US3937333A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for laying down structural members
Assignee: General Dynamics Corp
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Filing: 1974-09-09
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Granted: 1976-02-10
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Expires: 1994-09-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is described for laying down structural members having cross sections of substantial depth, such as T-beams. Means are provided defining at least one recess into which the member is received in an upright position. An outgoing conveyor is provided for moving the member in a direction away from the recess defining means. The recess defining means is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis which lies in a plane normal to the direction of movement of the outgoing conveyor to move a portion of the member which projects from the recess into engagement with the conveyor to be moved out of the recess.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy G. Tucker
- 👤 Ernest G. Fruzzetti
- 👤 Charles R. Ribak
- 👤 Russell C. Bricknell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:23
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21B; B21B39/00; B21B39/20; B21B39/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
Apparatus for laying down structural members having cross sections of substantial depth, comprising, means defining at least one recess having an open top side for receiving and supporting a member in an upright position, a first conveyor for moving the structural members into said recess, said recess being of a depth less than the depth of the member's cross section to leave a portion of the member projecting from the recess through the open top side, said recess defining means including a bottom plate and a pair of substantially parallel side plates supported spaced a fixed distance from each other, a second conveyor for moving the member in a direction away from said recess defining means substantially normal to the direction of movement of said first conveyor, and means for rotating said recess defining means about a substantially horizontal axis which lies substantially parallel with the direction of movement of said first conveyor and in a plane normal to the direction of movement of said second conveyor to move the projecting portion of the member in said recess into engagement with said conveyor to be moved out of said recess on said conveyor, said second conveyor being positioned at an elevation with respect to said recess defining means such that, after rotation of said recess defining means, the one of said side plates closest to said second conveyor is inclined with respect thereto to allow the member to slide out of said recess and onto said second conveyor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
Apparatus for laying down structural members having cross sections of substantial depth, comprising, means defining at least one recess having an open top side for receiving and supporting a member in an upright position, a first conveyor for moving the structural members into said recess, said recess being of a depth less than the depth of the member's cross section to leave a portion of the member projecting from the recess through the open top side, said recess defining means including a bottom plate and a pair of substantially parallel side plates supported spaced a fixed distance from each other, a second conveyor for moving the member in a direction away from said recess defining means substantially normal to the direction of movement of said first conveyor, and means for rotating said recess defining means about a substantially horizontal axis which lies substantially parallel with the direction of movement of said first conveyor and in a plane normal to the direction of movement of said second conveyor to move the projecting portion of the member in said recess into engagement with said conveyor to be moved out of said recess on said conveyor, said second conveyor being positioned at an elevation with respect to said recess defining means such that, after rotation of said recess defining means, the one of said side plates closest to said second conveyor is inclined with respect thereto to allow the member to slide out of said recess and onto said second conveyor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the depth of said recess exceeds the distance from the lower edge of said member to its center of gravity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second conveyor includes a plurality of lugs for engaging the member to assist moving it out of said recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said recess defining means comprise a plurality of rotary supports aligned on a common axis of rotation and spaced along said axis for accommodating structural members which are elongated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said rotary supports each comprise a ring having an internal frame defining said recess, each of said rings having an open segment at the mouth of said recess.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said rotating means include a plurality of chains, each secured to a respective one of said rings at the periphery thereof, said rotating means further including a chain drive system for simultaneoutly driving said chains.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
DE953871C
Cited
US2865516A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-09 | 1979-08-11 | 1980-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-09 | 1983-08-11 | 1984-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-09 | 1987-08-11 | 1988-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |