U.S. patent application number 16/595715 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-08 for automatic conversion station.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC. Invention is credited to Darin Dickey, William McConnell.
Application Number | 20210101759 16/595715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005476181 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210101759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickey; Darin ; et
al. |
April 8, 2021 |
AUTOMATIC CONVERSION STATION
Abstract
A conversion assembly for transferring an item from a first tray
to a second tray. The conversion assembly includes a paddle
assembly, a first tine assembly comprising one or more tines
coupled to a first rotating shaft, and a second tine assembly
comprising one or more tines coupled to a second rotating shaft.
The first tine assembly is configured to facilitate emptying the
item from the first tray onto the paddle assembly and the second
tine assembly is configured to facilitate moving the first tray to
a second conveyor while the item remains on the paddle assembly.
The first tine assembly alters an orientation of the second tray to
a position to receive the item from the paddle assembly, and
wherein the paddle assembly is configured to move the second tray
and the item back onto a first conveyor.
Inventors: |
Dickey; Darin; (Owings
Mills, MD) ; McConnell; William; (Owings Mills,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC |
Mason |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005476181 |
Appl. No.: |
16/595715 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 2207/46 20130101;
B65G 47/902 20130101; B65G 37/005 20130101; B65G 47/52
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 47/90 20060101
B65G047/90; B65G 47/52 20060101 B65G047/52; B65G 37/00 20060101
B65G037/00 |
Claims
1. A conversion station for moving an item from a first tray to a
second tray, comprising: a first conveyor to receive the first tray
and the second tray; a second conveyor positioned at a predefined
height offset from the first conveyor to receive the first tray
after the item has been removed from the first tray; and a
conversion assembly positioned in between the second conveyor and
the first conveyor, wherein the conversion assembly comprises: a
first tine assembly comprising one or more tines coupled to a first
rotating shaft; a second tine assembly comprising one or more tines
coupled to a second rotating shaft, wherein the second tine
assembly is positioned at a predefined height offset from the first
tine assembly, wherein the first tine assembly is configured to
facilitate emptying the item from the first tray onto a paddle
assembly of the conversion assembly and the second tine assembly is
configured to facilitate moving the first tray to the second
conveyor while the item remains on the paddle assembly; and wherein
the first tine assembly alters an orientation of the second tray to
a position to receive the item from the paddle assembly, and
wherein the paddle assembly is configured to move the second tray
and the item back onto the first conveyor.
2. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the first conveyor
comprises a clamping unit with at least two clamping devices
positioned opposite to each other to engage with the item in the
first tray on the first conveyor, wherein each of the clamping
devices is horizontally and vertically adjustable.
3. The conversion station of claim 2, wherein the at least two
clamping devices are actuated along a vertical axis and a
horizontal axis, wherein each of the clamping devices is vertically
actuated using a scissor style linkage mechanism operated by a
first electric motor, and wherein each of the clamping devices is
horizontally actuated using a common lead screw with right-hand
threads on one half and left-hand threads on the other half and
operated by a second electric motor.
4. The conversion station of claim 3, wherein the first conveyor
comprises additional openings to accommodate the at least two
clamping devices underneath the first conveyor, wherein the
additional openings provide a clearance for the at least two
clamping devices to be vertically lifted from underneath the first
conveyor.
5. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the paddle assembly
comprises at least two adjustable paddles coupled to a third
rotating shaft, wherein the paddle assembly is positioned in
between and offset from the first tine assembly and the second tine
assembly.
6. The conversion station of claim 5, wherein the first rotating
shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are
attached at different heights offset from each other on a support
structure of the conversion assembly.
7. The conversion station of claim 5, wherein each of the first
rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating
shaft is driven by at least one drive unit comprising a drive
motor, a drive shaft and a timing belt.
8. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the one or more tines
of the second tine assembly comprise at least one gripper to grip
the first tray and move the first tray to the second conveyor.
9. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the conversion
assembly further comprises a chute and a catch pan positioned at a
bottom of the support structure to receive one or more items
slipping from the conversion assembly when moving the one or more
items from the first tray to the second tray.
10. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the first tine
assembly further comprise solenoids that are selectively activated
to grip and position the first tray and the second tray.
11. The conversion station of claim 1, wherein the first conveyor
and the second conveyor are roller conveyors with gaps to
accommodate the one or more tines therebetween.
12. A conversion assembly for transferring an item from a first
tray to a second tray, wherein the conversion assembly comprises: a
paddle assembly; a first tine assembly comprising one or more tines
coupled to a first rotating shaft; a second tine assembly
comprising one or more tines coupled to a second rotating shaft,
wherein the second tine assembly is positioned at a predefined
height offset from the first tine assembly, wherein the first tine
assembly is configured to facilitate emptying the item from the
first tray onto the paddle assembly of the conversion assembly and
the second tine assembly is configured to facilitate moving the
first tray to a second conveyor while the item remains on the
paddle assembly; and wherein the first tine assembly alters an
orientation of the second tray to a position to receive the item
from the paddle assembly, and wherein the paddle assembly is
configured to move the second tray and the item back onto a first
conveyor.
13. The conversion assembly of claim 12, wherein the paddle
assembly comprises at least two adjustable paddles coupled to a
third rotating shaft, wherein the paddle assembly is positioned in
between and offset from the first tine assembly and the second tine
assembly.
14. The conversion assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least two
adjustable paddles are horizontally adjustable within paddle
mounting slots provided on the paddle assembly based on a size of
the item on the incoming tray.
15. The conversion assembly of claim 13, wherein the first rotating
shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are
attached at different heights offset from each other on a support
structure of the conversion assembly.
16. The conversion assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the first
rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating
shaft is driven by at least one drive unit comprising a drive
motor, a drive shaft and a timing belt.
17. The conversion assembly of claim 15, wherein the support
structure comprises one or more support frames to support the first
tine assembly, the paddle assembly and the second tine
assembly.
18. The conversion assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or more
support frames comprise a first support frame, a second support
frame and a third support frame, wherein the third support frame is
positioned above and parallel to the first support frame and offset
at a predetermined height from first support frame, and wherein the
second support frame is inclined at an angle and substantially
perpendicular with respect to the first support frame and the third
support frame.
19. The conversion assembly of claim 1, wherein the first tray and
the second tray are in an inverted position when supported on the
paddle assembly.
20. The conversion assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more
tines are altered from a home position to a work position and
vice-versa to alter the orientation of the first tray and the
second tray.
Description
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an automatic
conversion station, and, more particularly, to an automatic
conversion station used in a warehouse environment for transferring
items from one tray to another tray.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Material handling systems can convey, sort, and organize
items (e.g. cartons, cases, containers, shipment boxes, totes,
packages, mails, polybags and/or the like) at high speeds.
Depending on a configuration of the material handling systems, the
items may travel through various locations in a warehouse in an
unregulated manner, or may be repositioned, reoriented,
consolidated, and sorted to a destination location. Material
handling systems may comprise a conveyor controller and/or
warehouse management system to facilitate organization of items
being conveyed and/or handled in the warehouse at the various
locations.
SUMMARY
[0003] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a
basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed material
handling system. This summary is not an extensive overview and is
intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate
the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts
of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0004] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station for moving an item from a first tray to a second
tray. The conversion station includes a first conveyor to receive
the first tray and the second tray. A second conveyor positioned at
a predefined height offset from the first conveyor to receive the
first tray after the item has been removed from the first tray. A
conversion assembly positioned in between the second conveyor and
the first conveyor, wherein the conversion assembly includes a
first tine assembly comprising one or more tines coupled to a first
rotating shaft and a second tine assembly comprising one or more
tines coupled to a second rotating shaft. The second tine assembly
is positioned at a predefined height offset from the first tine
assembly. The first tine assembly is configured to facilitate
emptying the item from the first tray onto a paddle assembly of the
conversion assembly and the second tine assembly is configured to
facilitate moving the first tray to the second conveyor while the
item remains on the paddle assembly. The first tine assembly alters
an orientation of the second tray to a position to receive the item
from the paddle assembly, and wherein the paddle assembly is
configured to move the second tray and the item back onto the first
conveyor.
[0005] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the first conveyor including a clamping
unit with at least two clamping devices positioned opposite to each
other to engage with the item in the first tray on the first
conveyor, wherein each of the clamping devices is horizontally and
vertically adjustable.
[0006] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with a clamping unit including at least two
clamping devices are actuated along the vertical axis and the
horizontal axis, wherein each of the clamping devices is vertically
actuated using a scissor style linkage mechanism operated by a
first electric motor, and wherein each of the clamping devices is
horizontally actuated using a common lead screw with right-hand
threads on one half and left-hand threads on the other half and
operated by a second electric motor.
[0007] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the first conveyor including additional
openings to accommodate the at least two clamping devices
underneath the first conveyor, wherein the additional openings
provide a clearance for the at least two clamping devices to be
vertically lifted from underneath the first conveyor.
[0008] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the paddle assembly including at least two
adjustable paddles coupled to a third rotating shaft, wherein the
paddle assembly is positioned in between and offset from the first
tine assembly and the second tine assembly.
[0009] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the first rotating shaft, the second
rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are attached at
different heights offset from each other on a support structure of
the conversion assembly.
[0010] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with each of the first rotating shaft, the
second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft driven by at
least one drive unit comprising a drive motor, a drive shaft and a
timing belt.
[0011] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the one or more tines of the second tine
assembly including at least one gripper to grip the first tray and
move the first tray to the second conveyor.
[0012] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the conversion assembly further including a
chute and a catch pan positioned at a bottom of the support
structure to receive one or more items slipping from the conversion
assembly when moving the one or more items from the first tray to
the second tray.
[0013] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station with the first tine assembly further including
solenoids that are selectively activated to grip and position the
first tray and the second tray.
[0014] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion station, wherein the first conveyor and the second
conveyor are roller conveyors with gaps to accommodate the one or
more tines therebetween.
[0015] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly for transferring an item from a first tray to a
second tray. The conversion assembly includes a paddle assembly, a
first tine assembly including one or more tines coupled to a first
rotating shaft, and a second tine assembly including one or more
tines coupled to a second rotating shaft. The second tine assembly
is positioned at a predefined height offset from the first tine
assembly. The first tine assembly is configured to facilitate
emptying the item from the first tray onto the paddle assembly of
the conversion assembly and the second tine assembly is configured
to facilitate moving the first tray to a second conveyor while the
item remains on the paddle assembly. The first tine assembly alters
an orientation of the second tray to a position to receive the item
from the paddle assembly, and wherein the paddle assembly is
configured to move the second tray and the item back onto a first
conveyor.
[0016] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly with the paddle assembly including at least two
adjustable paddles coupled to a third rotating shaft, wherein the
paddle assembly is positioned in between and offset from the first
tine assembly and the second tine assembly.
[0017] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly with the paddle including at least two
adjustable paddles that are horizontally adjustable within paddle
mounting slots provided on the paddle assembly based on a size of
the item on the incoming tray.
