Patent ID: 6648585
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B68G,D05B

Abstract:
A method for flipping a workpiece on a work surface having an edge, comprising the steps of:raising a retracted arm out of the work surface to pivot the workpiece up and away from the edge; sliding the arm and the workpiece toward the edge; and guiding the workpiece through a 180 degree rotation so that the workpiece is flipped, at least partially in place, back onto the work surface, wherein said raising step comprises engaging a lower corner of the workpiece farthest from the edge, wherein said engaging step comprises contacting a lower surface of the workpiece with a support arm and contacting a side surface of the workpiece farthest from the edge with a bracket arm, and wherein said raising step further comprises actuating pneumatic drives via computer control for coordinating movement of said support arm and said bracket arm.