Window component system including pusher for scrap removal
AssigneeGED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
InventorsBrian James, Robert Shepherd
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor includes a path of travel altering mechanism, a translating mechanism, and a controller. The path of travel altering mechanism is positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel. The translating mechanism is in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel.
Claims14
An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor that defines a path of travel in a window component production line, comprising:
- a) a path of travel altering mechanism positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel;
- b) a translating mechanism in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel;
- c) a controller in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism and the translating mechanism for:
- i) actuating the path of travel altering mechanism when scrap elongated window component stock moves into a position for removal;
- ii) actuating the translating mechanism to move the scrap elongated window component off the path of travel.
A method of automatically removing scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor that defines a path of travel in a window component production line, comprising:
- a) determining that a piece of elongated window component stock on the conveyor is a scrap piece;
- and
- b) automatically altering the path of travel to discharge the scrap piece.
A method of automatically removing scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor with a guide that defines a path of travel in an insulating glass unit component production line, comprising:
- a) moving a guide portion away from an elongated window component engagement position;
- b) determining when a scrap piece of elongated window component stock will pass between the capturing members;
- and
- d) pushing the scrap piece off the path of travel past the guide portion.
An insulated glass unit spacer production line, comprising:
- a) a stock supply station;
- b) a stamping station that stamps sheet stock provided by the stock supply station;
- c) a roll forming station that receives stamped stock and forms rigid linearly extending spacer frame element having opposite side walls and a base wall;
- d) a dispensing station for applying sealant material to external surfaces of the spacer frame element.
- e) a scrap removal apparatus comprising:
- i) a path of travel altering mechanism positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel;
- ii) a translating mechanism in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel;
- iii) a controller in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism and the translating mechanism for:
- A) actuating the path of travel altering mechanism when scrap elongated window component stock is in position for removal;
- and
- B) actuating the translating mechanism to move the scrap elongated window component off the path of travel.
An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor with a guide that defines a path of travel in an insulating glass unit spacer production line, comprising:
- a) a guide actuator that selectively moves a portion of the guide away from an engagement position where the guide engages the elongated window component stock;
- b) a pusher for contacting scrap elongated window component past the portion of the guide moved by the guide actuator;
- c) a controller in communication with the guide actuator and the pusher for:
- i) moving the portion of the guide away from the engagement position when a scrap piece of elongated window component is sensed;
- ii) determining when the scrap piece of elongated window component stock will pass the guide portion;
- iii) actuating the pusher when the scrap piece is at the guide portion to discharge the scrap piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.