[0018] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein the first rotating shaft, the second
rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are attached at
different heights offset from each other on a support structure of
the conversion assembly.
[0019] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein each of the first rotating shaft, the
second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft is driven by at
least one drive unit comprising a drive motor, a drive shaft and a
timing belt.
[0020] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein the support structure comprises one or
more support frames to support the first tine assembly, the paddle
assembly and the second tine assembly.
[0021] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein the one or more support frames
comprise a first support frame, a second support frame and a third
support frame, wherein the third support frame is positioned above
and parallel to the first support frame and offset at a
predetermined height from first support frame, and wherein the
second support frame is inclined at an angle and substantially
perpendicular with respect to the first support frame and the third
support frame.
[0022] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein the first tray and the second tray are
in an inverted position when supported on the paddle assembly.
[0023] Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a
conversion assembly, wherein the one or more tines are altered from
a home position to a work position and vice-versa to alter the
orientation of the first tray and the second tray.
[0024] The above summary is provided merely for purposes of
summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic
understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely
examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit
of the disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope
of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in
addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read
in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be
appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn
to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are
exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating
teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with
respect to the figures presented herein, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conversion
station, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a conversion assembly
of the conversion station of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with a first tray in a first position, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with the first tray in the first position and a paddle
assembly in a work position, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with the first tray in a second position and a first tine
assembly in a work position, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with the first tray in the second position and a second
tine assembly in a work position, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present subject matter.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with a second tray in the first position, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with the second tray in the second position and the first
tines in the work position, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present subject matter.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station with the second tray in the first position and the paddle
assembly in the work position, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart showing a method
for moving an item from a first tray to a second tray in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed,
the concepts described here may be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The terms
"or" and "optionally" are used herein in both the alternative and
conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms
"illustrative" and "exemplary" are used to be examples with no
indication of quality level. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0037] The components illustrated in the figures represent
components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of
the disclosure described herein such that embodiments may comprise
fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not
departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0038] Turning now to the drawings, the detailed description set
forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as
a description of various configurations and is not intended to
represent the only configurations in which the concepts described
herein may be practiced. The detailed description comprises
specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough
understanding of various concepts with like numerals denote like
components throughout the several views. However, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be
practiced without these specific details.
[0039] As used herein, the terms "container," "tote", "tray" and
similar terms may be used interchangeably. All these terms may
represent holders for one or more items to be placed. The term
"first tray" may refer to a flexible, corrugated tray and the term
"second tray" may refer to a rigid, plastic tray of larger
dimension than the "first tray". Thus, use of any such terms should
not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0040] In addition, the terms "item" or "items", "articles" and
similar terms may be used interchangeably. The term "item" may
refer to a single item, such as a package and the term "items" may
refer to a group of items, such as a group or stack of mail pieces
or poly bags. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to
limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0041] Further, the terms "work position" and "home position or
initial position or rest position" refers to different angled
positions at which tine assemblies and paddle assembly can be
oriented. The term "work position" of the fine tine assembly and
the second tine assembly refers to the angled position at which
these tine assemblies are away from the first conveyor and the
second conveyor. The term "work position" of the paddle assembly
refers to the angled position at which the paddle assembly is
positioned away from its support frame. Thus, use of any such terms
should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0042] Further, the terms "first position" and "second position"
refers to different positions at which the tray or the tray
containing the can be positioned or oriented in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. The term "first position"
refers to a position at which the bottom surface of the tray is in
contact with the conveyor and the "second position" refers to a
position at which the bottom surface of the tray is out of contact
with the conveyor. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken
to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0043] Further, the term "adjustable paddle" refer to the paddle
which can move or slide in a horizontal or vertical axis to
re-position itself at different stages when handling the trays or
the items contained in the trays. Thus, use of any such terms
should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0044] Further, the term "clamping device" refers to any device
which has a clamping end to hold the items within the tray using
pressing force or a suction force. Thus, use of any such terms
should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0045] Further, the term "predefined time interval" refers to a
time elapsed after an event or a process or a step is completed at
the conversion station. Thus, use of any such terms should not be
taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0046] Further, the term "one or more sensors" refers to phot-eye
sensors installed on the conveyors at a known position or imaging
devices installed above the conveyors or the conversion station.
Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit
and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0047] Further, the term "input signals" refers to digital signals
transmitted by the sensors to activate or de-activate components
associated with the conversion station.
[0048] Further, the term "controller" refers to a central or
supervisory controller capable of operating other controllers or
components associated with the conversion station. The term
"controller" may also refers to a motor controller associated with
several components of the conversion station. Thus, use of any such
terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] Generally, in a warehouse environment, when items travel
through different stages of material handling, they are subjected
to certain level of manual handling. For example, an operator
personnel may manually remove items contained within a tote or a
tray to induct into a conveyor system or any other automated
machines used in the warehouse environment. Often, such manual
handling may require additional effort and time, specifically, when
removing smaller items from within the tote or tray. Further,
during the manual handling, due to volume of items contained within
the tray, there exists a possibility of slippage from the hands of
the operator personnel when handling the items in a bulk.
[0050] Often when the tray containing the smaller items, for
example, mail pieces or poly bags, is passed through different
stages of material handling, there exists a possibility that the
tray might be subjected to damage due to rough handling and the
tray may lack sufficient rigidity or structural integrity to
operate in conjunction with certain material handling equipment. In
such scenarios, it is required to exchange the items from one tray
to another tray before the tray containing the items is proceeded
to the further stages of processing in the warehouse. Therefore, it
may be required to manually transfer the items using manual labor
from one tray to another tray. Generally, in the warehouse
environment, manual processing station are set up in which the
operator personnel pull out the tray travelling on a conveyor and
transfer the items from that tray to another tray and push it back
to another conveyor for further processing. Such manual handling of
the items may be laborious and time consuming.
