US 4,728,093 A · Automatic battery stacker

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically stacking battery plates and separators is disclosed. Battery plates and separators elements are alternately and automatically combined on a conveyor belt to form sandwiches wherein a plurality of such sandwiches are later assembled for use in battery cells. Prior to combining the elements, the plates and separators are arranged in respective chutes for access by pivotably mounted vacuum pickup heads, which cycle between the chutes and the conveyor belt. The vacuum pickup heads capture the topmost elements in the chutes irrespective of the height at which the plates and separators may be stacked therein. In order to access the elements within the chutes, a jet sensor is provided with the pickup head that acts as a proximity detector. When vacuum is not being utilized for pickup purposes, it is utilized in an environmental mode where it is used to remove lead dust and particles around the stacking area.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method of selecting a topmost element from a plurality of elements by an accessing means which may be extended or retracted from said topmost element comprising the steps of:

(a) extending said accessing means in a direction of said topmost element of said plurality of elements,
(b) applying a negative pressure to said accessing means so that it is drawn therethrough,
(c) simultaneously applying a positive pressure to said accessing means that is emitted therethrough,
(d) said topmost element being captured by the accessing means when in proximity thereto by said negative pressure and further emission of said positive pressure from said accessing means being blocked by said capture, thereby initiating retraction of said accessing means away from said plurality of elements.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatic battery stacker

Life of this patent

Automatic battery stacker

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13