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:
Nov. 28, 1995
Filed:
Jun. 20, 1994
Robert G Emberty, Tuscson, AZ (US);
Felix J Misewich, Tuscson, AZ (US);
Edward J Pawlowski, Tuscson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
An automated storage and retrieval system includes an accessor device to magnetically hold a stored item while the item is transported within the system. To sense the presence of a magnetically attractable label on the item, the device generates a pulsed signal having a first strength. The reluctance of the magnetic field is compared with a base value; if the comparison indicates that a label is present, the device generates another pulsed signal having a greater strength to 'lock' the item against the accessor. The device then generates another pulsed signal having a reduced strength to maintain and hold the item against the accessor during transportation. Less power is used and, therefore, less heat generated.