Flexible conveyance system
First Claim
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1. A flexible conveyance system, comprising:
- a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to-end, each feed-forward track segment having an open upper side defining an upwardly-facing channel extending lengthwise along the feed-forward track segment, and having at least one linear motor disposed within the channel; and
at least one carrier supported for movement along the plurality of feed-forward track segments, each carrier including at least one magnet cooperating with the linear motors of the feed-forward track segments to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments.
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Abstract
A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.
51 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A flexible conveyance system, comprising:
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a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to-end, each feed-forward track segment having an open upper side defining an upwardly-facing channel extending lengthwise along the feed-forward track segment, and having at least one linear motor disposed within the channel; and at least one carrier supported for movement along the plurality of feed-forward track segments, each carrier including at least one magnet cooperating with the linear motors of the feed-forward track segments to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of assembling components using a conveyance system that includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments and at least one carrier adapted to be conveyed along the plurality of feed-forward track segments, the method comprising:
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supporting the at least one carrier on one of the plurality of feed-forward track segments; actuating at least one linear motor to move the carrier along the feed-forward track segments; stopping movement of the carrier at a selected station using the at least one linear motor; and performing at least one assembly operation using a robotic manipulator. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification