Patent US936771A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3909056A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3909056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sheet handling equipment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-03-13
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Granted: 1975-09-30
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Expires: 1994-03-13
Abstract
Abstract Equipment for handling rigid sheet material such as glass comprises a framework which is rotatably mounted on a depending support arm for motion about an axis arranged generally perpendicularly to a plane of support as defined by the framework. The centre of gravity of the framework generally coincides with the pivot axis thereof, and the framework is arranged to support the load in an off-centre position such that the centre of gravity of the load is spaced from the pivot axis of the framework to give automatic rotation of the load under the effect of gravity, upon release of a locking means securing the framework and support arm in a predetermined relative angular disposition.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Christian Duwe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:06
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G49/00; B65G49/05; B65G49/06; B65G49/067; B65G2249/00; B65G2249/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
Sheet handling equipment for use in lifting a load consisting of a rigid sheet, or sheets, at a first position, whereat each said sheet is disposed in generally vertical manner on a first edge thereof, rotating the load and depositing the same at a second position on a second and different edge, the said equipment comprising a rigid framework, such framework defining a generally vertical support plane, a suspension arm connected with and adapted to support the said framework, the arm being generally parallel to the support plane and the framework being rotatable relative to the suspension arm, in a plane adjacent to such arm, about an axis generally at right angles to the support plane, a first abutment means on the said framework adapted for engagement with the sheet or sheets to be moved at the first edge thereof, and a second abutment means on the framework adapted for engagement with a second edge of the sheet, such second edge being adjacent the said first edge, the abutment means each including elements adapted for engagement with respective edges of the sheet; means for rotating said load in said support plane on said pivot axis in a predetermined angular direction under the influence of gravity, and the second abutment means lying, in relation to the first such means, on the same side of said pivot axis as said predetermined angular direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
Sheet handling equipment for use in lifting a load consisting of a rigid sheet, or sheets, at a first position, whereat each said sheet is disposed in generally vertical manner on a first edge thereof, rotating the load and depositing the same at a second position on a second and different edge, the said equipment comprising a rigid framework, such framework defining a generally vertical support plane, a suspension arm connected with and adapted to support the said framework, the arm being generally parallel to the support plane and the framework being rotatable relative to the suspension arm, in a plane adjacent to such arm, about an axis generally at right angles to the support plane, a first abutment means on the said framework adapted for engagement with the sheet or sheets to be moved at the first edge thereof, and a second abutment means on the framework adapted for engagement with a second edge of the sheet, such second edge being adjacent the said first edge, the abutment means each including elements adapted for engagement with respective edges of the sheet; means for rotating said load in said support plane on said pivot axis in a predetermined angular direction under the influence of gravity, and the second abutment means lying, in relation to the first such means, on the same side of said pivot axis as said predetermined angular direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the suspension arm has a lifting eye arranged in offset disposition relative to the longitudinal axis of the lifting arm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second abutment means is adapted to position a load on the framework with the centre of gravity of the load directly below the lifting eye of the suspension arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the center of gravity of the load lies on a line passing through the pivot axis and arranged at an angle of 45* to the longitudinal axis of the suspension arm and at that side of the pivot axis closer to the lifting eye.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot axis of the framework coincides or substantially coincides with the centre of gravity thereof and at least one of said first and second abutment means is adapted to support the load in an ''''off-centre'''' position relative to the pivot axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second abutment means is adapted to engage with said second edge, and with an edge opposed to said second edge of the sheet, the elements engageable with the said edges being simultaneously adjustable in relation to each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second abutment means comprise elements arranged in telescoped engagement with the framework and in opposed disposition, the said elements being inter-connected for simultaneous displacement in opposite directions by screw-means supported on the framework.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein the elements are arranged in off-set disposition, the screw means being arranged coaxially with one such element and being connected with the other element by bracket means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
61 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 8, wherein the screw means includes an axially fixed screw-threaded rod rotatably mounted on the framework, the said rod having screw portions of opposite hand, a respective nut for each abutment element, the nuts being non-rotatably mounted, and an actuator adapted to effect rotation of the rod and shift of the nuts axially thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein each element carries a respective shoe for engagement with a sheet edge, one such shoe being pivotally mounted on the related element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pivotally mounted shoe is adapted for displacement to an inoperative position automatically upon the rotation of the fRamework on the support arm to a predetermined position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 11, including abutment means on the support arm for co-operation with the pivotally mounted shoe.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first abutment means is adapted for engagement with the sheet or sheets at the said first edge and at an edge opposed to the said first edge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first abutment means includes elements engageable with the first and with the opposed edge which are adapted for simultaneous adjustment relative to each other.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1, including a manually actuable lock operable between the suspension arm and framework and adapted, when engaged, to maintain such arm and framework in a predetermined relative angular disposition.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1, including fluid piston and cylinder means operable between the support arm and framework and adapted to damp rotational movement there-between.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first abutment means is adjustably supported on the framework.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
Sheet handling equipment as claimed in claim 17, including screw means for the manual adjustment of the first abutment means.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
85 words
The method of handling rigid sheet material comprising the steps of supporting the sheet in generally vertical disposition on a first, horizontally arranged edge thereof, raising the sheet whilst in such disposition and allowing the sheet to rotate, under the effect of gravity, through 90* about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane of the sheet and spaced from the centre of gravity thereof, and depositing the sheet whilst generally vertically disposed, on a second edge directed at right angles to the said first edge.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
85 words
The method of handling rigid sheet material comprising the steps of supporting the sheet in generally vertical disposition on a first, horizontally arranged edge thereof, raising the sheet whilst in such disposition and allowing the sheet to rotate, under the effect of gravity, through 90* about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane of the sheet and spaced from the centre of gravity thereof, and depositing the sheet whilst generally vertically disposed, on a second edge directed at right angles to the said first edge.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the sheet is supported on a framework suspended from a lifting point, the centre of gravity of the sheet being directly beneath the lifting point both before and after rotation of the sheet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
In a sheet lifting grapple the combination of: a depending support arm having a lifting eye at the upper end and having a lower end; a framework, rotatably mounted to revolve in a vertical plane on a horizontal pivot axis at said lower end; a pair of longitudinally movable, opposed, abutment means, and a pair of laterally movable, opposed, abutment means, on said framework for engaging on the opposite longitudinal and lateral edges of an upstanding load of rigid sheets and supporting the same; means on said framework for supporting said load in an off-centre position, with the centre of gravity of the load spaced from the pivot axis of said framework for causing said load to tend to rotate 90* in said vertical plane automatically under the effect of gravity; and releasable locking means for securing said framework and its load against such rotation until desired.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
147 words
In a sheet lifting grapple the combination of: a depending support arm having a lifting eye at the upper end and having a lower end; a framework, rotatably mounted to revolve in a vertical plane on a horizontal pivot axis at said lower end; a pair of longitudinally movable, opposed, abutment means, and a pair of laterally movable, opposed, abutment means, on said framework for engaging on the opposite longitudinal and lateral edges of an upstanding load of rigid sheets and supporting the same; means on said framework for supporting said load in an off-centre position, with the centre of gravity of the load spaced from the pivot axis of said framework for causing said load to tend to rotate 90* in said vertical plane automatically under the effect of gravity; and releasable locking means for securing said framework and its load against such rotation until desired.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
A grapple as specified in claim 21 wherein: said lifting eye is offset at the upper end of said support arm and said load supporting means on said framework is adjusted to locate the centre of gravity of said load of sheets to lie directly below said lifting eye.
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) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |