Material or article handling – Vertically swinging load support – Grab
Patent
1980-06-23
1982-11-23
Butler, Douglas C.
Material or article handling
Vertically swinging load support
Grab
414740, 414226, 414744A, B65H 2908
Patent
active
043603122
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to an improved apparatus for removing scrap material from a worktable and, more particularly, to an apparatus for removing scrap from inner and outer portions of the top surface of a vacuum chamber and sorting the same.
2. Background Art
In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,272 to Charles E. Grawey, issued Oct. 11, 1977, which is assigned to the assignee of this invention, is disclosed an exemplary apparatus for forming on a removable core a tube article made from uncured natural and/or synthetic rubber. A slightly modified apparatus of this type includes a fixed worktable for supporting a sheet of material from which an annular product piece is cut leaving two separate and distinct pieces of scrap material. One piece of scrap remains on an inner table portion and the other piece of scrap remains on a separate outer table portion, which surrounds but is spaced from the inner table portion. Initially, this scrap material had been manually removed.
Devices have since been developed to automatically lift and remove both pieces of scrap from the table by means of a vacuum or suction. However, this type of mechanism has not been entirely satisfactory since the scrap is relatively heavy and of a large size. Such a load dictates that positive mechanical gripping action be employed.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
To overcome the problems associated with the prior art constructions, positive clamping devices are employed to retrieve scrap material from the flat worktable and to deposit it in one of the preselected scrap areas.
In accordance with the invention, a scrap removal apparatus is provided with a plurality of remotely actuated air motors which drive gripping mechanisms to a closed position to pin scrap material between the parts thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two different gripping mechanisms are carried on a lift arm assembly. One type is a clamp mechanism which employs scissors action to grip the scrap material from above and below when the clamp parts are closed together. The other type employs a blade which pushes the scrap material generally along the table surface and pins the scrap material against a stop.
In one aspect of the invention, the worktable is provided with slots at the outer edges thereof, sized to permit a portion of the clamp mechanism to pass therethrough. The scrap material overlies the slots such that when the clamp parts are closed, a smaller clamp part passes through the slot to effect gripping of the overlying scrap material against an uppermost larger clamping part.
In another aspect of the invention, the lift arm assembly can be pivoted to any of a number of positions after it has been raised from the table to release portions of the scrap material into any of a plurality of separate and distinct scrap accumulating areas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially in section of an exemplary scrap removal apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus illustrating the relative locations of a vacuum chamber and at least two scrap accumulating areas;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of the blade and stop gripping device of the apparatus;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of one of the clamp gripping devices shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, elevational view partially in section of two adjacent clamps taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, elevational view of a clamp taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Shown in FIG. 1 is a toroidal sand core 10 resting on a support 11 carried by a rod 13 which is extendible and retractable from an air motor 14 for raising and lowering the support 11 and core 10.
The sand core 10 is supported within a vacuum chamber 16 defined by housing upright walls 17 spaced from the core 10 and a
REFERENCES:
patent: 2943750 (1960-07-01), Sehn
patent: 3640405 (1972-02-01), Carpenter, Jr.
patent: 3884363 (1975-05-01), Ajlouny
patent: 4266910 (1981-05-01), Pickard
Butler Douglas C.
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Siemens Terrance L.
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