US3716128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structure for and method of tool selection
Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corp
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Filing: 1970-03-20
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Granted: 1973-02-13
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Expires: 1990-03-20
Abstract
Abstract Tools having a code number are placed in individual tool positions on an endless conveyor from which they are to be selected. A separate identification switch associated with each tool position on the conveyor is set with a coded number representing the tool in the associated tool position on the conveyor. As the conveyor is moved, selector switch means are closed in accordance with the movement of the conveyor to sequentially qualify identification switches associated with particular tool positions on the conveyor. A light is provided adjacent each identification switch associated with each tool position on the conveyor and the selector switch means includes means for energizing the light adjacent the selector switch qualified thereby. On qualifying the identification switch associated with the position of a desired tool, the conveyor is first slowed and then stopped.
Inventors
- 👤 D Edge
- 👤 R Hammond
- 👤 R Sutton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:33
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/182; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/50; G05B2219/50253; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T483/00; Y10T483/13; Y10T483/132; Y10T483/134; Y10T483/18; Y10T483/1873; Y10T483/1891
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
Tool selection structure coMprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools which tools have separate tool code numbers, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor, selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associated with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position and means for comparing a desired tool code number and the tool code number of the tool in the tool pickup position from the associated selector means and means for stopping the conveyor with a desired tool at the tool pickup position in response to identity between the code of the tool at the tool pickup position and the desired tool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
Tool selection structure coMprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools which tools have separate tool code numbers, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor, selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associated with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position and means for comparing a desired tool code number and the tool code number of the tool in the tool pickup position from the associated selector means and means for stopping the conveyor with a desired tool at the tool pickup position in response to identity between the code of the tool at the tool pickup position and the desired tool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
148 words
Tool selection structure coMprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools which tools have separate tool code numbers, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor, selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associated with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position and means for comparing a desired tool code number and the tool code number of the tool in the tool pickup position from the associated selector means and means for stopping the conveyor with a desired tool at the tool pickup position in response to identity between the code of the tool at the tool pickup position and the desired tool.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
148 words
Tool selection structure coMprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools which tools have separate tool code numbers, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor, selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associated with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position and means for comparing a desired tool code number and the tool code number of the tool in the tool pickup position from the associated selector means and means for stopping the conveyor with a desired tool at the tool pickup position in response to identity between the code of the tool at the tool pickup position and the desired tool.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the identification means for identifying the tool in each tool position on the conveyor comprises a separate binary coded decimal thumb wheel switch operably associated with each of the tool positions on the conveyor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
Structure as set forth in claim 2 and further including means for indicating at the identification means the particular switch associated with each tool position to reduce the possibility of setting an identification switch other than that associated with a particular tool position on the conveyor with the code number of the tool in the particular tool position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for actuating each of the identification means as the tool position associated therewith passes into the tool pickup position on the conveyor comprises a selector switch driven in synchronism with the conveyor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for stopping the conveyor with a desired tool at the tool pickup position includes a cam actuated limit switch and a cam rotated in synchronism with the conveyor for closing the limit switch each time a tool position on the conveyor is in the tool pickup position.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
97 words
The method of tool selection comprising placing a tool having a code number in a tool load position on a conveyor, setting the code number of the tool on an identification switch operably associated with each of the tool positions on the conveyor, moving the conveyor to move the tool positions thereon sequentially through at least one tool pickup position and sequentially activating the identification switches as the tool positions associated therewith are sequenced through the one tool pickup position and stopping movement of the conveyor when the identification switch associated with a desired tool is activated.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
97 words
The method of tool selection comprising placing a tool having a code number in a tool load position on a conveyor, setting the code number of the tool on an identification switch operably associated with each of the tool positions on the conveyor, moving the conveyor to move the tool positions thereon sequentially through at least one tool pickup position and sequentially activating the identification switches as the tool positions associated therewith are sequenced through the one tool pickup position and stopping movement of the conveyor when the identification switch associated with a desired tool is activated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 and further including positively identifying the particular identification switch associated with a tool on the conveyor at the tool load position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein the identification switches are thumb wheel switches and wherein each switch is set with a decimal code number etched on the tool placed in the tool position on the conveyor at the tool load position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein the means for sequentially qualifying the identification switches is a selector switch and further including driving the selector switch in synchronism with the conveyor one rotation for each rotation of the conveyor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
101 words
Tool selection structure comprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor including a separate binary coded decimal thumb wheel switch operably associated with each of the tool positions on the conveyor and selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associateD with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
Tool selection structure comprising a conveyor having a plurality of tool positions thereon for receiving tools, means for moving the conveyor to pass each of the conveyor tool positions through a tool load and at least one tool pickup position, identification means for identifying each tool position on the conveyor including a separate binary coded decimal thumb wheel switch operably associated with each of the tool positions on the conveyor and selector means operably connected between the conveyor and identification means for activating the particular identification means associateD with any tool position on the conveyor at the one tool pickup position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2990049A
Cited
US3138235A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-13 | 1976-08-14 | 1977-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-13 | 1980-08-14 | 1981-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-13 | 1984-08-14 | 1985-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |