Patent ID: 6042322
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
Machine for handling planar objects comprising:a portal including two parallel uprights and a transverse beam connected between said two uprights;a movable carriage on which said portal is mounted for horizontal movement;a first drive means for driving said movable carriage and said portal mounted thereto;a crossmember movably connected to said uprights and having respective ends;a lift means for moving said crossmember vertically between said uprights in said portal, said lift means includingtwo screws, each of which is mounted parallel to a respective said upright,two nuts, each of which engages a respective said screw and each of which is provided at a respective said end of said crossmember, anda second drive means for driving said screws so that said nuts engaged therewith move vertically along said screws and hence said crossmember moves vertically between said uprights;two guide tracks mounted to said cross member, said guide tracks extending parallel and opposite to one another in a horizontal plane and at right angles away from said crossmember;two prongs for engaging a planar object from underneath with at least two separated points of contact for the planar object, each said prong being mounted to a respective said guide track for guided back and forth movement in the horizontal plane and at right angles to said crossmember, and each said prong having an upper portion which extends above the respective said guide track;a third drive means for moving said prongs back and forth along the respective said guide tracks;two support elements, each said support element being located alongside of a respective said guide track and providing at least two separated points of contact for the planar object; andtwo second lift means for vertically lifting and lowering respective said support elements, each said second lifting means being mounted to a respective said guide track such that the planar object can be repositioned on said prongs by lifting of the planar object off of said prongs by raising of said support elements with said second lift means and by then moving said prongs with said third drive means prior to lowering of the planar object back onto said prongs by lowering of said support elements with said second lift means.