The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 23, 1981
Filed:
Aug. 03, 1978
Donald E Eineichner, San Jose, CA (US);
Barclay J Tullis, Palo Alto, CA (US);
FMC Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for selectively discharging load carriers at a predetermined one of discharge stations. The carriers are connected to an endless chain. The chain is made of links of approximate equal length, which are divided into segments of an equal number of links. The position of each carrier is determined by a control system that measures the actual length of segments of the chain and keeps a record of the lengths of the segments which extend between a reference point and the position of the each carrier. When the length of the chain between the reference point and the carrier equal the known distance along the chain path between the reference point and the preselected discharge station a mechanism is actuated to remove the load from the carrier. In the preferred form of the invention the instantaneous length of chain between the reference point and each carrier is determined by a control system which computes and compare the nominal, or standard length of a portion of the chain with the actual measured correspond portion. Periodically, the actual measured length of the segment is substituted for the nominal length of the memory of the control system. When a predetermined set of conditions are met, a mechanism at a discharge station is actuated to discharge a load from the carrier.