Patent Description:
In the field of tyre manufacture, there are a number of machines that produce semi-finished products. The products produced by these machines are made up of at least two rubber mixtures having different properties (referred to hereinafter as "complexed products"). The machines perform various processes, including extrusion processes, assembly processes and stripping processes, in which some of what is manufactured cannot be used directly in the creation of a tyre (for example, during a change in size, a start-up, etc.). During start-ups, stoppages, changes in size and other known steps, it is commonplace for these machines to generate products that are not used downstream (for example, on the assembly machines). Likewise, on these machines for assembling tyres using the complexed products produced beforehand (for example, machines known by the trade name VMI MAXX™), products used by these machines cannot be put to use immediately on the production line. For example, the dimensional tolerances have not been met.

The document <CIT> discloses a system and a method to produce, package and store unvulcanized sticky rubber. This rubber is then transported to the rubber processing factory. No solution is disclosed regarding the problem of complexed products.

The complexed products that are not used as-is, but that can be recovered for reuse after treatment (referred to hereinafter as "products recovered for reuse" or "recovered products"), are usually stored without any special consideration. Reference is made to <FIG> that shows an example of a usual format in which strips of complexed products are arranged in piles with no regard to the properties of the different complexed products. The complexed products, having different properties that are not precisely known, are neither packaged nor identified nor weighed nor managed. Thus, complexed products of various natures and various origins may find themselves in the same pile, on adjacent pallets, and even on the same pallet. This type of storage does not allow management of properties of the complexed products obtained within a pallet.

The present invention relates to the at-source processing of products recovered for reuse to allow handling to be fully automated. The products recovered for reuse originating from different processes are packaged in containers and managed with pallets of containers of products recovered for reuse to facilitate their processing, their identification and their storage. The products recovered for reuse are therefore always available for use in rubber mixtures.

The invention relates to a system for processing, managing and extracting products recovered for reuse as feedstock products in a rubber mixing cycle. The system includes a system for processing products recovered for reuse originating from at least one complexed-product manufacturing system, the processing system including one or more containers filled with corresponding products recovered for reuse, each container containing only one recovered product type at any one time. The system also includes an identification and gripping system including an identification and gripping means. The system further includes a management system downstream of the complexed-product manufacturing system, the management system having a system for managing pallets of containers of products recovered for reuse. The system also includes a demoulding and extraction system downstream of the management system.

In certain embodiments, each container includes a pair of opposite long sides, each long side with an interior surface and an exterior surface that coincide with an upper edge and a lower edge of the long side; a pair of opposite short sides, each short side with an interior surface and an exterior surface that coincide with an upper edge and a lower edge of the short side; and a bottom assembled along the lower edges with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and several orifices that are aligned along the length of the bottom of the container; so that the interior surfaces of the long sides, the interior surfaces of the short sides and the interior surface of the bottom together form a volume to receive a specific product recovered for reuse.

In certain embodiments, each container further includes a support that extends along the lower edge of each long side and at the bottom of the bottom, each support having one or more legs that are offset by a predetermined angle Θ from an edge on the bottom of one side of the support so as to create a shoulder with a predetermined radius; and a ledge with a predetermined radius that extends along the upper edge of each short side. In certain embodiments, each leg makes an angle of around <NUM>° with the corresponding edge.

In certain embodiments, the processing system further includes one or more pallets on which the containers are aligned and stacked, each pallet having a generally rectangular geometry.

In certain embodiments, each pallet includes two opposite horizontal sides separated by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the width of the container, and each horizontal side with an upper surface from which a ridge of predetermined height extends, and each ridge ends in a bearing surface; and two opposite vertical sides separated by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the length of the container, and each vertical side with an upper surface from which a berm of predetermined height extends, and each berm ends in a bearing surface; such that the height of each ridge is equal to the height of each berm.

In certain embodiments, each pallet further includes at least one crosspiece arranged between the horizontal sides and spaced apart from one another and with respect to each vertical side by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the width of the container, each crosspiece with an upper surface; and an additional crosspiece being arranged parallel to the horizontal sides and arranged at right angles with respect to the vertical sides, and the vertical sides and the additional crosspiece being arranged in a same plane; so that the bearing surface of each berm and the upper surface of each crosspiece engages a corresponding shoulder.

In certain embodiments, the identification and gripping system further includes an automated handling device that works with the identification and gripping means.

In certain embodiments, the automated handling device includes a gripper including a longitudinal arm having a predetermined length defined by two opposite ends; a vertical arm that extends from each end and includes an automated reader; and an element that extends from a free end at the bottom of the vertical arm and into which the automated reader is incorporated.

