Patent ID: 6729838
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: B24B,B24D,G01N

Abstract:
A method for handling panels, comprising the steps:supporting each of a plurality of panels on a panel transportation cart in vertically spaced relation to define a stack of panels; removing a lowermost panel from said stack of panels with said panel transportation cart being at a first location and while a remainder of said stack continues to be supported by said panel transportation cart, wherein said removing step comprises moving a panel shuttle in a first direction under said stack of panels on said panel transportation cart, raising a carriage of said panel shuttle into engagement with said lowermost panel on said panel transportation cart, terminating said supporting step in relation to said lowermost panel by said raising step, and moving said panel shuttle in a second direction after said raising step to remove said lowermost panel from said panel transportation cart; processing said lowermost panel after said removing step and with said lowermost panel remaining on said panel shuttle; and transporting said lowermost panel from said first location to a second location on said panel shuttle.