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:
Sep. 27, 1988
Filed:
May. 14, 1986
Robert E Hansen, Jr, New Baltimore, MI (US);
Dennis J Kosovec, Utica, MI (US);
Stephen G LaMarre, Rochester, MI (US);
Malcolm S Mills, Lake Orion, MI (US);
GMF Robotics Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for the automated loading of parts wherein multiple gantry robots are utilized to pick up automotive parts from movable transfer beds and placed into predetermined positions in containers which are serially indexed through the work envelopes of the robots until the containers are full. In the disclosed embodiment, the method and system are utilized for racking automotive parts after they exit a sheet metal stamping machine. Preferably, empty containers are automatically delivered to a container queue such as by an automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) at an unloading station adjacent the robots. Thereafter each AGV is moved to a loading station to receive and retain thereon containers loaded with parts by the gantry robots.