In certain embodiments, the identification and gripping means of the identification and gripping system includes a tag incorporated into the exterior surface of each short side of the container that allows the container to be identified by the corresponding reader positioned on the gripper; and a system of corresponding recesses and projections, with the recesses incorporated into the exterior surface of each short side of the container and the projections being incorporated into the element of the gripper; so that the identification and gripping system allows the container to be suitably positioned by aligning a projection in a corresponding recess.

In certain embodiments, the reader includes an RFID reader and the tag includes an RFID tag.

In certain embodiments, the demoulding and extraction system includes a demoulding device that includes retractable fingers in register with the orifices of the container so that the retractable fingers can be introduced into the container through the orifices and lift up the product recovered for reuse in order to empty the container during a demoulding process; and a transfer and unloading device that includes elongate fingers that form a predetermined angle β with respect to a support for the mounting of a mobile carriage that moves along a horizontal path; so that the elongate fingers move at right angles to the retractable fingers of the demoulding device at which the demoulding device lifts up the recovered product from a container.

In certain embodiments, a notched plate is defined in the mounting support around each elongate finger.

In certain embodiments, the demoulding and extraction system further includes a weighing station upstream of the demoulding device, at which station the weight of a container filled with products recovered for reuse is detected and recorded; and an empty-container station downstream of the demoulding device, at which station an empty container remains on standby until it is transferred from the demoulding and extraction system to the management system.

In certain embodiments, the management system includes a first belt having a standby-for-emptying zone at which the pallets remain on standby awaiting emptying; a second belt having an emptying zone at which the containers from the pallet on standby are emptied; a third belt having a stacking zone at which the empty containers are stored on available pallets; and a fourth belt having a discharge zone at which the pallets stored with the empty containers leave the management system.

In certain embodiments, the management system and the demoulding and extraction system are served by the automated handling device.

In certain embodiments, the system further includes a storage system for the storage of products recovered for reuse, in which system containers full of products recovered for reuse are identified and stored according to various kinds the properties of which are known.

In certain embodiments, the system for the storage of products recovered for reuse includes an automated storage system.

In certain embodiments, the system further includes an identification means for harmonizing the identification of a pallet with the identification of the containers stored on the pallet.

Further aspects of the invention will become obvious from the following detailed description.

The nature and various advantages of the invention will become more evident from reading the detailed description that follows, and from studying the attached drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote identical parts throughout, and in which:.

Referring now to the figures, in which the same numerals identify identical elements, <FIG> show one example of a container (or "bucket") <NUM> in which a corresponding recovered product is stored for reuse. The unused complexed products are identified into various kinds and various grades, and each kind and each grade designates a specific complexed product, the properties of which are known. In order to ensure a product recovered for reuse that has controlled properties, there are various natures of complexed products that will be used in rubber mixtures that are used later in a mixing process. In the description, the various kinds, grades, batches of complexed products will be designated by the term "nature" of complexed product.

Each product recovered for reuse is stored in a corresponding container <NUM>, and each container contains only one single type of recovered product at any one time. The filling of each container <NUM> is performed in such a way that its volume is more or less constant. In order to control the specific properties of a planned mixture, each product recovered for reuse is placed in a corresponding container <NUM> that is designated to receive it. The container <NUM> and its contents (namely, a product recovered for reuse having known properties) are identified, known and managed by virtue of an identification means incorporated into the container <NUM>. Identification of the container <NUM> is performed either manually (for example, using at least one visual and/or tactile identifier) or automatically (for example using numerals, codes, RFID identifications, hypertext links or equivalent means). The invention is described in relation to an RFID identification incorporated into the container <NUM>, but it is understood that other equivalent means of identification can be used.

Referring again to <FIG>, each container <NUM> comes with a pair of opposite long sides 10a, and each long side has an interior surface 10a' and an exterior surface 10a" that coincide with an upper edge 10aa and a lower edge 10ab of the long side. Each container <NUM> also comes with a pair of opposite short sides 10b, and each short side has an interior surface 10b' and an exterior surface 10b" that coincide with an upper edge 10ba and a lower edge 10bb of the short side. A perimeter is formed by the lower edges 10ab, 10bb, along which a bottom 10c is assembled. The bottom 10c has an interior surface 10c' that receives the complexed products (that become the products recovered for reuse as described hereinbelow) and an exterior surface 10c". Several orifices 10d are aligned along the length of the bottom 10c of the container <NUM>. The interior surfaces 10a' of the long sides 10a, the interior surfaces 10b' of the short sides 10b and the interior surface 10c' of the bottom 10c together form a volume to receive a specific product recovered for reuse.

In one embodiment of the container <NUM>, the interior surface 10a' of each long side 10a is inclined with respect to the bottom 10c (for example, by an angle of up to <NUM>°) in order to ensure release of the product recovered for reuse from the full container. An optional non-stick coating may be applied to the interior surfaces 10a', 10b', 10c' in order to facilitate extraction of the complexed product from the corresponding container.

