US 4,744,455 A · Dispenser and component feeder

Abstract

A dispenser and component feeder for integration with automated assembly equipment is adapted for the high speed placement of self-orienting components of varying sizes and includes, a linear vibratory chute for transferring the self-orienting components from the storage hopper to an adjustable single roller feed assembly where the self-orienting components are conveyed to a pick-up position, the single roller feed assembly having a roller to facilitate in conveying the self-orienting components, and alternately reciprocating rod members to segregate a self-orienting component at the pick-up position. A pick-up and placement assembly is operative to pick-up the segregated self-orienting component from the pick-up position and move the same to a position for placement on an associated conveyor on the automated assembly equipment.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A dispenser and component feeder for high speed placement of self-orienting components comprising

a. a storage hopper having inlet means for charging quantities of the self-orienting component into the storage hopper, and a controlled outlet means for discharging said self-orienting components,
b. an adjustable single roller feed assembly having means for adjusting the same to receive and convey self-orienting components of various sizes and shapes,
c. a linear vibratory chute disposed in communication with said controlled outlet means for vibratorily transferring self-orienting components to said single roller feed assembly at a predetermined rate,
d. said single roller feed assembly having an upper end disposed to communicate with said vibratory chute, a lower end remote from said upper end, and a roller to facilitate in conveying self-orienting components from said upper end to said lower end by gravity,
e. escapement means operatively connected to the lower end of the single roller feed assembly to segregate a single self-orienting component for release therefrom, and
f. a pick-up and placement assembly operatively associated with said escapement means at a pick-up position for moving said segregated self-orienting component including
i. an operating arm to pivotally move said segregated self-orienting component from the pick-up position to a placement position at a different angular position;
ii. a vacuum head disposed at the end of said operating arm for picking up said segregated self-orienting component and securing the same during movement of said operating arm;
iii. a gear arrangement operative to align said vacuum head with said segregated self-orienting component at the pick-up position and to position said component for placement simultaneous with the movement of said operating arm;
and
iv. means for locking said vacuum head in the respective positions established by the gear arrangement.

8 more elements

A dispenser and component feeder for high speed placement of self-orienting components comprising

a. a storage hopper having inlet means for charging quantities of the self-orienting component into the storage hopper, and a controlled outlet means for discharging said self-orienting components,
b. a sloped single roller feed and transfer assembly having means for adjusting the same to receive and convey self-orienting components of various sizes and shapes,
c. a linear vibratory chute disposed in communication with said controlled outlet means for vibratorily transferring at a predetermined rate self-orienting components to said single roller feed and transfer assembly,
d. said single roller feed and transfer assembly having an upper end disposed to communicate with said controlled outlet means, a lower end remote from said upper end, and a roller to facilitate in conveying self-orienting components from said upper end to said lower end by gravity,
e. a pick-up and placement assembly for engaging at said lower end a single-self-orienting component and removing the same to a remote placement position, and positioning the same thereat,
f. said pick-up and placement assembly including
i. an operating arm for removing said single self-orienting component from said single roller feed and transfer assembly to said remote placement position,
ii. said operating arm having means for engaging and removing said single self-orienting component from said single roller feed and transfer assembly and securing the same during movement of said operating arm, and
iii. means for aligning said single self-orienting component with said remote placement position, and
g. escapement means disposed at the lower end of the single roller feed and transfer assembly having alternately reciprocating rods to selectively segregate a single self-orienting component for removal from said single roller feed and transfer assembly upon engagement by said pick-up and placement assembly with said single self-orienting component on said single roller feed and transfer assembly, and simultaneously prevent other self-orienting components from escaping from said single roller feed and transfer assembly.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dispenser and component feeder

Life of this patent

Dispenser and component feeder

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15