Automated spacer processing systems and methods
AssigneeCardinal IG Company
InventorsRobert C. Buchanan, Michael J. Milewski, Daniel Todd Butson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.
Claims34
A robotic spacer processing system comprising an insulating glazing unit assembly line, a spacer conveyor system, and a first robot arm, the spacer conveyor system including a spacer conveyor line along which spacers can be conveyed, the first robot arm being equipped with a first gripper frame, the robotic spacer processing system having first and second positions, the robotic spacer processing system when in the first position having the first gripper frame holding a spacer adjacent the spacer conveyor line, the robotic spacer processing system when in the second position having the first gripper frame holding the spacer adjacent the insulating glazing unit assembly line, wherein the first gripper frame comprises a plurality of grippers that are each configured to grip a spacer, wherein at least some of the grippers are adjustable grippers such that the first gripper frame is configured to hold spacers of different sizes, different shapes, or both, the first gripper frame comprising a plurality of tracks along which respective ones of the adjustable grippers are movable to different positions, the tracks extending along a height of the first gripper frame, the first gripper frame comprising a plurality of frame members that are spaced apart from one another and substantially parallel to one another, the frame members defining the tracks, and the first gripper frame further including a line of grippers that are spaced apart from one another along the height of the first gripper frame, the line of grippers being moveable along a width of the first gripper frame such that the line of grippers can be positioned between any desired two of the frame members, and each of the adjustable grippers is moveable individually along a respective one of the tracks whereas the line of grippers is moveable as a unit along the width of the first gripper frame.
A robotic spacer processing system comprising an insulating glazing unit assembly line, a spacer conveyor system, and a first robot arm, the spacer conveyor system including a spacer conveyor line along which spacers can be conveyed, the first robot arm being equipped with a first gripper frame, the robotic spacer processing system having first and second positions, the robotic spacer processing system when in the first position having the first gripper frame holding a spacer adjacent the spacer conveyor line, the robotic spacer processing system when in the second position having the first gripper frame holding the spacer adjacent the insulating glazing unit assembly line, wherein the first gripper frame comprises a plurality of grippers that are each configured to grip a spacer, wherein the spacer conveyor line is located above the insulating glazing unit assembly line, and wherein the spacer conveyor system further includes an overhead conveyor, and the overhead conveyor is located above the spacer conveyor line.
A robotic spacer processing system comprising an insulating glazing unit assembly line, a spacer conveyor system, a sealant applicator, and a first robot arm, the spacer conveyor system comprising a spacer conveyor line along which spacers can be conveyed, the first robot arm being equipped with a first gripper frame, the spacer conveyor line being at a higher elevation than the insulating glazing unit assembly line, such that the spacer conveyor line is directly above the insulating glazing unit assembly line, the spacer conveyor line having a staging area where a spacer is to be positioned for the first gripper frame to pick the spacer off the spacer conveyor line, and the insulating glazing unit assembly line having a processing area where the spacer is subsequently pressed against, and thereby adhered to, a pane when the pane is so positioned on the insulating glazing unit assembly line, the staging area of the spacer conveyor line being directly above the processing area of the insulating glazing unit assembly line, the spacer conveyor line including a bottom conveyor configured to support a bottom leg of the spacer, the robotic spacer processing system having a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position, the robotic spacer processing system when in the first position having the first gripper frame holding a spacer adjacent the spacer conveyor line, the robotic spacer processing system when in the intermediate position having the first gripper frame holding the spacer adjacent the sealant applicator, the robotic spacer processing system when in the second position having the first gripper frame holding the spacer adjacent the insulating glazing unit assembly line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.