Referring once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, each container <NUM> includes a support <NUM> that extends along the lower edge 10ab of each long side 10a and at the base of the bottom 10c. The support <NUM> may be integral with the container <NUM> or it may be provided as a separate element that can be added to the container. Each support <NUM> includes one or more legs <NUM> that render the container <NUM> stackable on a pallet (see <FIG> and <FIG>) and/or on itself (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The legs <NUM> are offset by a predetermined angle Θ from an edge 12a on the bottom of one side 12b of the support <NUM> to create a shoulder <NUM> with a predetermined radius 16a. In one embodiment, each leg <NUM> makes an angle of around <NUM>° with the corresponding edge, in order to correctly position the container with respect to a corresponding pallet (as described hereinbelow). The shoulder <NUM> engages the upper edge 10aa of a long side 10a of a container <NUM> below, and allows several containers <NUM> to be stacked (for example, as shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>). In the embodiment shown, two legs <NUM> extend at the bottom of the shoulder <NUM>, but it must be understood that the legs may be replaced by one or more legs or by one or more equivalent elements.

Referring once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, a ledge <NUM> with a predetermined radius 18a extends along the upper edge 10ba of each short side 10b. This ledge <NUM> engages the lower edge 10bb of a short side 10b of another container <NUM>, and allows several containers <NUM> to be stacked (for example, as shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>). It must be appreciated that a corresponding structure, or an equivalent structure (such as one or more tabs), may be used in place of the ledge <NUM>. The ledge <NUM>, or a corresponding structure, may be used in combination with the legs <NUM> to align and correctly position several stacked containers.

Correct mutual positioning of the stacked containers is achieved via female faces and male faces at different angles. With reference to <FIG>, a pair of containers <NUM> are stacked in such a way that an exterior surface 12a of the support <NUM> of the container on top is adjacent to the interior surface 10a' of the long side 10a of the container underneath. The ledge <NUM> engages the shoulder <NUM> adjacent its radius 16a. In a transverse direction, it can be seen that an approach clearance JACT is defined between one end 12x of the support <NUM> of the container on top and one end 10x of the long side 10a of the container underneath. In one embodiment, this approach clearance is approximately <NUM>. This approach clearance allows a good positioning clearance JPCT defined between one part of the support <NUM>, next to the radius 16a, and an adjacent part of the interior surface 10a' of the long side 10a of the container underneath. In one embodiment, this positioning clearance is around <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the ledge <NUM> also fits over the shoulder <NUM>. In a longitudinal direction, an approach clearance JACL is defined between the lower edge 10bb of the short side 10b of the container on top and the interior surface 10b' of the short side 10b of the ledge <NUM> of the container underneath. In one embodiment, this approach clearance is approximately <NUM>. This approach clearance allows a good positioning clearance JPCL defined between the exterior surface 10b" of the short side 10b of the container <NUM> on top and the interior surface 10b' of the short side 10b of the container underneath. In one embodiment, this positioning clearance is around <NUM>.

In each direction (transverse and longitudinal), the ledges <NUM> facilitate the guidance of the container while it is being stacked with other similar containers. It is for that reason that the approach clearance and the positioning clearance in the two directions are always maintained, thus ensuring that the stacked containers are aligned (for example, as shown in <FIG>).

In one embodiment of the container <NUM>, each short side 10b also includes an optional handle 10P that extends from the upper edge 10ba and on the outside of the ledge <NUM>. The handle 10P allows the container <NUM> to be handled either automatically or manually.

Referring once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, the exterior surface 10b" of each short side 10b of the container <NUM> has an identification and gripping means that works in concert with an automated handling device. In this embodiment, the automated handling device is a gripper <NUM> that may be incorporated into a robot or some other device as known by those skilled in the art. The gripper <NUM> includes a longitudinal arm <NUM> having a predetermined length defined by two opposite ends 24a. In some embodiments, this length is adjustable. A vertical arm <NUM> extends from each end and includes an RFID reader <NUM> that is incorporated into an element 26a that extends at the bottom of the vertical arm. The element 26a extends from a free end at the bottom of the vertical arm <NUM> at which end there are positioned a square projection SC and a triangular projection ST. In some embodiments, the vertical arms <NUM> may be adjustable (for example using an electric actuating cylinder <NUM> as shown in <FIG>).

The identification and gripping means includes an RFID tag <NUM>, positioned on the exterior surface 10b" of the short side 10b of the container <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> allows the corresponding RFID reader <NUM> positioned on the gripper <NUM> to identify the container <NUM>. The identification and gripping means also includes a gripping system having a system of corresponding recesses and projections so that the identification and gripping system allows the container <NUM> to be suitably positioned by aligning a projection in a corresponding recess. The recesses include a square recess RC and a triangular recess RT built into the exterior surface of each short side 10b of the container <NUM>. The projections include the square projection SC and the triangular projection ST on the gripper <NUM> (see <FIG>). Of course, the geometry of the recesses and of the projections is not restricted to squares and triangles.

