Patent ID: 6035973
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An ergonomic parts bin elevator, comprising:a bin being able to receive, hold and displace parts, said bin comprising a box having an open top, a base, first, second, third and fourth walls, where each of said first, second, third and fourth walls is constructed so as to form a side of said base;a platform, said platform being generally horizontal and planar and being disposed within said bin;lifting means for lifting said platform, said lifting means comprising a cylinder disposed between said base and said platform so as to vertically adjust said platform; and,leveling means for leveling said platform, said leveling means comprising:(a) a light-emitting diode, said light-emitting diode positioned on said first wall of said bin so as to emit light toward said second wall, said second wall positioned directly across from said first wall;(b) a photo-detector, said photo detector being positioned on said wall so as to be directly across from said light-emitting diode, said photo-detector being further positioned so as to be in a path of the emitted light; and,(c) a processor in communication with said light-emitting diode, said photo-detector, and said cylinder, said processor constructed so as to cause said cylinder to vertically adjust said platform whenever said photo-detector detects light from said light-emitting diode, the light from said light-emitting diode being interrupted whenever parts in said bin are vertically adjusted to a proper level.