Magnetic material handler

Abstract

A material handler that uses chain driven magnetic plates to create a magnetic surface. The magnetic surface undulates and is able to lift ferrous material such as metal cans. The handler allows metal cans that are palletized to be removed quickly and easily.

Claims

1. A mechanically automated conveyor system configured to pick and place containers, the conveyor system comprising: a conveyor chain; a sprocket engaged with the conveyor chain, the sprocket configured to engage links of the conveyor chain in an up-facing position and to turn the conveyor chain from the up-facing position to a down-facing position as the links disengage from the sprocket; a plurality of magnet holders, each magnet holder being slidably attached to a link of the conveyor chain, each magnet holder configured to slide, under control of gravity, towards the respective link when the respective link is in the up-facing position and to slide, under control of gravity, away from the respective link when the respective link is in the down-facing position; a chain driver configured to drive the conveyor chain such that the conveyor chain engages and disengages from the sprocket; and a bar restrictor extending partially around the conveyor chain and the sprocket, the restrictor being spaced apart from the sprocket, the restrictor configured to retain a magnet holder proximal the chain while the conveyor chain transitions from the up-facing position to the down-facing position until the magnet holder passes an end of the restrictor.

2. The conveyor system of claim 1, further comprising a bearing connected to one or more links of the conveyor chain, the bearing including a sliding rod connected to a respective magnet holder, the sliding rod configured to limit movement of the magnet holder between a position proximal to the conveyor chain and a position distal the conveyor chain.

3. The conveyor system of claim 1, further comprising a frame supporting the sprocket, the frame configured to position the end of the restrictor with respect to a container such that a magnet holder passing the end of the restrictor slides away from the conveyor chain and magnetically attaches to the container.

4. The conveyor system of claim 1, further comprising a second conveyor belt that is located between the magnetic holder and the containers when the link is in the down-facing position.

5. A method of picking and placing containers with a conveyor system, the conveyor system including a conveyor chain engaged with a sprocket, a plurality of magnet holders, each magnet holder slidably connected to a respective link of the conveyor chain, each magnet holder sliding between a first position proximal to the respective link and a second position distal to the respective link, a chain driver configured to drive the sprocket such that the conveyor chain engages the sprocket with links in an up-facing position and disengages from the sprocket with the links in a down-facing position, and a bar restrictor extending partially around the sprocket and configured to retain a magnet holder proximal the conveyor chain while the chain transitions from the up-facing position to the down-facing position until the magnet holder passes an end of the restrictor, the conveyor chain engaging the sprocket medial the sprocket and the restrictor, the method comprising: rotating the sprocket such that the conveyor chain engages the sprocket in an up-facing position and disengages from the sprocket in a down-facing position; positioning the end of the restrictor with respect to a container below the conveyor chain such that a magnet holder passing the end of the restrictor slides to the second position and magnetically attaches to the container; and moving the container attached to the magnet holder with the conveyor chain.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing where:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of the invention's bushing mechanism.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a front partial view of one embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a different front partial view of one embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

(6) Overview.

(7) As shown in FIG. 1, a front view of one embodiment of the invention comprises a first conveyor system 45 having a plurality of magnetic bars 30 and at least one chain 31. Each of the magnetic bars 30 being slidably attached to at least one bearing 44. The at least one bearing 44 being attached to the at least one chain 31. The at least one chain 31 being driven by a driver 34. The driver 34 supported by a frame 46. A guide 35 assists to position the magnetic bars 30 into a position for working on ferrous material 40. The plurality of magnetic bars 30 emit a magnetic field and lift ferrous material 40 from one location 39 and drop the material 43 off at another location 42 onto another machine for further processing 50, such as a conveyor belt 33. The stripper bar 37 assists in releasing the ferrous material 40 from the magnetic bars 30. A second belt driver system 38 causes a conveyor belt 32 to travel and insert itself between 36 the plurality of magnetic bars 30 and the material being handled 40.

(8) The attachment of the magnetic bars 30 to the at least one bearing 44 are done via a bar 41. The bar is able to slide through a hole in the at least one bearing 44. This allows the magnetic bars 30 to be held against the chain 31 by the guide 35 and subsequently drop under the weight of gravity when the guide 35 is no longer exerting force against the magnetic bars 30.

(9) As shown in FIG. 2, a front view of one embodiment of the invention's bushing mechanism comprises a holder 200 that is integrally attached to a rod 203. A bushing 202 receives the rod 203 which slidably passes through a hole in the bushing 202. The bushing 202 is fixedly attached, via a bolt 205, to a chain link 201. The sliding action of the rod 203 allows the holder 200 to be in alternate positions 200.

(10) As shown in FIG. 3, a front partial view of one embodiment of the invention comprises a first conveyor 306. The first conveyor having a chain 308. A plurality of bushings 307 are fixedly attached to the chain 305. There are a plurality of holders 300 that are attached to a plurality of rods 311 that pass through holes in the bushings 307.

(11) As a drive gear 304 which engages the chain 305 and is supported by a sturdy frame 302 moves in direction X the movement of the chain causes the holders to move in the same direction. A restrictor 301 exerts pressure against the holder 300 and restricts their movement away form the chain 305. Once the moving chain and holders pass a point where the restrictor ends 312 the holders 300 will drop into a new position 308 that is away from the chain 305. The holders magnetically lift ferrous workpieces 313 as shown at 310. A second conveyor (not shown) driving a second conveyor belt 309 creates a surface between the magnetic holders 300 and the workpieces 313 to allow for controlling the magnetic strength of the holders.

(12) As shown in FIG. 4, a different front partial view of one embodiment of the invention comprises a chain 400 and a drive 403. A frame 401 that supports the drive 403. The chain is rotated by and engaged with the drive. The magnetic holders 405 that are connected to the chain and move with the chain are shown in a proximal position 405 and in a position distal from the chain 405. The are metal cans 404 that are attracted to and becoming magnetically attached 406 to the holders 405. A knifelike wedge 402 inserting between the cans 404 and a conveyor belt surface 407 that is located between the cans 404 and the holders 405. The cans 404 are released from the magnetic holders 405 to be collected.

(13) Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with the reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the bushings may attach to the holder in many configurations, the chain could be a belt of some sort, and the restrictor might be a separate stand alone device that is near to the frame rather than attached to the framer. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

(14) Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state means for performing a specified function, or step for performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a means or step clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. 112, 6.