With reference to <FIG>, during a transfer sequence, each RFID reader <NUM> is aligned with a corresponding RFID tag <NUM> (see <FIG>) so that the RFID reader can recognize a container <NUM> that is intended for transfer (for example, by identifying a container filled with products recovered for reuse that have specific properties so that it can be transferred onto a pallet). When the RFID reader <NUM> of the gripper <NUM> detects the RFID tag <NUM> of the container <NUM>, the RFID reader <NUM> indicates the presence of the container and also the correct position thereof in the gripper. By recognizing the container, the RFID reader <NUM> identifies the correct container in order to ensure that the correct products recovered for reuse are properly transferred. The transfer sequence may be carried out by a known robot <NUM> that may render the container mobile and rotatable (for example in the anticlockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in <FIG>).

When the RFID reader <NUM> is aligned with the corresponding RFID tag <NUM>, the projections SC, ST of the gripper <NUM> are also aligned with the respective recesses RC, RT of the container <NUM>. As a result, the gripper <NUM> can handle and transfer the container <NUM> (for example, during a process of transferring the container). With reference to <FIG>, this figure depicts a schematic view of the triangular projection ST of the gripper <NUM> in the working position inside the triangular recess RT of the container <NUM> (performed, for example, during a transfer of the container <NUM> by the gripper <NUM>). If the triangular projection ST is not aligned with the triangular recess RT, the triangular projection is still guided towards a position of alignment with the triangular recess. As a result, whatever the status (full or empty) of the container, and even if the container is not perfectly aligned (for example, on a pallet), the system of recesses and of projections allows the container <NUM> to be suitably positioned by the aligning of the projection in the corresponding recess.

The configuration of the container <NUM> and the corresponding configuration of the gripper <NUM> also ensure suitable positioning of the container on a pallet. In the case of pallets completely full of (full or empty) containers (or "complete pallets"), and also in the case of pallets that are not completely full of containers (or "incomplete pallets"), it is necessary to ensure suitable positioning of each container on the relevant pallet. The legs <NUM> of the container <NUM> make the container stackable on a pallet or on itself, and the identification and gripping means of the container <NUM> ensures suitable positioning (for example, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment of containers with respect to one another and of containers with respect to the pallets).

Referring also to <FIG>, it is planned for the described containers (full or empty) to be aligned and stacked on a pallet (for example, during a process of automatically making up pallets having containers filled with products recovered for reuse, identified according to a current production plan). Referring also to <FIG>, one example of a pallet <NUM> is given, upon which pallet the containers <NUM> (full or empty) are aligned and stacked. It is understood that the pallet used with the containers may be selected from any equivalent and/or known pallet embodiment.

The pallet <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that is designed to carry containers <NUM>. The frame <NUM> possesses a generally rectangular geometry. There are two opposite horizontal sides <NUM> separated by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the length L of at least one container <NUM> (see <FIG>). There are two opposite vertical sides 42V separated by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the width l of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>). The horizontal sides <NUM> and the vertical sides 42V are integrated so that the frame <NUM> is provided as one-piece. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the pallet <NUM> is capable of storing and transporting up to nine containers <NUM>(full or empty)(see <FIG>).

Referring again to <FIG>, one or more crosspieces <NUM> are arranged between the horizontal sides <NUM> and are spaced apart from one another and with respect to each vertical side 42V by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the width l of the container <NUM>. Each crosspiece <NUM> includes an upper surface 44a that allows the centring of the lower edge 10ab of the long side 10a of the container <NUM>. To stiffen the pallet <NUM>, an additional crosspiece <NUM> is provided, generally mid-way along the width of the crosspieces <NUM>. The additional crosspiece <NUM> is arranged parallel to the horizontal sides <NUM>, and this crosspiece is arranged at right angles to the vertical sides 42V. The vertical sides 42V and the additional crosspiece <NUM> are arranged in the one same plane so as to allow a known device (for example a commercially available forklift) to engage on the pallet <NUM>.

