Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Grapple – Multiple grapples for multiple objects
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-13
2001-04-17
Cherry, Johnny D. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Grapple
Multiple grapples for multiple objects
C294S065000, C198S468300, C414S751100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217093
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for individually engaging on a configuration of a number of products with a certain mutual distance.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the packaging industry numerous such devices are known. The known devices are designed to be able to engage on a configuration of products at high speed, whereafter the mutual distance between the products can be varied over a relatively large range. In practice known devices are applied on a large scale for packing and/or unpacking products.
The known devices all have the drawback that they are designed to engage on a fixed configuration of products. Change-over in the known devices to a different configuration requires a considerable number of successive operations and is therefore time-consuming.
The invention has for its object to obviate this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
For this purpose the device according to the invention has the feature that it is provided with
a frame;
a number of pushing members which are mounted on the frame for movement between a first and a second position;
drive means for moving the pushing members;
a number of engaging members which are disposed in a configuration corresponding with the configuration of the products and which are mounted on the frame for movement with a variable mutual distance from a starting position;
wherein each pushing member is provided with at least one contact surface with which the pushing member lies against one or more engaging members for varying the distance between adjacent engaging members during movement of the pushing member between the first and the second position; and
resetting means for resetting the engaging members to the starting position.
Through the use of a pushing member with a contact surface for varying the distance between adjacent engaging members, the device according to the invention has a positive actuation over a controlled path with a continuously variable adjustment of the mutual distance between adjacent engaging members in accordance with the choice of the shape of the contact surface. In the device according to the invention the configuration of the engaging members can be varied in simple manner by removing or changing position of one or more pushing members.
In a preferred embodiment each pushing member is provided with two contact surfaces, with each of which the pushing member lies against one engaging member. The pushing members and engaging members are preferably disposed in alternating manner. This results in a very compact embodiment of the device according to the invention.
The pushing members preferably have a tapering form. More preferably the pushing members are tooth-like. In some situations a conical form is recommended, for instance when the pushing members have to be able to withstand greater forces.
In another preferred embodiment at least one stop for an engaging member is arranged on each pushing member. The stop is preferably formed by a substantially straight part of the contact surface. This has the advantage that the positioning of the pushing member can be performed with great precision, while the actuation can be somewhat less accurate owing to the possibility of a run-out provided by the straight part. As alternative hereto or in combination herewith the stop can be formed by a recessed part of the contact surface.
In a further preferred embodiment the engaging members are provided with guide means, preferably rollers, against which lie the contact surfaces of the pushing members. These rollers serve as wear parts which can be replaced simply and rapidly after a period of time, which makes maintenance of the device according to the invention exceptionally easy.
In another preferred embodiment the direction of movement of the pushing members and the direction of movement of the engaging members lie substantially transversely of one another. Particularly in combination with a tapering shape of the pushing members, this embodiment results in a small change in the position of the pushing members causing a larger change in the pitch between the engaging members.
The drive means preferably comprise a servomotor to enable the most precise possible driving of the movement of the pushing members.
The invention will be described in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings:
REFERENCES:
patent: 3753589 (1973-08-01), Hahn
patent: 3837472 (1974-09-01), Byerly
patent: 4199050 (1980-04-01), Moller
patent: 4329112 (1982-05-01), Glover
patent: 5102287 (1992-04-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 5177434 (1993-01-01), Suzuki et al.
patent: 5273152 (1993-12-01), Brun
patent: 5575376 (1996-11-01), Colamussi et al.
patent: 5931279 (1999-08-01), Pedrotto et al.
patent: 283088 (1992-10-01), None
De Gooyer Gerrit
Fortman Ronald
Neutel Ronald Walter
Rijksen Rijk
Cherry Johnny D.
EBM Techniek B.V.
Webb Ziesenheim & Logsdon Orkin & Hanson, P.C.
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