Patent ID: 6835040
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: B23K,B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for conveying a plate to be laser cut comprising:an overhead frame extending between a plate-storage location and a laser-cutting table location; a shuttle supported by the overhead frame for movement along a path of travel between the plate-storage location and the laser-cutting table location, the shuttle including at least one vertically extending support member; drive means operably connected between the frame and the shuttle for moving the shuttle along the path of travel; a carriage supported on the vertically extending support member for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, the carriage including at least one plate-engaging member for releasibly supporting a plate to be transported along the path of travel; lift means operably connected between the vertically extending support and the carriage for transporting the carriage vertically; control means operably connected to the drive means for controlling movement of the shuttle along the path of travel; and a plurality of signal generators operably connected to the control means and positioned along the path of travel for indicating locations of the shuttle as the shuttle moves along the path of travel.