Each horizontal side <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM>' from which a ridge 42R of predetermined height extends. Each ridge ends in a bearing surface 42R'. Each vertical side 42V also includes an upper surface 42V' from which a berm 42B (or equivalent) of predetermined height extends. Each berm ends in a bearing surface 42B'. The height of each ridge 42R is equal to the height of each berm 42B so that the bearing surfaces 42R', 42B' align the containers <NUM> on the pallet. The ridge 42R of each horizontal side <NUM> allows the engagement of the support <NUM> and, more particularly, of the shoulder <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The berm 42B of each vertical side 42V allows the engagement of the exterior surface 10c" of the bottom 10c next to the lower edge 10bb of the short side 10b of a container <NUM>. In this embodiment, the legs <NUM> of each container <NUM> engage along the ridges 42R and the crosspieces <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, correct positioning between the pallet <NUM> and stacked containers 10A, 10B, 10C is achieved by means of male faces at different angles on the two axes. The containers are stacked in such a way that the berm 42B of each vertical side 42V, and particularly the bearing surface 42B' of each berm, engages a shoulder <NUM> of a container 10A, 10C. Each crosspiece <NUM> engages the shoulder <NUM> of a corresponding container 10A, 10C that has not yet been engaged by a berm. Each crosspiece <NUM> also engages the two shoulders <NUM> of the container 10B. In a transverse direction (see <FIG>), it can be seen that an approach clearance JAPT is defined between one end 14x of the leg <NUM> and an interior edge 42Ba of the berm 42B. In one embodiment, this approach clearance is approximately <NUM>. This approach clearance allows a good positioning clearance JPPT defined between the support <NUM> of a container <NUM>, 10C and the pallet <NUM>. In one embodiment, this positioning clearance is around <NUM>.

In a longitudinal direction (see <FIG>), an approach clearance JAPL is defined between an interior edge 42Ra of the ridge 42R and the lower edge 10bb of the short side 10b of each container. In one embodiment, this approach clearance is approximately <NUM>. This approach clearance allows a good positioning clearance JPPL defined between the interior edge 42Ra of the ridge 42R and the shoulder <NUM> of each container. In one embodiment, this positioning clearance is approximately <NUM>. In each direction (transverse and longitudinal), the ridges 42R and the berms 42B facilitate the guidance of the container <NUM> while it is being stacked with other containers. It is for that reason that the approach clearance and the positioning clearance in the two directions are always maintained, thus ensuring that the stacked containers are aligned with respect to the pallet.

Reference is made also to <FIG>, that shows a system <NUM>, in which the products recovered for reuse, packaged in their respective containers <NUM>, are transferred between a management system <NUM> and a demoulding and extraction system <NUM>. In some embodiments of the invention, the system <NUM> includes an identification means for harmonizing the identification of a pallet with the identification of the containers stored on the pallet.

The containers <NUM> stacked on the corresponding pallets (either the pallets as described hereinabove or the other known pallets) are managed by the management system <NUM>. The management system <NUM>, as disclosed in application <CIT>, is a system for managing pallets of containers of products recovered for reuse in which the identification of a recovered product is harmonized with the identification of the corresponding container. The management system <NUM> is situated downstream of a complexed-product manufacturing system (for example, at least one of an extrusion system, an assembly system, a stripping system and/or at least one equivalent system). The products recovered for reuse always arrive at the management system <NUM> in containers <NUM>. The management system <NUM>, by recognizing a particular container, therefore automatically recognizes the nature of the recovered product inside the container. The containers <NUM> full of products recovered for reuse are identified and stored as a function of characteristics such as their nature. The management system <NUM> is therefore capable of transferring and of storing each container <NUM> according to its identification.

The management system <NUM> feeds, for example, an internal mixer with products recovered for reuse. It is envisioned for the management system <NUM> to allow the production of rubber mixtures with diverse and varying properties as determined by the performance requirements of the resulting tyre. Thus, during a given mixing cycle, products recovered for reuse that have the properties desired during the ongoing manufacturing cycle are easily located and delivered by the management system <NUM>. The nature of a product recovered for reuse can therefore be guaranteed according to the recipe defined by an ongoing campaign. What is meant in the invention by "campaign" is the duration of operation of an internal mixer, or of a mixing plant, using the same recipe.

With reference yet again to <FIG>, the management system <NUM> facilitates the execution of a method of managing the pallets of containers of recovered products, during which management method the availability of the pallets is also optimized. Identification of a pallet may be performed by known identification means, either manually (for example, using at least one visual, audio and/or tactile identifier) or automatically (for example, using numerals, codes, RFID identifications, hypertext links or equivalent means) so that the identification of the pallet can be harmonized with the identification of the containers <NUM> (and therefore the identification of recovered products) stored on the pallet.

In order to unload the products recovered for reuse and manage the supply fed to the internal mixer, the management system <NUM> includes equipment in which management zones are established. In particular, the management system <NUM> is made up of four belts I, II, III, IV (see <FIG>) that allow a production throughput by managing the entry, transfer, storage and exit of natures of products recovered for reuse.

Belt I is a provisioning circuit on which pallets of full containers (including pallets filled with full containers and pallets that are not completely full of full containers) enter the management system <NUM> via an inlet <NUM> (see arrow A in <FIG>). The pallets are complete or incomplete according to the ongoing campaign.

Belt II is a discharge circuit on which incomplete pallets of full containers leave the management system <NUM> via an outlet <NUM> (see arrow B in <FIG>). The discharging of incomplete pallets of full containers is performed at the end of each campaign.

Belt III is an empty-pallet provisioning and discharge circuit on which the empty pallets enter and leave the management system <NUM> via an access <NUM> (see arrow C in <FIG>). Belt III allows empty pallets to be placed on standby until such time as they are used by the management system <NUM>.

Belt IV is a discharge circuit on which pallets of empty containers leave the management system <NUM> via an outlet <NUM> (see arrow D in <FIG>).

During a pallet management method of the invention, an automated handling device (for example, the gripper <NUM> that is depicted schematically in <FIG>) transfers the containers from the pallets on which the full containers are stored (belt I) towards the demoulding and extraction system <NUM>. This same device also retrieves the empty containers and conveys them to a pallet on which empty containers are stored (belt IV). At the end of the campaign, if the pallet on belt I is still in the process of being used, this pallet will pass on to belt II, which is an intermediate storage belt, before being returned to the system for the storage of products recovered for reuse. Belt III will be used to receive and discharge empty pallets from the system for the storage of products recovered for reuse. Belt III will also be used as intermediate storage for pallets that are not completely full of empty containers.

Referring again to <FIG>, each of the four belts is divided into distinct management zones (or "stations") corresponding to different functions. For example, belt I includes a provisioning zone I-A in which the pallets of full containers enter the management system <NUM>; a standby zone I-B in which the pallets remain on standby on the belt I during the ongoing campaign; and a standby-for-emptying zone I-C in which the pallets remain on standby awaiting emptying. Belt II includes two discharge zones II-a, II-b in which the pallets with full containers are transferred to the outlet of the management system <NUM> so that they can be stored in the system for the storage of products recovered for reuse; and an emptying zone II-c in which the containers of the pallet on standby are emptied. Belt III includes an empty-pallet provisioning/discharge zone III-a in which the empty pallets enter and leave the management system <NUM>; a pallet-standby zone III-b in which pallets remain on standby awaiting empty containers; and a stacking zone III-c in which the empty containers are stored on available pallets. Belt IV includes a discharge zone IV-a in which the pallets stored with the empty containers leave the management system <NUM>. The four belts and their zones together define the paths followed by the pallets during the various mixing campaigns. More specifically, the four belts and their zones make it possible to carry out a method in which the pallets with containers full of products recovered for reuse and the pallets with empty containers are transferred so as to achieve the conditions for the ongoing campaign. At the exit of the management system, the same pallets with the containers empty become available.

Pallets with containers full of products recovered for reuse originating from a container storage system are fed into the management system <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the recovered products are stored in a container-storage system (or "container system") <NUM> in which the unused complexed products originating from at least one manufacturing system are stored in corresponding containers <NUM>. These products have been deemed usable during a tyre manufacturing cycle. Each nature of complexed product has specific properties that can be controlled in order to obtain the products recovered for reuse. The products recovered for reuse arrive at the management system <NUM> from the system for the storage of products recovered for reuse having already been designated, according to their nature, for re-incorporation into a rubber mixture. Of course, the container system <NUM> may accommodate complexed products coming from one, two or several systems and/or machines from which some of what is produced cannot be exploited directly.

In one embodiment, the container system <NUM> may include a storage means that is chosen from automatic means (for example automatic systems and their equivalents or known manual means). As described, the invention refers to a storage means <NUM> that is an automated storage system (for example an "automatic storage and retrieval" system or "ASRS"). During storage in the container system <NUM>, the complexed products are deemed usable (or "recovered for reuse") for at least one tyre manufacturing campaign. The containers <NUM> full of complexed products are identified and stored in the storage means <NUM>. At the moment the complexed products arrive in the storage means, the system <NUM> render these recovered products available to satisfy a production plan.

The storage means <NUM> may include a robot (or equivalent device) capable of selectively placing and removing at least one container <NUM> relative to the container system <NUM>. The selective placement and removal are performed on a prediction of products recovered for reuse that is intended for a generated production plan containing one or more given campaigns. The robot, which is selected from among the robots commercially available, is depicted as being a stacking device <NUM> with a shuttle 255a, that operates on rails inside the storage means <NUM>. Of course, the stacking device <NUM> may be replaced with an equivalent device known to those skilled in the art. The stacking device <NUM> positions and retrieves the containers according to at least one production plan generated to satisfy an ongoing production plan and forthcoming production plans.

