Patent ID: 6256553
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
A method for conveying a load between two location sites, at one of which sites the load is gripped for transfer, and at the other of which sites the load is discharged, said method comprising the steps of:selecting a load to be gripped;attaching at least one grip member to the load;observing a first reference point adjacent the load, at least with identification means that is disposed on the grip member and operably connected to a control system to record information on the first reference point received from the identification means;transferring the load toward the other location site, the other location site being defined by a second reference point adjacent the other location site that is identifiable by the identification means using information stored in the control system on the second reference point;providing current information by observation with the identification means at specified intervals during conveyance of the load for use by the control system; andcomparing the stored information on the second reference point to the current information provided by the identification means during conveyance of the load to identify the second reference point, and to control the conveying of the load to the other location site.