Patent ID: 6539270
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
A machine models assembly workstation for selectively assembling a variety of different machine parts to different machine models having different model identification numbers, the workstation comprising:(a) a machine model assembly area for holding each different machine model during parts assembly; (b) a machine travel path to, and from, said machine model assembly area; (c) a plurality of bins, including a first set of plural bins and a second set of plural bins holding only approved parts to be assembled on each different model, all located at said machine model assembly area for holding the different machine parts to be selectively assembled to the different models, each bin of said plurality of bins having: (i) walls defining a parts holding chamber, and an access opening into said chamber; (ii) a shutter attached to said walls over said access opening, and having an unlocked open position and a closed locked position; and (iii) a bin access control means, responsive to an input machine model identification number, for selectively closing and locking said first set of said plural bins, and automatically selecting, unlocking and opening said second set of said plural bins holding only approved machine parts for assembly into a machine having said input machine model identification number, thereby enabling fast and accurate assembly of only approved machine parts and effectively preventing inadvertent operator assembly errors.