[0051] Various example embodiments described herein relates to an
automated conversion station with a conversion assembly for
transferring items from a first tray to a second tray automatically
without any involvement of human labor. The conversion assembly
includes a paddle assembly, a first tine assembly, and second tine
assembly. The first tine assembly includes one or more tines
coupled to a first rotating shaft. The second tine assembly
includes one or more tines coupled to a second rotating shaft. The
second tine assembly is positioned at a predefined height offset
from the first tine assembly, wherein the first tine assembly is
configured to facilitate emptying the item from the first tray onto
the paddle assembly of the conversion assembly and the second tine
assembly is configured to facilitate moving the first tray to a
second conveyor while the item remains on the paddle assembly.
Further, the first tine assembly alters an orientation of the
second tray to a position to receive the item from the paddle
assembly, and wherein the paddle assembly is configured to move the
second tray and the item back onto a first conveyor.
[0052] According to some example embodiments, the automated
conversion station may include the conversion assembly, a first
conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor may receive the
first tray with one or more items contained within the first tray.
The one or more items in the first tray may be emptied by the
conversion assembly. The second conveyor may receive the emptied
first tray without the one or more items. Further, the first
conveyor receives the second tray and the conversion assembly loads
the one or more items emptied from the first tray into the second
tray.
[0053] In the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure, specific representative embodiments
in which the disclosure may be practiced are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the disclosed embodiments. For example, specific details such as
specific method orders, structures, elements, and connections have
been presented herein. However, it is to be understood that the
specific details presented need not be utilized to practice
embodiments of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood
that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,
architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other
changes may be made without departing from the general scope of the
disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents
thereof.
[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conversion
station 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The conversion station 100 includes a conversion
assembly 102, a first conveyor 120 and a second conveyor 130. The
conversion assembly 102 may be positioned in between the first
conveyor 120 and the second conveyor 130. According to an
embodiment, the first conveyor 120 and the second conveyor 130 may
be replaced by two stationary work tables (not shown). According to
another embodiment, one stationary work table and one conveyor may
be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the first conveyor 120 may be
positioned on a first frame structure 120a and the second conveyor
130 may be positioned on a second frame structure 130a. In
alternate embodiments, the first conveyor 120 and the second
conveyor 130 may be installed on a common frame structure. As shown
in FIG. 1, the conversion assembly 102 is supported on another
support structure 102a separate from the first frame structure 120a
and the second frame structure 130a. In alternate embodiments, the
conversion assembly 102, the first conveyor 120, and the second
conveyor 130 may be installed on a common frame structure. In yet
another embodiment, the conversion assembly 102 and the first
conveyor 120 may be installed on a common frame structure. As shown
in FIG. 1, the first conveyor 120 and the second conveyor 130 may
be roller conveyors. In some examples, the roller conveyors may be
motorized roller (MDR) conveyors. In some examples, the roller
conveyors may be belt-driven roller conveyors. According to an
embodiment, the first conveyor 120 may be positioned at a first
height and the second conveyor 130 may be positioned at a second
height. In FIG. 1, the second conveyor 130 is positioned at a
predefined height offset from the first conveyor 120 to receive
trays after items 150 from the trays has been removed by the
conversion assembly 102.
[0055] According to an embodiment, the first conveyor 120 receives
a first tray 122. According to an embodiment, the second conveyor
130 receives the first tray 122 after an item 150 has been removed
from the first tray 122 by the conversion assembly. According to an
embodiment, the second conveyor 130 receives the first tray 122
while the item 150 contained within the first tray 122 remain on
the conversion assembly. According to an embodiment, the first
conveyor 120 receives another tray while the second conveyor 130
receives the first tray 122 and the item 150 contained within the
first tray 122 remain on the conversion assembly.
[0056] According to an embodiment, the first conveyor 120 comprises
a clamping unit 124 with at least two clamping devices 126
positioned opposite to each other. Each of the clamping devices 126
may be horizontally and vertically adjustable. According to an
embodiment, the first conveyor 120 comprises additional openings
128 to accommodate the clamping devices 126 underneath the first
conveyor 120. The additional openings 128 may provide a clearance
for the clamping devices 126 to be vertically lifted from
underneath the first conveyor 120. In some examples, the clamping
devices 126 may include T-Shaped clamping structures. In some
examples, the clamping devices 126 may include suction cups. The
clamping devices 126 may be actuated along the vertical axis and
the horizontal axis. In some examples, each of the clamping devices
126 may be vertically actuated along the vertical axis using a
scissor style linkage mechanism 210a (as shown in FIG. 2) operated
by a first electric motor (not shown). In some examples, each of
the clamping devices 126 may be horizontally actuated using a
common lead screw 210b (as shown in FIG. 2) with right-hand threads
on one half and left-hand threads on the other half and operated by
a second electric motor (not shown).
[0057] The clamping devices 126 may be used to clamp with the item
150 contained within the trays arriving at the first conveyor 120.
When the first conveyor 120 receives the first tray 122, the
clamping unit 124 may be lifted from underneath the first conveyor
120 and the clamping devices 126 may move horizontally towards the
first tray 122 from either side of the first tray 122 to clamp with
the item 150 contained in the first tray 122. For example, the
first conveyor 120 may include one or more sensors (not shown),
such as, but not limited to photo-eye sensors, to detect presence
of the first tray 122 on the first conveyor 120 and may trigger an
input signal to a controller (not shown) of the clamping unit 124
to move the clamping unit 124 from underneath the first conveyor
120 to a predefined position. The clamping devices 126 may move
either vertically or horizontally along the vertical axis or the
horizontal axis to clamp with the item 150 of the first tray 122 in
the predefined position. In some examples, the predefined position
may be a maximum height limit to which the clamping unit 124 can be
lifted. According to an embodiment, the controller may be a motor
controller operating the first electric motor and the second
electric motor in response to the input signals from the one or
more sensors. In some examples, one or more sensors may be imaging
devices (not shown) positioned on or around the first conveyor 120
to detect a presence of the first tray 122 and item 150 positioned
within the first tray 122. The images obtained from the imaging
devices may be used as the input signal to the controller to
control a movement of the clamping unit 124 and the clamping
devices 126. The construction and working of the conversion
assembly 102 in conjunction with the first conveyor 120 and the
second conveyor 130 will be described in detail in FIGS. 2-9.
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a conversion assembly
102 of the conversion station 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter. The conversion assembly
102 facilitates transferring an item 150 from one tray to another
tray. The conversion assembly 102 includes a paddle assembly 104, a
first tine assembly 106, and a second tine assembly 108. The first
tine assembly 106 includes one or more tines coupled to a first
rotating shaft 214a. The second tine assembly 108 comprising one or
more tines coupled to a second rotating shaft 216a. The second tine
assembly 108 is positioned at a predefined height offset from the
first tine assembly 106. The first tine assembly 106 and the second
tine assembly 108 alters an orientation of the trays when the tine
assemblies 106, 108 move from a home position to a work position or
vice-versa. According to an embodiment, the second tine assembly
108 includes one or more suction cups 219 attached to the one or
more tines. The suction cups 219 are configured to pick the first
tray 122 from the paddle assembly 104 and place it on the second
conveyor 130. According to an embodiment, the first tine assembly
106 further includes solenoids 217 that are selectively activated
to grip and position the first tray 122 and the second tray 602. In
some example, the first conveyor 120 and the second conveyor 130
are provided with gaps in between their rollers to accommodate the
one or more tines of the first tine assembly 106 and the second
tine assembly 108 therebetween.
[0059] According to an embodiment, the paddle assembly 104 includes
at least two adjustable paddles 105 coupled to a third rotating
shaft 218a, wherein the paddle assembly 104 is positioned in
between and offset from the first tine assembly 106 and the second
tine assembly 108. Further, the paddle assembly 104 includes a
lower support plate 104b positioned below the adjustable paddles
105. In some examples, the adjustable paddles 105 are substantially
U-shaped paddles. The adjustable paddles 105 may be slidably moved
on a paddle mounting slot 104c, for example, a sliding rail along a
horizontal axis. For example, the adjustable paddles 105 may be
moved towards and away from each other using the paddle mounting
slots 104c. In some examples, one of the adjustable paddles 105 may
be fixed and the other of the adjustable paddles 105 may be
configured to slide along the horizontal axis. In some examples,
the distance between the two adjustable paddles 105 may be fixed.
In some examples, the distance between the two adjustable paddles
105 may be dynamically adjusted based on a dimension of the tray to
be handled by the paddle assembly 104. For example, the distance
between the two adjustable paddles 105 may be controlled by a
controller in response to a length of the tray incoming at the
first conveyor 120. The one or more sensors at the first conveyor
120 may determine the length of the first tray 122 and provide an
input signal to the controller. The controller may in turn adjust
the distance between the two adjustable paddles 105 proportional to
the length of the first tray 122. In some examples, the imaging
devices may detect the length of the item 150 inside the first tray
122 and provide an input signal to the controller to adjust the
distance between the two adjustable paddles 105 proportional to the
length of the item 150 contained within first tray 122. Further,
the lower support plate 104b may be used to support a portion of
the first tray 122 while the adjustable paddles 105 hold the items
150 in the first tray 122.
[0060] According to an embodiment, the first rotating shaft 214a,
the second rotating shaft 216a, and the third rotating shaft 218a
may be attached at different heights offset from each other on a
support structure 102a of the conversion assembly 102. The support
structure 102a comprises one or more support frames to support the
first tine assembly 106, the paddle assembly 104 and the second
tine assembly 108. The one or more support frames comprise a first
support frame 202, a second support frame 204 and a third support
frame 206. The third support frame 206 is positioned above and
parallel to the first support frame 202 and offset at a
predetermined height from first support frame 202. The second
support frame 204 is inclined at an angle and substantially
perpendicular with respect to the first support frame 202 and the
third support frame 206. The first rotating shaft 214a, the second
rotating shaft 216a, and the third rotating shaft 218a are driven
by at least one drive unit 208 comprising a drive motor 208a and a
timing belt 208b. In some examples, the first rotating shaft 214a
the second rotating shaft 216a, and the third rotating shaft 218a
are driven by separate drive units with each drive unit including
the drive motor 208a, the drive shaft 208b and the timing belt
208c.
