluid exiting second portion 178b of chamber in cylinder housing
154 to flow therepast. Flow control valve 192 further includes a
flow regulator 202. Flow regulator 202 includes an enlarged end 204
having a shaft 206 projecting therefrom. Shaft 206 extends into
passage 196 such that by rotating enlarged head 204 of flow
regulator 202, shaft 206 moves into and out of interfering
relationship with passage 196 so as to control the flow of fluid
therepast.
[0047] Similarly, flow control valve 194 includes first and second
parallel passages 208 and 210, respectively, therethrough. Check
valve 212 is disposed in second passage 210 so as to allow fluid
exiting second portion 178b of the chamber in cylinder housing 154
to flow therethrough and to prevent fluid exiting first portion
178a of the chamber in cylinder housing 154 to flow therepast. Flow
control valve 194 further includes a flow regulator 214. Flow
regulator 214 includes an enlarged head 216 having a shaft 218
projecting therefrom. Shaft 218 extends into passage 208 such that
by rotating enlarged head 216 of flow regulator 214, shaft 218
moves into and out of interfering relationship with passage 208 so
as to control the flow of fluid therepast.
[0048] As rails 70a and 70b pivot from the first position, FIGS. 1
and 4, to the second position, FIGS. 2-3, piston rod 166 slides
axially (downwardly in FIG. 15) through cylinder housing 154. As
piston rod 166 is urged downwardly in FIG. 15, fluid within second
portion 178b of the chamber in cylinder housing 154 is urged
therefrom by flange 174. The fluid exiting second portion 178b of
the chamber in cylinder housing 154 flows through flow control
valve 194 past shaft 218 of flow regulator 214 in first passage 208
and past check valve 212 disposed in second passage 210. The flow
of fluid through first passage 208 is limited by the portion of
shaft 218 in interfering relationship with passage 208.
[0049] As the fluid is urged towards flow control valve 192 by
flange 174 of piston rod 166, the fluid enters first and second
passages 196 and 198, respectively, of flow container valve 192.
Check valve 200 disposed in second passage 198 prevents fluid from
flowing therepast As a result, all of the fluid must flow through
first passage 196 through flow control valve 192. As such, the
portion of shaft 206 within first passage 196 controls the flow of
fluid through flow control valve 192. A user may rotate enlarged
head 204 of flow regulator 202 in order to control the rate of
fluid flowing through flow control valve 192. The flow rate of the
fluid through flow control valve 192 controls the rate of movement
of the piston rod 166 through cylinder housing 154 which, in turn,
controls the rate at which the rails 70a and 70b move between the
first position, FIGS. 1 and 4, and the second position, FIGS.
2-3.
[0050] Alternatively, as rail 70a and 70b pivot from the second
position, FIGS. 2-3, to the first position, FIGS. 1 and 4, piston
rod 166 slides axially (upwardly in FIG. 15) through cylinder
housing 154 in an opposite direction. As piston rod 166 is urged
upwardly in FIG. 15 by counterweight 86, fluid within the first
portion 178a of the chamber in cylinder housing 154 is urged
therefrom by flange 174. The fluid exiting first portion 178a of
the chamber in cylinder housing 154 flows through flow control
valve 192 past shaft 206 of flow regulator 202 in first passage 196
and past check valve 200 disposed in second passage 198. The flow
of fluid through first passage 196 is limited by the portion of
shaft 206 in interfering relationship with passage 196.
[0051] As the fluid is urged towards flow control valve 194 by
flange 174 of piston rod 166, the fluid enters first and second
passages 208 and 210, respectively, of flow control valve 194.
Check valve 212 disposed in second passage 210 prevents fluid from
flowing therepast. As a result, all of the fluid must flow through
first passage 208 through flow control valve 194. As such, the
portion of shaft 218 within first passage 208 controls the flow of
fluid through control valve 194. A user may rotate enlarged head
216 of flow regulator 214 in order to vary the portion of shaft 218
in passage 208 of flow control valve 194 so as to control the rate
of fluid flowing therethrough. The flow rate of the fluid through
flow control valve 194 controls the rate of movement of piston rod
166 through cylinder housing 154 which, in turn, controls the rate
at which the rails 70a and 70b move between the second position,
FIGS. 2-3, and the first position, FIGS. 1 and 4. It can be
appreciated that flow control valves 192 and 194 may be used to
optimize the rate at which rails 70a and 70b move between the first
and second positions.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 5, transfer mechanism 10 further
includes inner rails 220a and 220b, respectively, interconnected by
cross beams 222 and 224. Cross beams 222 and 224 support first and
second roller sets 232 and 234, respectively, of parallelly
extending rollers 41. Inner rails 220a and 220b have first and
second opposite ends 226 and 228, respectively, and are pivotably
mounted adjacent second ends 228 thereof to corresponding rails 70a
and 70b, respectively, by pivot pins 230. Inner rails 220a and 220b
are pivotable on corresponding pivot pins 230 between a first
position, FIGS. 1-2 and 4 wherein inner rails 220a and 220b are
generally co-planar with rails 70a and 70b and a second position,
FIG. 3, wherein inner rails 220a and 220b are at a predetermined
angle to rails 70a and 70b. Inner rails 220a and 220b are retained
in the first position by pin structures 80 as hereinafter
described.
