# US 12,214,976 B2 · Device and method for transferring elastomer blocks > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,214,976 B2 - Document ID: US12214976B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/036,279 - Filed: 2021-11-08 - Published: 2023-12-21 - Granted: 2025-02-04 - Earliest claimed: 2020-11-16 - Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin - Applicants: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin - Inventors: Thomas Trabattoni; Frédéric Drago - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12214976B2 ## CPC - B65G 59/005: {by using insertions or spacers between the stacked layers} - B65G 61/00: Use of pick-up or transfer devices or of manipulators for stacking or de-stacking articles not otherwise provided for - B65G 59/00: De-stacking of articles (B65G60/00 takes precedence) - B65G 59/02: De-stacking from the top of the stack - B25J 15/00: Gripping heads {and other end effectors (grippers used in machine tools B23Q7/04; gripping members fitted on cranes B66C1/42, B66C1/44; gripping means used for mounting electrical components H05K13/04; gripping means used in the manufacture of semiconductors H10P72/7602)} - B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D) - B25J: MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES ({manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery A61B34/70; manipulators used in cleaning hollow articles B08B9/04}; manipulators associated with rolling mills B21B39/20; manipulators associated with forging machines B21J13/10; {manipulators associated with picking-up and placing mechanisms B23P19/007}; means for holding wheels or parts thereof B60B30/00; {vehicles with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members B62D57/02, B62D57/032; devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials between conveyors B65G47/90, B65G47/91; manipulators with gripping or holding means for transferring packages B65H67/065}; cranes B66C; {manipulators used in the protection or supervision of pipe-line installations F17D5/00; walking equipment adapted for nuclear steam-generators F22B37/006}; manipulators specially adapted for, or associated with, nuclear reactors G21C; {apparatus used for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor H10P72/50}) ## Abstract The disclosure relates to a device for the automated transfer of an elastomeric block between a first position, where it is installed on a flexible support, and a second position. The device comprises a gripper that is able to take hold of the block and a manipulator that is able to move and orient the gripper so as to set the block in motion. The disclosure also relates to a method for running such a device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device for the automated transfer of an elastomeric block between a first position, where it is installed on a flexible support, and a second position, comprising a gripper that is able to take hold of the block and a manipulator that is able to move and orient the gripper so as to set the block in motion, it also comprises a means for maintaining the position of the support during a movement of the elastomeric block, the means for maintaining the position of the support including a linear actuator with an arm that has a device for bearing on the flexible support, and a means for returning the flexible support into position, comprising a device for blowing air in the direction of the flexible support to blow air towards the flexible support to return the flexible support into position, the device including at least two nozzles that are oriented in different directions. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible support has a rectangular shape, and the position-maintaining means are positioned above at least two corners of the flexible support. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible support is a non-stick support. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, comprising a means for automating at least one of the position-maintaining means and the position-returning means. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A system for transferring blocks, having a plurality of elastomeric blocks installed on a flexible support of rectangular shape, and a transfer device according to claim 1. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A method for running a system according to claim 5, the method comprising: at least one step of gripping and lifting an elastomeric block positioned on the support, at least one step of activating the position-maintaining means over a corner of the support, at least one other step of gripping and lifting an elastomeric block, which is repeated as many times as the number of blocks positioned initially on the support, minus one. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The running method according to claim 6, comprising another step of activating the position-maintaining means over another corner of the support. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The running method according to claim 6, also comprising a step of activating position-returning means. ### Claim 9 A device for the automated transfer of an elastomeric block between a first position, where the elastomeric block is installed on a flexible support, and a second position, the device comprising: a gripper that is able to take hold of the block; a manipulator that is able to move and orient the gripper so as to set the block in motion; the manipulator further including a linear actuator for maintaining the position of the support during a movement of the elastomeric block and at least two nozzles that are oriented in different directions and are configured to blow air towards the flexible support to return the flexible support into position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device as set forth in claim 9, wherein the linear actuator is configured to exert a force normal to the surface of the flexible support. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The device according to claim 10, wherein the manipulator also includes an arm installed on the linear actuator, the arm having a device for bearing on the flexible support. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The device according to claim 9, wherein the flexible support has a rectangular shape, and the manipulator is positioned above at least two corners of the flexible support. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The device according to claim 9, wherein the flexible support is a non-stick support. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The device according to claim 9, further comprising a means for automating at least one of the position-maintaining means and the position-returning means.