[0061] According to an embodiment, the conversion assembly 102
includes a chute 209 and a catch pan 211. The chute 209 may be
positioned beneath the second support frame 204, for example,
beneath the paddle assembly 104. The catch pan 211 is positioned
below the chute 209 and the clamping unit 124 of the first conveyor
120. The chute 209 is configured to guide the item 150 slipping off
the paddle assembly 104 into the catch pan 211. In operation, the
first tine assembly 106 is configured to facilitate emptying the
item 150 from the first tray 122 onto the paddle assembly 104 and
the second tine assembly 108 with the suction cups 219 configured
to facilitate moving the first tray 122 to the second conveyor 130
while the item 150 remain on the paddle assembly 104. During the
moving of the first tray 122 if the item 150 slips off the first
tray 122, the chute 209 may guide the item 150 into catch pan 211
smoothly without any damage due to the slippage.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the conversion
station 100 with a first tray 122 in a first position 301, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As
shown in FIG. 3, the first tray 122 is positioned on the first
conveyor 120 in the first position 301 which may be a predetermined
position for the clamping unit 124 to clamp with the item 150
contained in the first tray 122. For example, the one or more
sensors of the first conveyor 120 may detect a presence of the
first tray 122 incoming at the first conveyor 120 and may activate
one or more rollers of the first conveyor 120 to guide the first
tray 122 to the predetermined position. The one or more sensors may
detect the presence of the first tray 122 at the predetermined
position and may send an input signal to the controller of the
clamping unit 124 to activate the claiming unit. In some examples,
the clamping unit 124 may be activated at predefined time interval
after the presence of the first tray 122 is detected by the one or
more sensors. The clamping devices 126 may move towards the first
tray 122 to clamp and hold the item 150 in the first tray 122. For
example, a clamping end 212 of the clamping devices 126 may be
inserted through an opening 123 provided on the first tray 122 to
mate with the item 150 contained in the first tray 122. The
clamping end 212 of each of the clamping devices 126 may be in
pressing or a squeezing contact with the item 150 of the first tray
122 to hold the item 150 under pressure created by the clamping
ends 212 of the clamping devices 126. In some examples, the
clamping ends 212 may be suction cups or a metal iron pieces
capable of holding the item 150 intact within the first tray 122.
According to an embodiment, when the first tray 122 is in the first
position 301, a lower surface of the first tray 122 may be
supported by the one or more tines of the first tine assembly 106.
For example, when the first tray 122 is in the first position 301,
the one or more tines may abut the lower surface of the first tray
122. In some examples, in the first position 301, the one or more
tines may be positioned beneath the first tray 122 and with a
clearance to the lower surface of the first tray 122. In the first
position 301, the one or more tines of the first tine assembly 106
and the second tine assembly 108 are in the home position. In the
first position 301, the paddle assembly 104 is configured to
undergo a transition from a home position to a work position as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0063] In FIG. 4, the first tray 122 is in the first position 301
and the paddle assembly 104 is in the work position. For example,
in the first position 301, the two clamping devices 126 may hold
the item 150 intact under influence of a force caused by a forward
motion of the two clamping devices 126 from either side of the
first tray 122. While the item 150 is held intact by the two
clamping devices 126, the paddle assembly 104 may be configured to
move from the home position to the work position. For example, in
the home position, the paddle assembly 104 may be positioned on the
second support frame 204 of the support structure 102. The paddle
assembly 104 may be shifted from the home position to the work
position by a rotation of the third rotating shaft 218a. While the
item 150 is held intact by the two clamping devices 126, the paddle
assembly 104 may be positioned above the item 150 of the first tray
122. The two adjustable paddles 105 of the paddle assembly 104 may
be positioned inside the first tray 122 and the item 150 contained
in the first tray 122 may be held between the two adjustable
paddles 105. In some examples, each of the adjustable paddles 105
include inverted U-shaped cut out 105a and when the paddle assembly
104 is in the work position, the inverted U-shaped cut out 105a is
positioned above the clamping end 212 of the clamping devices 126
with a clearance therebetween. For example, the one or more sensors
of the first conveyor 120 may sense the position of the clamping
end 212 of the clamping devices 126 and accordingly adjust a
position of the adjustable paddles 105 by sliding the paddles in
the horizontal axis such that the inverted U-shaped cut out 105a
coincides with the clamping end 212 when the paddle assembly 104 is
transformed to the work position. In some examples, the position of
the clamping end 212 may be obtained by processing images captured
by the one or more imaging devices. In some examples, the positon
of the clamping end 212 may be measured by calculating the distance
traveled by the clamping end 212 from an initial position to a
final position to contact the items 150 of the first tray 122. The
distance traveled may be calculated by optic sensors, such as laser
sensors. In some examples, the position of the clamping end 212 of
the clamping devices 126 and the position of the adjustable paddles
105 may be pre-calibrated to be parallel with each other when the
paddle assembly 104 transforms to the work position. When the
paddle assembly 104 is transformed to the work position, the
adjustable paddles 105 abut against the outer surface of the item
150 contained within the first tray 122. For example, if the first
tray 122 contains one or more items 150, such as, but not limited
to, a group of mail pieces, these one or more items 150 may be held
in the form of a stack inside the first tray 122 by using the
clamping devices 126. When the paddle assembly 104 is transformed
to the work position, the adjustable paddles 105 abut against the
outer surface of the stack. According to an embodiment, the paddle
assembly 104 may not abut the outer surface of the item 150 when
transformed to the work position. In such scenarios, the adjustable
paddles 105 may be adjusted to abut and hold the item 150 after the
paddle assembly 104 transforms into the work position. For example,
the one or more sensors of the first conveyor 120 may detect the
position of the adjustable paddles 105 and send an input signal to
the controller to slide the adjustable paddles 105 in the
horizontal axis toward the item 150 such that it abuts the outer
surface of the item 150 and holds the item 150 under the influence
of force created by the horizontal motion of the two adjustable
paddles 105 towards the outer surface of the item 150. Thus, the
item 150 is held intact in its current position by a pressing
contact or squeezing contact of the two adjustable paddles 105.
[0064] According to an embodiment, while the two adjustable paddles
105 are in pressing contact with the item 150 or a stack of items
150, the clamping end 212 of the two clamping devices 126 is
configured to move away from the item 150 in a rearward motion
releasing the item 150 from contact with the clamping end 212. For
example, the clamping end 212 may move away from the item 150
rearwardly along the horizontal axis after a predefined time
interval after the transformation of the paddle assembly 104 to the
work position. In some examples, the one or more sensors may sense
the position of the adjustable paddles 105 and trigger an input
signal to the controller of the clamping unit 124 to start the
rearward motion of the clamping devices 126. For example, the
adjustable paddles 105 may clear a light path of a first photo eye
sensor and a block a light path of a second photo eye sensor when
sliding towards the item 150 in the first tray 122 in the work
position. Thus, by using known position of the second photo eye
sensor and its known distance from the first phot eye sensor, the
position of the adjustable paddle may be determined. The determined
position may be used to trigger the input signal to the controller
of the clamping unit 124 to retract the clamping end 212 of the two
clamping devices 126 that is in squeezing contact with the item 150
in the first tray 122. In some examples, the clamping end 212
returns to its initial position and the clamping unit 124 is
lowered back beneath the first conveyor 120. While the clamping
unit 124 is lowered, the paddle assembly 104 in contact with the
item 150 of the first tray 122 is transformed from the work
position back to its home position as shown in FIG. 5.
[0065] In FIG. 5, while the paddle assembly 104 is transformed to
the home position, it is seen that the first tine assembly 106 is
transformed from its home position to a work position. The paddle
assembly 104 and the first tine assembly 106 are transformed
simultaneously such that the first tray 122 along with the item 150
are transferred and supported on the paddle assembly 104. As shown
in FIG. 5, the first tray 122 is now in a second position 501 with
the one or more tines of the first tine assembly 106 supporting the
lower surface of the first tray 122. According to an embodiment,
the first rotating shaft 214a and the third rotating shaft 218a are
operated simultaneously by the controller of the conversion
assembly. For example, when the one or more photo eye sensors
senses that the coupling end has moved away from the first tray
122, it triggers an input signal to the controller to operate the
paddle assembly 104 and the first tine assembly 106 simultaneously
such that the first tray 122 along with the item 150 are
transformed to the second position 501 as shown in FIG. 5.
According to an embodiment, the first rotating shaft 214a and the
third rotating shaft 218a may be operated sequentially by the
controller of the conversion assembly. For example, after the
adjustable paddles 105 contact the item 150 within the first tray
122, the controller may operate the third rotating shaft 218a to
transform the paddle assembly 104 to the home position and after a
predetermined time interval, the controller may operate the first
rotating shaft 214a to transform the fine tine assembly to the work
position, thereby, shifting the item 150 and the first tray 122
sequentially to the second position 501.
[0066] According to an embodiment, the first tine assembly 106 may
be transformed back to its home position after a predefined time
interval. The predefined time interval may be time elapsed after
sensing the first tray 122 on the first conveyor 120 by the one or
more sensors. For example, when the photo eye sensors are unable to
sense the presence of any tray or article for a predefined time,
the first tine assembly 106 may be transformed back to its home
position. While the first tine assembly 106 is transformed back to
the home position, the controller may operate the second rotating
shaft 216a to transform the second tine assembly 108 from its home
position to a work position as shown in FIG. 6.
[0067] In FIG. 6, it is seen that the second tine assembly 108
along with the suction cups 219 supports the lower surface of the
first tray 122 while the paddle assembly 104 is still in the home
position. Further, it is seen that a second tray 602 arrives at the
first conveyor 120 when the first tray 122 is supported on the
paddle assembly 104. In some examples, the first tray 122 and the
second tray 602 may have varying length and based on the length,
the photo eye sensors of the first conveyor 120 detects that the
second tray 602 has arrived at the first conveyor 120. For example,
the second tray 602 may be an empty without any item 150 contained
therewith. The second tray 602 arrives at the first conveyor 120
while the first tray 122 and the items 150 are supported by the
second tine assembly 108 and the paddle assembly 104. In some
examples, one or more rollers of the first conveyor 120 is
selectively activated to position the second tray 602 at the first
position 301. In some examples, one of the clamping devices 126 of
the clamping unit 124 may be used as a stopper to stop the second
tray 602 at the first position 301. The second tray 602 is
positioned at the first position 301 while the first tray 122 is in
the second position 501. In some examples, the first tine assembly
106 may support a lower surface of the second tray 602 when
positioned in the first position 301. In some examples, the first
tine assembly 106 may be positioned beneath the second tray 602 in
the first position 301 with a clearance therebetween. While the
second tray 602 is positioned on the first conveyor 120 in the
first position 301, the second tine assembly 108 transforms back to
the home position. When moving to the home position, the second
tine assembly 108 moves the first tray 122 to a second conveyor 130
while the item 150 of the first tray 122 continues to remain on the
paddle assembly 104 as shown in FIG. 7.