[0053] As best seen in FIG. 14, cross beam 224 includes a stop
member 236 projecting therefrom perpendicular to inner rails 220a
and 220b. As best seen in FIGS. 1-2, stop member 236 is intended to
retain container 12 on transfer mechanism 10 as rails 70a and 70b
are pivoted between the first and second positions. Stop member 236
includes a terminal end 238 having a handle 240 mounted thereto,
for reasons hereinafter described.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 13-14, pin structures 80 are mounted on
opposite ends 242 and 244 of lower surface 250 of cross beam 222
adjacent corresponding ends 226 of rails 220a and 220b,
respectively. Second ends 108 of pin members 102 of pin structures
80 are interconnected to connection bracket 246 by cables 248.
Connection bracket 246 is pivotably mounted to the lower surface
250 of cross beam 222 by a pivot pin 252. Connection bracket 246 is
further connected to a first end 254 of a push-pull cable 256.
Second end 258 of push-pull cable 256 is interconnected to handle
240, FIG. 14.
[0055] Rails 70a and 70b include corresponding reinforced openings
260 and 262, respectively, which are axially aligned with pin
members 102 of corresponding pin structures 80 mounted to lower
surface 250 of cross beam 222. Handle 240 is movable between a
first non-release position and a second release position, shown in
phantom in FIG. 14. With handle 240 in the non-release position,
second ends 108 of pin members 102 of pin structures 80 extend from
second end 112 of pin housing 98 so as to allow second ends 108 of
pin members 102 to be received within corresponding reinforced
openings 260 and 262 in rails 70a and 70b, respectively. By
pivoting handle 240 to the release position, push-pull cable 256
rotates connection bracket 246 on pivot pin 252 so as to retract
pin members 102 within pin housing 98 through cables 248 thereby
allowing inner rails 220a and 220b to pivot on corresponding pivot
pins 230.
[0056] Counterweight structures 266 are pivotably mounted to
corresponding intermediate columns 30 by pivot pins 268. Each
counterweight structure 266 includes a support shaft 270 having
first and second opposite ends 272 and 274, respectively. Rollers
276 are rotatably mounted on second ends 274 of support shafts 270.
Rollers 276 include outer peripheral surfaces 278 which engage the
underside 280 of corresponding inner rails 220a and 220b,
respectively. Counterweights 282 are mounted to second ends 272 of
support rod 270. Counterweights 282 urge support shafts 270 to
pivot counterclockwise on pivot pins 268. As such, rollers 276 roll
along the underside 280 of corresponding inner rails 220a and 220b
so as to urge inner rails 220a and 220b toward the first
position.
[0057] In operation, a container 12 is deposited on upper conveyor
14. Handle 46 of load retaining mechanism 42 is pivoted from the
first position, FIG. 6, to the second position, FIG. 7, such that
load restraining plate 60 is out of interfering relationship with
container 12. Container 12 is slid from roller sets 38 and 40 onto
roller sets 232 and 234 of transfer mechanism 10. Handle 46 is
returned to the first position, FIG. 6, wherein load restraining
plate 60 extends vertically from forward cross beam 36a so as to
prevent container 12 from sliding axially back onto to roller sets
38 and 40. A second container 12b, FIG. 2, is positioned on upper
conveyor 14 and maintained thereon by load restraining plate 60.
Handle 132 is moved from the non-release to the release position so
as to allow rails 70a and 70b to pivot towards the second position.
The weight of container 12 urges rails 70a and 70b from the first
to the second position against the bias of counterweights 86. As
heretofore described, the rate at which rails 70a and 70b pivot
between the first position, FIGS. 1 and 4, and the second position,
FIGS. 2-3, is controlled by cylinder assembly 150, as heretofore
described.
