Autoacceptertube delivery system with a robotic interface
OwnerFred M. Valerino, Sr.inventor
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier. The apparatus having a support with a linear truster mounted thereto. A rotary actuator is mounted at the lower end of the linear thruster for rotating action. A connecting arm is mounted on the lower end of the rotary actuator having a dual rod cylinder mounted thereon. A gripper is mounted at the end of the dual rod cylinder for gripping products. A logic controller is used for controlling and monitoring the loading of the products into the carrier.
Claims20
An apparatus for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier, said apparatus comprising:
- support means;
- a linear thruster mounted to said support means;
- a rotary actuator mounted to the lower end of said linear thruster;
- a connecting arm mounted to the lower end of said rotary actuator;
- a dual rod cylinder mounted to said connecting arm;
- gripping means mounted to said dual rod cylinder;
- and
- a logic controller for controlling and monitoring the loading of said products into said carrier;
- wherein said linear thruster controls said rotary actuator;
- wherein said rotary actuator controls said connecting arm;
- wherein said connecting arm connects said dual rod cylinder to said rotary actuator;
- and
- wherein said dual rod cylinder controls said gripping means.
An apparatus for automatically retrieving and loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier for delivery through a pneumatic tube transport system, said apparatus comprising:
- support means mounted to a base;
- a linear thruster;
- a rotary actuator;
- a dual rod cylinder;
- a connecting arm;
- gripping means for retrieving said product;
- and
- a logic controller for controlling and monitoring said apparatus;
- wherein said linear thruster is mounted to said support means and controls the vertical movement of said rotary actuator;
- wherein said rotary actuator is mounted to the lower end of said linear thruster and controls the rotational movement of said connecting arm;
- wherein said connecting arm is mounted to the lower end of said rotary actuator and connects said dual rod cylinder to said rotary actuator;
- and
- wherein said dual rod cylinder is mounted to said connecting arm and controls the lateral movement of said gripping means.
A method for automatically retrieving products from a pick-up point and automatically loading said products into a pneumatic tube carrier for delivery to any of a plurality of destinations by means of a pneumatic tube transport system, said method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a gripping means at a product distributor;
- retrieving said product;
- moving said gripping means to said carrier;
- and
- loading said product into said carrier;
- wherein said gripping means is supported and controlled by a dual rod cylinder which is supported and controlled by a connecting arm which is controlled by and supported at lower end of a rotary actuator which is controlled by and supported at a lower end of a linear thruster which is mounted to a support means;
- and wherein said positioning, retrieving, moving and loading are controlled by a logic controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.