[0068] In FIG. 7, it is seen that the suction cups 219 of the
second tine assembly 108 grabs, reorients and places the first tray
122 on the second conveyor 130 while the second tine assembly 108
is transformed to the home position. In some examples, after
detecting the presence of the second tray 602 on the first conveyor
120, the photo eye sensors of the first conveyor 120 trigger an
input signal to the controller to operate the second rotating shaft
216a to transform the second tine assembly 108 to the home
position. In some examples, the second tine assembly 108 is
transformed to the home position after the first tine assembly 106
is transformed to the home position. In some examples, the second
tine assembly 108 is transformed to the home position after a
predefined time interval after the arrival of the second tray 602
on the first conveyor 120. In FIG. 7, the first tray 122 is
positioned on the second conveyor 130, the second tray 602 is
positioned on the first conveyor 120, and the item 150 is
positioned on the paddle assembly 104. In FIG. 7, it is seen that
the paddle assembly 104, the first tine assembly 106 and the second
tine assembly 108 are at the home position with the second tray 602
in the first position 301. While the first tray 122 is moved to the
second conveyor 130 by the second tine assembly 108, the second
tray 602 is re-oriented from the first position 301 to the second
position 501 by the first tine assembly 106 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0069] In FIG. 8, it is seen that the first tine assembly 106 is
activated by the controller to transform from the home position
back to the work position while re-orienting the second tray 602
during the transformation. In some examples, the one or more photo
eye sensors of the first conveyor 120 may trigger an input signal
to the controller to activate the first tine assembly 106 after
detecting the presence of the second tray 602. In some examples,
the controller to activate the first tine assembly 106 after a
predefined time interval from the activation of the second tine
assembly 108. For example, after the controller transforms the
second tine assembly 108 from the work position to home position,
the controller may activate the first tine assembly 106 to
transform to the work position. In some examples, one or more photo
eye sensors of the second conveyor 130 may detect the presence of
the first tray 122 and may trigger an input signal to the
controller to activate the first tine assembly 106. In some
examples, images of the conversion station 100 may be captured
periodically by one or more imaging devices (not shown) to
determine the position of the first tray 122 and the second tray
602. In response to determining the position, an input signal may
be transmitted to the controller to activate either of the tine
assemblies. In FIG. 8, it is seen that the second tray 602 is
positioned on the paddle assembly 104 above and enclosing the item
150 held by the adjustable paddles 105. The second tray 602 fully
covers the item 150 and the adjustable paddles 105 of the paddle
assembly 104 when positioned at the second position 501. According
to an embodiment, while the second tray 602 transforms into the
second position 501, the controller activates the first rotating
shaft 214a and the third rotating shaft 218a simultaneously to
transform the item 150 and second tray 602 back to the first
position 301 as shown in FIG. 9.
[0070] In FIG. 9, it is seen that the second tray 602 is back to
the first position 301 on the first conveyor 120 and the item 150
is disposed inside the second tray 602 by the paddle assembly 104.
In some examples, the first rotating shaft 214a may be activated
initially followed by the activation of the third rotating shaft
218a to place the second tray 602 on the first conveyor 120 and the
item 150 into the second tray 602. In some examples, the one or
more photo eye sensors may detect that the second tray 602 is no
longer present in the first conveyor 120 and in response may
trigger an input signal to the controller to activate both the
first rotating shaft 214a and the third rotating shaft 218a such
that the second tray 602 along with the item 150 is positioned back
on the first conveyor 120. In some examples, the first rotating
shaft 214a and the third rotating shaft 218a may be activated after
a predefined time interval from the second tray 602 being
positioned at the second position 501. In FIG. 9, it is seen that
the paddle assembly 104 is at the work position to transfer the
item 150 into the second tray 602. In some examples, the adjustable
paddles 105 may be activated after the paddle assembly 104 is
transformed to the work position to release the item 150 from the
adjustable paddles 105. For example, the adjustable paddles 105 are
retracted to release the item 150 into the second tray 602. When
the item 150 is released from contact with the adjustable paddles
105, the paddle assembly 104 is transformed back into the home
position. Therefore, the paddle assembly 104, the first tine
assembly 106 and the second tine assembly 108 operates in
conjunction and transforms from the home position to work position
or vice-versa to transfer an item 150 or group of items 150 from
the first tray 122 to the second tray 602 without any human
intervention.
[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart showing a method
for moving an item from a first tray to a second tray in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter. At step 1002, the
method includes receiving and positioning a first tray with the
item in a first position in a first conveyor. At step 1004, the
method includes re-orientating the first tray from the first
position to a second position such that the first tray and the item
are supported on a paddle assembly. At step 1006, the method
includes re-orienting the first tray from the second position back
to the first position and positioning the first tray on a second
conveyor in the first position while the item remains on the paddle
assembly. At step 1008, the method includes receiving and
positioning a second tray in the first position on the first
conveyor. At step 1010, the method includes re-orienting the second
tray from the first position to the second position such that the
second tray encloses the item supported on the paddle assembly. At
step 1012, the method includes re-orienting the second tray from
the second position to the first position such that the second tray
and the item are positioned back on the first conveyor.
[0072] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions
described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or
any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions
may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or
code on a non-transitory processor-readable, computer-readable, or
server-readable medium or a non-transitory processor-readable
storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein
may be embodied in a processor-executable software module or
processor-executable software instructions which may reside on a
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a non-transitory
server-readable storage medium, and/or a non-transitory
processor-readable storage medium. In various embodiments, such
instructions may be stored processor-executable instructions or
stored processor-executable software instructions. Tangible,
non-transitory computer-readable storage media may be any available
media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and
not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable media may
comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the
form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by
a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, comprises compact disc
(CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD),
floppy disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data
magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.
Combinations of the above should also be comprised within the scope
of non-transitory computer-readable media. Additionally, the
operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any
combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a tangible,
non-transitory processor-readable storage medium and/or
computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer
program product.
[0073] The foregoing description of an embodiment has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise
form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in
light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best illustrate the principles of the
disclosure and its practical application to thereby enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. Although only a limited number of
embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the disclosure is not limited in its scope to the
details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in
the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The
disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the embodiment,
specific terminology was used for the sake of clarity. It is to be
understood that each specific term comprises all technical
equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose.
* * * * *