US3799365A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cargo handling system
Assignee: Rapistan Inc
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Filing: 1970-02-02
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Granted: 1974-03-26
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Expires: 1990-02-02
Abstract
Abstract An article transporting system made up of a large number of individual modules, each of which is a complete and independent conveyor within itself. Each module provides a low-friction article supporting bed and powered means for forcibly moving the articles over this bed. Articles are moved from module to module in ''''start-stop'''' fashion. The functioning of the entire system is integrated by a control system which selectively regulates the operation of the individual modules to function in cooperation with one module at one time and other modules at other times. The modules have a minimum operating capability of two opposite directions and in many cases have a four directional operating capability. The entire system is capable of reorganization and expansion by the addition, deletion, or relocation of modules.
Inventors
- 👤 N Sullivan
- 👤 F Fitzgerald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:08
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G63/00; B65G63/002; B65G63/004; B65G1/00; B65G1/02; B65G1/04; B65G1/0485; B65G37/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
In an article transportation system having a conveyor formed by a plurality of modular conveyor units over which discrete loads are adapted to pass from an entry module to a prescribed destination module via at least one transfer module, a control system comprising: computer means; means for feeding into said computer means the desired module destination of one of said loads to be conveyed from said entry module to one of said destination modules, said computer means being programmed to move said load through said system along a predetermined path via at least said one transfer module to said destination module; means associated with each module to which said load is to be transferred during movement through said system for sensing the presence or absence of a load thereon, the information so sensed being transmitted to said computer means; and means operative in response to a signal from said computer means for activating the module upon which said Load is then positioned and the succeeding module to which it is to be transferred, said signal from said computer means being emitted in response to an indication from said sensing means that said succeeding module is unoccupied currently.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
In an article transportation system having a conveyor formed by a plurality of modular conveyor units over which discrete loads are adapted to pass from an entry module to a prescribed destination module via at least one transfer module, a control system comprising: computer means; means for feeding into said computer means the desired module destination of one of said loads to be conveyed from said entry module to one of said destination modules, said computer means being programmed to move said load through said system along a predetermined path via at least said one transfer module to said destination module; means associated with each module to which said load is to be transferred during movement through said system for sensing the presence or absence of a load thereon, the information so sensed being transmitted to said computer means; and means operative in response to a signal from said computer means for activating the module upon which said Load is then positioned and the succeeding module to which it is to be transferred, said signal from said computer means being emitted in response to an indication from said sensing means that said succeeding module is unoccupied currently.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises means for feeding into said computer an identification code indicative of the contents of each discrete load along with the desired module destination thereof, said computer being adapted to retain said code and the location of the desired destination of the load associated therewith for later recall from said system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said computer is programmed to move loads through said system along both preferred and alternate paths, said alternate paths being utilized by said computer in the event that sensing means indicates that said succeeding module is currently occupied.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-25 | 1977-09-24 | 1978-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-25 | 1981-09-24 | 1982-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-09-24 | 1986-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |