Ampule transfer unit

Details Ampule transfer unit Ampule transfer unit

2000-04-04

2001-10-23

Bidwell, James R. (Department: 3651)

Conveyors: power-driven

Conveyor system for moving a specific load as a separate unit

System includes gate means

C198S531000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305526

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an ampule transfer unit for transferring ampules from a first conveyor to a second conveyor that intersects the first conveyor.
A conventional ampule dispenser disclosed in unexamined Japanese patent publication 5-229660 comprises a plurality of cassettes each storing ampules one upon another in a horizontal position and adapted to discharge the ampules downwardly, a first conveyor for feeding the ampules discharged from the cassettes in one direction, and a second conveyor extending in a different direction from the first conveyor for receiving the ampules from the first conveyor. The conveyors have cushioning members such as sponges for softening shocks when the ampules are dropped onto the second conveyor.
Even though the conveyors have cushioning members, the ampules may break by colliding against each other if a plurality of them are discharged at one time.
Another conventional ampule dispenser disclosed in unexamined Japanese patent publication 10-265052 which comprises a plurality of cassettes and first and second conveyors similar to those disclosed in the former publication, and an intermediate container for receiving the ampules from the first conveyor and discharging them onto the second conveyor by opening its bottom.
When the bottom of the container is opened, the ampules in the container tends to be discharged all at once, so that they tend to break by colliding against each other.
An object of the invention is to provide an ampule transfer unit that can transfer ampules from the first to second conveyors without the possibility of breakage of ampules by colliding against each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided an ampule transfer device provided between a first station and a second station located at a lower level than the first station for receiving ampules from the first station and delivering the ampules to the second station, the device comprising a stocker and a first drive unit for moving the stocker up and down, the stocker comprising a base member having a first edge, an end member coupled to the base member so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the base member, a second drive unit for moving the end member between the closed and open positions, a lid member having a second edge and coupled to the end member so as to be movable relative to the end member between a closed position and an open position, the end member and the lid member being arranged such that the second edge engages the first edge when the end member and the lid member are in their respective closed positions, and disengages from the first edge when the end member is moved from its closed position toward its open position by the second drive unit, whereby forming an opening between the first and second edges, the lid member being adapted to be movable toward its open position when the second edge disengages from the first edge, whereby widening the opening between the first and second edges.
To receive ampules from the first station, the stocker is raised to the highest position by the first drive unit. When a predetermined number of ampules have been received in the stocker, the first drive unit now lowers the stocker to the lowest position near the second station. The second drive unit then pivots the end member to disengage the lid member from the base member, thereby forming an opening between the lid and the base member. When the lid disengages from the base member, the lid is allowed to gradually pivot to its open position under the weight of the ampules in the stocker against the force of the spring biasing the lid toward the closed position. Since the lid is opened gradually against the force of the spring, the opening widens gradually, so that the ampules can be discharged slowly through the opening without colliding hard against each other. Thus there is little possibility of the ampules being damaged.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4040513 (1977-08-01), Walls
patent: 4063635 (1977-12-01), Heckel
patent: 5959258 (1999-09-01), Howard
patent: 6024204 (2000-02-01), Van Dyke, Jr. et al.
patent: 6092977 (2000-07-01), Fuchigami
patent: 5-229660 (1993-09-01), None
patent: 10-265052 (1998-10-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Ampule transfer unit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Ampule transfer unit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ampule transfer unit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2601153