Patent ID: 11905128
Assignee: ATS CORPORATION
Field: Handling (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 16:
17. A method of configuring a system for feeding parts to an assembly mechanism, the system comprising:
a first part-retaining device defining first part holders, the first part holders being spaced apart by a first pitch, each part holder of the first part holders configured to receive and hold a respective first individual part having a first shape and first dimensions;
an agitator device coupled to the first part-retaining device and configured to agitate the first part-retaining device, an agitation of the first part-retaining device to move a plurality of the first individual parts placed on the first part-retaining device to align some of the plurality of first individual parts with respective first part holders during the agitation, the first part holders to receive and hold the first individual parts aligned therewith;
a transporter;
a series of first part carriers coupled to the transporter, the first part carriers of the series of first part carriers each having a respective first portion configured to receive and hold one of the first individual parts, the first portions, when the series of first part carriers are coupled to the transporter, being spaced apart by a gap equal to the first pitch;
a pick-and-placer device having grippers, the grippers being spaced apart by a distance equal to the pitch, the pick-and-placer device configured to simultaneously grip, with the grippers, a plurality of first individual parts held by the first part holders and to transfer, to a corresponding plurality of part carriers of the first series of carriers, the first individual parts gripped by the grippers,
the method comprising:
uncoupling the first part-retaining device from the agitator device;
coupling to the agitator device a second part retaining device defining second part holders, the second part holders being spaced apart by a second pitch, each part holder of the second part holders configured to receive and hold a respective second individual part having a second shape and second dimensions;
uncoupling the series of first carriers from the transporter;
coupling to the transporter a series of second part carriers, the second part carriers of the series of second part carriers each having a respective second portion configured to receive and hold one of the second individual parts, the second portions, when the series of second part carriers are coupled to the transporter, being spaced apart by a gap equal to the second pitch; and
reconfiguring the pick-and-placer device to simultaneously grip, with the grippers, a plurality of second individual parts held by the second part holders and to transfer, to a corresponding plurality of part carriers of the series of second carriers, the second individual parts gripped by the grippers, wherein at least one of the following (a) through (c) is true:
(a) the second pitch is different from the first pitch,
(b) the second shape is different from the first shape, and
(c) the first dimensions are different from the second dimensions.