[0058] With rails 70a and 70b in the second position, container 12
is in an ergometrically friendly position whereby an individual may
load or unload product into container 12, FIG. 2. Upon completion
of such task, handle 240 is moved between the first non-release
position to the release position so as to allow inner rails 220a
and 220b to pivot to the second position, FIG. 3. Container 12 is
slid from roller sets 232 and 234 onto roller sets 67 on lower
conveyor 66. Container 12 is thereafter transported by conveyor or
other suitable means to a different locale within a factory.
[0059] With container 12 deposited on lower conveyor 16,
counterweights 282 urge inner rails 220a and 220b toward the first
position as heretofore described. With inner rails 220a and 220b in
the first position, handle 240 is returned to the non-release
position such that pin structures 80 mounted to lower surface 250
of cross beam 222 interconnect inner rails 220a and 220b to
corresponding rails 70a and 70b, respectively. Thereafter,
counterweight 86 urges rails 70a and 70b toward the first position,
FIG. 4. The rate at which rails 70a and 70b move from the second
position, FIG. 3, to the first position, FIG. 4, is controlled by
cylinder assembly 150, as heretofore described. With rails 70a and
70b in the first position, FIG. 4, handle 132 is returned to the
non-release position, FIG. 9, such that pin structures 80 mounted
to cross beam 90 interconnect rails 70a and 70b to corresponding
upper beams 24a and 24b, respectively, as heretofore described. The
operation heretofore described may be repeated utilizing second
container 12b.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an alternate upper conveyor is
generally designed by the reference numeral 290. It is contemplated
that upper conveyor 290 may be used in connection with transfer
mechanism 10 of the present invention. Upper conveyor 290 includes
a flip-flop assembly designated by the reference numeral 292 for
controlling the flow of containers 12, 12b and 12c from upper
conveyor 290 to transfer mechanism 10. Flip-flop assembly 292
includes support 294 which is pivotably mounted to upper beam 24b.
Support 294 includes a first end 295 having a stop 296 projecting
therefrom and a second, opposite end 297 having a vertical arm 298
projecting therefrom. A roller 299 is mounted on the terminal end
of vertical leg 298 of flip-flop assembly 292.
[0061] Flip-flop assembly 292 is pivotable between a first
position, FIG. 17, wherein vertical arm 298 of flip-flop assembly
292 projects through rollers 41 of upper conveyor 290 into the path
of containers 12, 12b and 12c, and a second position wherein stop
member 296 projects through rollers 41 of upper conveyor 290 into
the path of containers 12, 12b and 12c. It is contemplated to
pivotably connect support 294 of flip-flop assembly 292 to upper
beam 24b at a location closer to second end 297 of support 294 such
that flip-flop assembly 292 is urged towards the first position,
FIG. 17.
[0062] In operation, with container 12 positioned on transfer
mechanism 10, conveyors 12b and 12c are positioned on upper
conveyor 290. Container 12b rests on roller 299 of vertical leg 298
of flip-flop assembly 292 and is maintained in such position by
load restraining plate 60 of load retaining mechanism 42. Stop
member 296 on first end 295 of support 294 projects through upper
conveyor 290 such that container 12c is maintained in an axially
spaced relationship from container 12b.
[0063] After container 12 is deposited on lower conveyor 16 and
transfer mechanism 10 is returned to its original position, FIG. 4,
as heretofore described, handle 46 is moved from the first
position, FIG. 6, to the second position, FIG. 7, so as to allow
container 12b to be slid axially onto transfer mechanism 10. With
container 12b on transfer mechanism 10, flip-flop assembly 292
pivots from the second position, FIG. 16, to the first position,
FIG. 17, such that stop member 296 on first end 295 of support 294
moves out of interfering relationship with container 12c. It is
contemplated that stop member 296 include a generally arcuate end
surface 300 directed towards container 12c so as to facilitate the
pivoting of flip-flop assembly 292 from the second position, FIG.
16, to the first position, FIG. 17.
[0064] Handle 46 is returned to the first position such that load
restraining plate 60 projects vertically from forward cross beam
36a. In addition, with stop member 296 out of interfering
relationship with container 12c, container 12c slides axially (from
left to right in FIG. 17) towards engagement with load restraining
plate 60 of load retaining mechanism 42. As container 12c engages
roller 299 at the terminal end of vertical leg 298 of flip-flop
assembly 292, container 12c urges flip-flop assembly 292 to the
second position, FIG. 16, such that stop member 296 is in
interfering relationship with the next, subsequent container on
upper conveyor 290. In such a manner, flip-flop assembly 292
provides spacing between consecutive containers 12.
[0065] Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated
as being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as the invention.
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