Referring once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> is positioned downstream of the management system <NUM>. The demoulding and extraction system <NUM> includes a demoulding device <NUM> having several retractable fingers 302a (see <FIG>). The retractable fingers 302a are in register with orifices 10d that are aligned along the length of the bottom 10c of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>). A demoulding process includes a step of emptying the containers full of products recovered for reuse. In one embodiment, the step of emptying the containers full of products recovered for reuse includes a step of using the demoulding device <NUM> such that the retractable fingers 302a enter the container <NUM> through the orifices 10d (see <FIG> and <FIG>). During this step, the retractable fingers 302a raise the product recovered for reuse (see arrow E in <FIG>), so as to lift up the product recovered for reuse (which is represented as P in <FIG>) and empty the container <NUM>.

Referring once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, <FIG>, the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> also includes a transfer and unloading device <NUM> that works in concert with the demoulding device <NUM> to raise the recovered products and extract them from the containers <NUM>. The transfer and unloading device <NUM> has several elongate fingers 304a that extend from a mobile carriage <NUM>. More particularly, the elongate fingers 304a form a predetermined angle β with respect to a mounting support <NUM> of the mobile carriage <NUM>. In one embodiment, the angle β is around <NUM>°. This angle allows the elongate fingers to be correctly positioned underneath a recovered product that is extracted from the container.

The mobile carriage <NUM> moves along a horizontal path provided by a rail <NUM>. During an extraction process, the elongate fingers 304a move at right angles to the retractable fingers 302a of the demoulding device <NUM> where the demoulding device lifts the recovered product from the container <NUM>. In order to give the elongate fingers 304a clearance to move, a notched plate 308a is defined in the mounting support <NUM> around each elongate finger 304a. The products recovered for reuse are secured during their journey made by the mobile carriage <NUM> by virtue of the elongate fingers that allow for correct positioning. The elongate fingers 304a extract the products recovered for reuse from the containers, and the products recovered for reuse are placed upon a charging means that feeds a mixer or some other process (for example, a belt T in <FIG>, one or more scales or other known means).

With reference again to <FIG> and to <FIG>, the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> also includes a weighing station <NUM> upstream of the demoulding device <NUM>. At this station, the weight of a container filled with products recovered for reuse is detected and recorded. The demoulding and extraction system <NUM> also includes an empty-container station <NUM> downstream of the demoulding device <NUM>. At this station, an empty container remains on standby until it is transferred from the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> to the management system <NUM>. The two systems <NUM>, <NUM> are served by the gripper <NUM> that is able to move to place and collect containers <NUM> between the two systems. The use of a shared transfer means eliminates redundancy and also contributes to cost reduction by making efficient use of the recovered products.

A detailed description of a cycle of a demoulding and extraction method of the invention is given by way of example with reference once again to <FIG> and also to <FIG>. All the references to a "container" or to the "containers" mean a container <NUM> as described here. All the references to a "pallet" or to the "pallets" mean a pallet <NUM> as described here. The full containers are containers full of products recovered for reuse, which are stored on corresponding pallets. According to the requirements of the ongoing campaign, the full containers are stored on pallets as a function of the nature of products recovered for reuse. It will be appreciated that the ridge that applies to the transferring of containers may be modified as needed. At the exit of the management system <NUM>, the empty containers become available for refilling.

A demoulding and extraction method includes a step of demoulding the recovered products from the corresponding containers. The containers of products recovered for reuse, having been ordered in order to satisfy a recipe of a chosen mixture, arrive on a pallet in the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> engages each container using the identification and gripping means as described above. Identification of the correct container is therefore performed before the container is transferred to the demoulding device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, during a cycle of the demoulding and extraction method, an empty container A remains on standby at the empty-container station <NUM>. A container B filled with products recovered for reuse is aligned with the demoulding device <NUM> so that the retractable fingers 302a are aligned with the orifices 10d along the length of the bottom of the container B. One or more sensors may be used to detect the presence of the container B and to begin a demoulding process as described above. The mobile carriage <NUM> with the elongate fingers 304a moves towards the demoulding device <NUM> (see arrow F in <FIG>). At the same time, a pallet <NUM>-<NUM> carrying a filled container C arrives at the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> engages the container C to transfer it from the management system <NUM> to the demoulding and extraction system <NUM>.

The demoulding and extraction method also includes a step of transferring a container from the management system <NUM> to the demoulding and extraction system <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the gripper <NUM> transfers the container C from the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM> to convey it to the weighing station <NUM> (see arrow G in <FIG> and <FIG>). During this transfer, the demoulding device <NUM> continues the demoulding process in which the retractable fingers 302a are introduced into the container <NUM> through the orifices (see <FIG>). During this step, the retractable fingers 302a raise the product b recovered for reuse in container B so as to empty container B (see arrow H in <FIG>). The mobile carriage <NUM> continues along its path on the rail <NUM> so that the elongate fingers 304a approach the recovered product b. At the management system <NUM>, a container D, full of recovered products ordered for the current cycle, remains on standby on the pallet <NUM>-<NUM> that remains in the emptying zone II-c.

