Panel unload table
AssigneeToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
InventorsGabe N. Daranyi, Kerry S. Moniz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and methods for unloading panels. One example method includes receiving the panel on a table top. The panel is positioned on the table top to allow a worker to make an external surface inspection. The method further includes rotating a table flap extending from the table top from a first position to a second position to allow a worker access to a panel fixture in a stowed position. The method further includes moving the panel fixture from the stowed position to a load position and receiving the panel on the panel fixture. The panel is positioned on the panel fixture to engage a load sensor. In response to the load sensor sensing the panel on the panel fixture, the method further includes rotating the panel fixture from the load position to an unload position.
Claims18
A panel unload table apparatus, comprising:
- a table top;
- a table flap extending from the table top having a first position and a second position;
- a panel fixture rotatable about a pivot axis and having:
- a stowed position substantially parallel to the table top;
- a load position substantially coplanar with the table top;
- and
- an unload position wherein the unload position is spaced angularly between the load position and the second position of the table flap;
- and
- a pair of slide rails disposed on a lower surface of the table top wherein the panel fixture is slidably disposed between the slide rails.
A method for unloading a panel, comprising:
- receiving the panel on a table top wherein the panel is positioned on the table top to allow a worker to make an external surface inspection;
- rotating a table flap extending from the table top from a first position to a second position to allow a worker access to a panel fixture in a stowed position and slidably disposed between a pair of slide rails disposed on a lower surface of the table top;
- moving the panel fixture from the stowed position to a load position;
- receiving the panel on the panel fixture wherein the panel is positioned on the panel fixture to engage a load sensor;
- and
- in response to the load sensor sensing the panel on the panel fixture, rotating the panel fixture from the load position to an unload position.
A method for unloading a panel, comprising:
- receiving the panel on a table top wherein the panel is positioned on the table top to allow a worker to make an external surface inspection;
- rotating a table flap extending from the table top from a first position substantially coplanar with the table top to a second position substantially perpendicular to the table top to allow a worker access to a panel fixture in a stowed position substantially parallel to the table top and slidably disposed between a pair of slide rails disposed on a lower surface of the table top;
- moving the panel fixture from the stowed position to a load position substantially coplanar with the table top;
- receiving the panel on the panel fixture wherein the panel is positioned on the panel fixture to engage a load sensor;
- and
- in response to the load sensor sensing the panel on the panel fixture, rotating the panel fixture from the load position to an unload position spaced angularly between the load position and the second position of the table flap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.