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:
Mar. 12, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 16, 1999
Michael L. DeCecca, Fairport, NY (US);
Joseph A. Watkins, Rochester, NY (US);
Duane B. Kirk, Hilton, NY (US);
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY (US);
Abstract
A transfer apparatus has a table having a sequence of datum units. A transporter is aligned with the table. The transporter is incrementally advanceable past each datum unit. The transporter can carry pallets. A rigid bolster, that moves separately from the transporter, is aligned with the transporter and table. The bolster is movable relative to the table between a lowered position and a raised position to the lift and lower the pallets. The bolster is synchronized with the transporter so that the pallets can be lifted and lowered in each of a sequence of stations. A plurality of locating units are joined to the bolster. Each locating unit is aligned with a respective datum unit. The bolster lifts the pallets on the locating units and clamps the pallets against the respective datum units. A manufacturing system includes the transfer apparatus, pallets, a series of manufacturing stations, and a conveying system for moving the pallets through the manufacturing stations and transfer apparatus.