Patent ID: 6318546
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B23Q,B65G

Abstract:
A pallet retention and release system for use in a production line for transportation of workpieces and for rapid installation and removal comprising:(a) pallets for supporting said workpieces;(b) means for advancing said pallets comprising a conveyor;(c) an apparatus for securing said pallets to said advancing means, including latching means and rolling means, wherein said latching means are connected to and pivotable upon said advancing means to allow pivoting of said latching means about an axis of the latching means, the axis having a first orientation for releasably engaging a pallet, said latching means including a locking wedge adapted for slidable engagement with a hardened button on an upper horizontal surface of said pallet to secure said pallet tightly to a platen mounted on the conveyor, and wherein said rolling means are affixed to said latching means; and(d) a rail member adapted to be engaged by the rolling means to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to said first orientation on said rolling means during advancement of said pallet for causing pivotal rotation of said latching means for disengaging said pallet when removal of said pallet is desired.