Box spring stapler apparatus and method
AssigneeImaginal Systematics, LLC
InventorLarry G. Durkos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for securing a plurality of modules to a frame to form a box spring includes a base for supporting the frame and the modules, a support, and a drive mechanism coupled to the support and the base. The drive mechanism is configured to provide relative movement between the support and the base. The apparatus also includes a camera coupled to the support. The camera provides an image signal indicative of an actual position of the modules relative to the frame upon relative movement of the support and the base. The apparatus further includes a tool coupled to the support for securing each of the modules to the frame using the image signal from the camera.
Claims31
An apparatus for securing a plurality of modules to a frame to form a box spring, the apparatus comprising;
- a base for supporting the frame and the modules;
- a support;
- a drive mechanism coupled to the support and the base, the drive mechanism being configured to provide relative movement between the support and the base;
- a camera coupled to the support, the camera providing an image signal indicative of an actual position of the modules relative to the frame upon relative movement of the support and the base;
- and
- a tool coupled to the support for securing each of the modules to the frame using the image signal from the camera.
A method for securing a plurality of modules to a frame to form a box spring, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a base for supporting the frame and the modules;
- providing a tool for securing the modules to the frame;
- storing an image of an optimum position for each of the modules on the frame relative to the base;
- providing relative movement between the tool and the base to move the tool to the optimum position for each module;
- generating an image signal using a camera to indicate an actual position of each module relative to the frame;
- comparing the optimum position of the module to the actual position of the module;
- adjusting the position of the tool based on the comparing step;
- and
- securing the module to the frame.
An apparatus for securing a module to a frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a base for supporting the frame and the modules;
- a support including a track extending across the frame;
- a first drive mechanism coupled to the support and the base, the first drive mechanism being configured to move the support along a first axis over the base;
- a fastener assembly including a plate movably coupled to the track of the support for movement along a second axis which is generally perpendicular to the first axis, a gimble pivotably coupled to the plate about both the first axis and the second axis, and a tool coupled to the gimble for movement about a longitudinal axis for securing the module to the frame;
- a second drive mechanism coupled between the support and the plate for moving the plate along the second axis relative to the support;
- a third drive mechanism coupled between the plate and the gimble for pivoting the gimble about the first axis;
- a fourth drive mechanism coupled between to the plate and the gimble for pivoting the gimble about the second axis;
- a fifth drive mechanism coupled to the tool for moving the tool up and down along its longitudinal axis;
- and
- a controller coupled to and configured to actuate the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth drive mechanisms for guiding movement of the support, the plate, the gimble, and the tool to secure the module to the frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.