Patent ID: 6120241
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: B65G,G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for selecting individual packages from an accumulated package line comprised of plurality of packages in line contact along their lengths, said accumulated package line including at its opposing ends first and second end packages defining corresponding first and second outwardly opposing surfaces, the actual distance between said outwardly opposing surfaces defining said overall actual length of said accumulated package line, said accumulated package line also including at least one intermediate package located between said end packages, said apparatus comprising:a) means for determining one common dimension of a plurality of packages as a ""nominal length"" of each of said packages;b) means for accumulating said accumulated package line as a plurality of packages in line contact such that said common dimensions of said packages combine to comprise the actual line length of said accumulated package line;c) means for measuring the actual line length of said accumulated package line by measuring the distance between said first and second outwardly opposing surfaces;d) means for determining the difference between said actual accumulated package line length and the summation of the nominal line lengths of all the packages in the line as ""actual line error"";e) means for assigning a portion of said actual line error to said intermediate package within said line;f) gripper means for picking up said intermediate package; andg) gripper control means for instructing a gripper to move to pick up said intermediate package, said gripper control means instructions at least partially responsive to said nominal length measurements and said portion of said actual line error assigned to said intermediate package.