Load singulation system and method
AssigneeSiemens Technology-To-Business Center, LLC
InventorsDan Reznik, Michael Wynblatt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for singulating loads are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of similarly configured load manipulation cells arranged to form an array. Each cell has a generally planar upper surface and an actuation system configured for operation independent of the actuation systems of the other cells. The system further includes a sensing system operable to identify the general location of loads positioned on the array and a controller configured to receive input from the sensing system and send commands to the actuation systems to singulate the loads positioned on the array. The controller is configured to process loads received in a continuous flow.
Claims24
A method for singulating loads on a system comprising a plurality of similarly configured load manipulation cells arranged to form an array, each cell configured for independent operation, and a feedback control system coupled to the cells and operable to control a continuous incoming flow of loads, the method comprising:
- receiving one or more incoming loads along an incoming edge of the array;
- identifying a load positioned closest to an outgoing edge of the array;
- moving the load positioned closest to the outgoing edge of the array towards the outgoing edge;
- and
- moving the remaining incoming loads towards the outgoing edge at a specified velocity;
- wherein the load positioned closest to the outgoing edge of the array is moved at a velocity greater than the specified velocity.
A load singulation system comprising:
- a plurality of similarly configured load manipulation cells arranged to form an array, each cell comprising a generally planar upper surface and an actuation system configured for operation independent of the actuation systems of the other cells;
- a sensing system operable to identify the general location of loads positioned on the array;
- and
- a controller configured to receive input from the sensing system and send commands to the actuation systems to singulate the loads positioned on the array, wherein the controller is configured to process loads received in a continuous flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.