Method and apparatus for opening a receiving device
AssigneeDISH Network L.L.C.
InventorJimmy A. Pollard, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A receiver opening apparatus opens receiving devices such as a set-top box or a digital video recorder. This apparatus uses processor-controlled pins and actuators, guided by micro switches and a programmable logic controller (PLC), to precisely unlatch the receiver's securing clips without causing damage. The apparatus is designed to accommodate various receiver models and incorporates hardened steel pins and vacuum cups to securely hold and open devices for servicing.
Claims20
A method for opening a receiving device mounted on a receptacle of an opening apparatus, the method, comprising:
- providing at least one processor coupled to at least one memory;
- initiating an opening process by activation of an activating mechanism of the opening apparatus;
- responsive to the opening process being initiated, lifting a first member of the opening apparatus to move at least one pin through a hole in a bottom plate of the receiving device;
- stopping the lifting when the first member meets a first micro switch;
- responsive to meeting the first micro switch and stopping the lifting,
- turning a second member of the opening apparatus to turn the at least one pin at a predetermined number of degrees until the second member meets a second micro switch,
- causing the at least one pin to push out at least one protrusion of the bottom plate from engaging a surface of the receiving device that maintains the receiving device closed,
- the pushing out of the at least one protrusion causing a front plate of the receiving device to release from a side plate of the receiving device, thereby opening the receiving device.
An apparatus for opening a receiving device mounted on a receptacle of the apparatus, comprising:
- a panel comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory;
- an activating mechanism on the panel configured to initiate an opening process by activation of the activating mechanism;
- an ejector pin for opening the receiving device;
- a rotary cylinder coupling configured to hold the ejector pin;
- a first rotary cylinder configured to rotate the ejector pin;
- a lift cylinder configured to push up the rotary cylinder to lift a first member of the apparatus to move the ejector pin through a hole in a bottom plate of the receiving device;
- a first micro switch configured to indicate that receiving device is in place for a cycle of the opening process;
- a second micro switch configured to stop the rotation of the ejector pin when a second member of the apparatus meets the second micro switch;
- a cam rotary cylinder configured to rotate the second member of the apparatus to turn the ejector pin enabling the second member to touch the second micro switch to stop the rotation indicating that the pin has reached a required distance;
- wherein the rotation of the pin causes the pin to push out at least one protrusion of the bottom plate from engaging a surface of the receiving device that maintains the receiving device closed, the pushing out of the at least one protrusion causing a front plate of the receiving device to release from a side plate of the receiving device, thereby opening the receiving device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.