Method and apparatus for assembling large panels
AssigneeAtlantic Richfield Company
InventorsErnest E. Roberts, Paul H. Hansel, William O. Hudgens
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for assembling large panels, e.g. solar panels, from smaller, preformed sections comprising a plurality of press tables which are coupled to a carousel structure whereby each table can be located at one work station and then moved through a series of controlled stops to an unloading station. Each press table is comprised of a frame having a smooth surface onto which the preformed sections of the panels are positioned and, a press rack which is lowered to bring supports into contact with the adhesive on the backs of the preformed sections to form the large panel.
Claims9
A system for assembling panels from a plurality of preformed sections, said system comprising:
- a carousel structural pivotably mounted in the floor of an assembly area;
- a plurality of press tables attached to said carousel structure and adapted to be rotated thereby, each of said press tables comprising;
- a frame;
- one or more plates mounted on said frame, and said plates forming a surface adapted to receive the number of said preformed sections necessary to form said panels in an aligned relationship;
- means for applying adhesive to said preformed sections;
- wheel means on said frame positioned between said frame and the floor of said assembly area;
- a press rack pivotably mounted on said frame and adapted to move between an up position away from said surface and a down position where said press rack is substantially parallel and adjacent said surface;
- said press rack comprising;
- a frame support structure;
- means on said frame support structure for releasably securing one or more support members to said frame support structure in a position where each of said support members will contact and rest on, and adhesively bond to all of said preformed sections on said surface when said press rack is in a down position;
- means for applying pressure to each of said support members downward toward said sections when said press rack is in a down position;
- and
- means to rotate said carousel structure to thereby simultaneously move all of said plurality of press tables in a circular direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.