Patent ID: 7661920
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A fully automated method for manipulating a cassette with an automatic transfer device, a front part of the cassette comprising a first support roll, a rear part of the cassette comprising a second support roll, wherein the cassette is for supporting materials while being transported and stored, the transfer device comprising a slide provided with a lifting and a lowering movement, the slide further being transferrable in a horizontal direction, and grippers for gripping the cassette and pulling the cassette onto the slide, the method comprising: keeping the slide at a height at which the slide is transferrable underneath the first support roll of the cassette placed on a support in a rack, wherein the rack comprises a vertical frame, the support being mounted to the vertical frame and providing a storage location for the cassette, transferring the slide underneath the first support roll of the cassette, lifting the slide until the first support roll of the cassette is placed onto the slide, and continuing the lifting until the first support roll of the cassette is elevated and supported on the slide, pulling the cassette by the grippers along the support onto the slide keeping the second support roll of the cassette placed against the support, wherein the first support roll of the cassette moves along the slide as the second support roll moves along the support of the rack, elevating the cassette by lifting the slide while keeping the second support roll of the cassette still positioned against the support, until the cassette and a full weight of the cassette have been transferred onto the slide, wherein the first support roll rolls along the slide when the cassette is pulled onto the slide or pushed back into the rack, and wherein an underside of the first support roll is freely accessible by the slide for lifting when the cassette rests in the rack, and pulling the cassette onto the slide.