The demoulding and extraction method further includes a step of extracting a recovered product that is obtained from a demoulding process. With reference to <FIG>, the mobile carriage <NUM> is positioned on the rail <NUM> with the elongate fingers passing at right angles underneath the recovered product b, between the retractable fingers 302a of the demoulding device <NUM>. The retractable fingers 302a have raised the recovered product b enough that the elongate fingers 304a can extract the recovered product from the demoulding device <NUM>. The container B is now empty, and the retractable fingers 302a retract (see arrow I in <FIG>). The gripper <NUM>, having set down the container C at the weighing station <NUM>, moves towards the empty-container station <NUM> in order to prepare to transfer the container A to the management system <NUM> (see arrow J in <FIG> and <FIG>). The container D remains on standby on the pallet <NUM>-<NUM> in the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM>.

The demoulding and extraction method of the invention further includes a step of transferring empty containers from the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> to the management system <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the gripper <NUM> engages container A using the identification and gripping means as described. The gripper <NUM> transfers container A onto a pallet <NUM>-<NUM> on standby in the stacking zone III-c of the management system <NUM> (see arrow K in <FIG> and <FIG>). The pallet <NUM>-<NUM> may remain on standby until there are enough empty containers stacked up to make this pallet leave the management system <NUM> (for example, according to at least one production plan generated to satisfy an ongoing production plan and forthcoming production plans). A conveyor <NUM> is in the process of carrying container B, now empty, from the demoulding device <NUM> to the empty-container station <NUM> (see arrow L in <FIG>). The conveyor <NUM> is also in the process of carrying container C, still full of a product recovered for reuse, c, from the weighing station <NUM> to the demoulding device <NUM> in order to carry out the demoulding process as described (see arrow M in <FIG>). The mobile carriage <NUM>, passing along the rail <NUM> (see arrow N in <FIG>), conveys the product recovered for reuse, b, to a next process.

The demoulding and extraction method further includes a step of providing an extracted product recovered for reuse to a next process. With reference to <FIG>, the empty container B arrives at the empty-container station <NUM>, and the weighing station <NUM> is free. The retractable fingers 302a are raised in order to already begin the demoulding process (as described) in relation to the recovered product c (see arrow O in <FIG>). The mobile carriage <NUM> that has moved arrives at a belt T (see also <FIG>) that carries recovered products to a next process (for example, to a mixer). The elongate fingers 304a release the recovered product b onto the belt T so that it can be delivered in the order intended by the current campaign (see arrow P in <FIG>). At the same time, the gripper <NUM> has placed container A onto the pallet <NUM>-<NUM> and is in the process of engaging on container D on standby in the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM> (see arrow Q in <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the gripper <NUM> is in the process of transferring the filled container D from the emptying zone II-c of the management system <NUM> to the weighing station <NUM> of the demoulding and extraction system <NUM> (see arrow R in <FIG>). The demoulding device <NUM> empties the container C (see arrow S in <FIG>), and the mobile carriage <NUM> returns to retrieve the extracted product recovered for reuse (see arrow T in <FIG>). A cycle of the demoulding and extraction method of the invention, therefore, is repeated throughout the duration of a campaign or until such time as a planned cycle ends.

Any cycle of the method may be performed by PLC control and may include pre-programming of management data (for example, a total number of containers required when these are offered with a certain number of natures, a total number of containers intended to be transferred from the management system <NUM> to the demoulding and extraction system <NUM>, an identification of a container on standby, a residence time that a filled container spends on standby in the management system <NUM>, etc.).

For all embodiments, a system can be put in place to ensure the repeatability of the filling and refilling of each container and the correct stacking of each pallet. Verification can be carried out by a known means, including a viewing system that may be manual or automated (for example, with one or more cameras in communication with the PLC). The PLC is configured to verify the natures of the stored recovered products against the chosen rubber mixture recipe, in terms of weight required and in the prescribed tolerance. The conformity of the properties of the mixture during the course of each campaign is thus respected.

The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The ranges given as lying "between a and b" encompass the values of "a" and "b".

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for processing, managing and extracting products recovered for reuse as feedstock products in a rubber mixing cycle, characterized in that the system comprises:
a system for processing products recovered for reuse originating from at least one complexed-product manufacturing system, wherein the complexed products comprise semi-finished products made up of at least two rubber mixtures having different properties and the recovered products comprise complexed products that are recovered for reuse, the processing system comprising one or more containers (<NUM>) filled with corresponding products recovered for reuse, each container containing only one recovered product type at any one time such that its volume is more or less constant;
an identification and gripping system comprising an identification and gripping means;
a management system (<NUM>) downstream of the complexed-product manufacturing system, the management system comprising a system for managing pallets of containers (<NUM>) of products recovered for reuse; and
a demoulding and extraction system downstream of the management system (<NUM>).