Automated Systems, Inc.

Keith G Opperthauser

Bruce A Claycomb

An article storage carousel is disclosed featuring automatic conveyor loading and unloading. A conveyor is provided for transporting articles along a fixed path between an upstream location and a downstream location. A vertical carriage accumulates a plurality of articles for subsequent transfer to a temporary storage location. A storage carousel receives the plurality of articles for temporary storage and subsequent retrieval and discharge to the conveyor. If required, an alignment and guide housing can be provided between the vertical carriage and storage carousel to compensate for any slight vertical misalignment between the vertical carriage and storage carousel.

Article storage carousel with automatic conveyor loading and unloading

A conveyor system enabling dumping of workpieces is disclosed. The conveyor system is comprised of a mechanism for transporting workpieces along the conveyor system. The transporting mechanism has a first receiving end and a second removal or holding end. An endless belt mechanism is coupled with the transport mechanism in a spaced relationship. A driver is coupled with the endless belt in a spaced relationship with the transport mechanism to drive workpieces along the transport mechanism. A mechanism is coupled with the transport mechanism and belt mechanism to enable movement of the removing or holding end of the conveyor system with respect to the receiving end such that the conveyor may be used to feed more than one installation.

Automatic dump actuator conveyor system

A workpiece elevator for moving plural workpieces from an intake station vertically to an elevated discharge station. The workpiece elevator includes a bucket assembly which is pivotable in response to engagement with cam bars such that in one rotated position, the bucket engages the workpieces and carries them to the discharge station where the bucket is rotated to a discharging position. The bucket assembly includes a pair of cam followers disposed on opposite sides of a plate which engage elongated cam bars affixed to the elevator frame. Means are also provided for limiting the angular range of motion of the bucket assemblies. The elevator in accordance with the second embodiment includes means for enabling the elevator to be easily modified to accommodate different configurations and sizes of workpieces. A pair of separated channels are mounted to the frame amd extend between the intake and discharge stations to laterally support the workpiece. Further, means are provided for varying the number of workpieces loaded onto the bucket assembly, thereby enhancing the range of application of the elevator.

Workpiece elevator

The present invention discloses an inclining consecutive alternating direction track storage conveyor system including at least one or more axles having at least two or more discs positioned on the axle for changing direction of a belt from one inclining track to the next inclining consecutive alternating direction track. Also, a staggered roller body configuration track is disclosed.

Storage conveyor system

This invention relates to a workpiece loader which loads workpieces onto a continuously moving conveyor of a type frequently used in manufacturing factory environments. The workpiece loader is comprised of a short length endless belt which is intermittently moved to stack workpieces against a movable fence. Movement of the movable fence is coordinated with motion of the loader belt to enable groups of workpieces to be placed on the conveyor as desired. A first embodiment discloses the workpiece loader belt travelling in a direction perpendicular to the continuously moving conveyor, whereas the second embodiment discloses such belts moving in parallel directions.

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Linden, MI, United States of America

Keith G Opperthauser