Patent ID: 6449833
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B08B,C23G,C25D,Y10T

Abstract:
An automation apparatus for handling a perforated finishing barrel assembly including a finishing barrel having a lengthwise extending access opening in one side thereof, and at least one cover fit into said opening, said barrel side having a lengthwise series of tabs formed along said opening and projecting towards said opening, said cover having a series of spaced apart outwardly projecting tabs formed along its length, said respective series of tabs configured to allow said cover tabs to be pushed between said barrel tabs in a lengthwise relative position of said cover over said opening, said cover tabs thereby positioned past said barrel tabs and against other portions of said barrel, said cover able to be shifted lengthwise to cause capturing of said cover tabs beneath said barrel tabs to secure said cover on said barrel; at least one locking handle assembly secured to said cover enabling positioning of said cover on said barrel overlying said opening therein and lifting of said cover from said barrel opening, said locking assembly including an engagable handle member mounted on said cover by a spring blade affixed at one end to said handle member and free at the other end so that said handle is deflectable away from said cover to a limited extent, a locking feature fixed to said barrel side positioned opposite said handle member when said series of cover tabs are aligned with spaces between said barrel spaces in said lengthwise relative position, said deflectability of said spring blade causing said locking feature to push said member away and allowing said cover to be slid to move said cover tabs past said barrel tabs with said handle member on said locking feature, said locking feature configured so that said handle member moves past said locking feature upon shifting of said cover so as to bring said cover tabs beneath said barrel tabs, whereat a side of said locking feature blocking a portion of said handle assembly positively prevents shifting movement of said cover in said opposite direction, one or more upright pieces on said cover spaced lengthwise from said handle assembly each having a bore formed thereon;said automation apparatus including: a cover removal and installation station for receiving said barrel assembly; a cover removal and installation apparatus at said station comprising: a first power slide when activated moving toward said cover opening of said barrel assembly to position one or more rods on said first slide each corresponding to a respective upright piece projecting from said cover, each rod in alignment with a bore therein; a second power slide on said first slide having said one or more rods mounted thereto when activated moving said one or more rods in an endwise direction so as to enter a bore in a respective upright piece, said second slide also carrying a cam engaged with said handle member upon said axial movement of said second slide to seat said one or more rods, said cam causing said handle member to move out against the force of said spring blade to no longer block said portion of said handle assembly; and a third power slide mounted on said first slide and mounting said second power slide, said third power slide moving in said endwise direction to carry said cover lengthwise to move said cover tabs out from beneath said barrel tabs, said first power slide thereafter activated to remove said cover from said barrel assembly; said third, second and first power slides activated in reverse to install said cover.