GB1292048A - Item selection system - Google Patents

Abstract

1292048 Storage systems McCALL PATTERN CO 20 Jan 1970 [3 Feb 1969] 5802/69 Heading A4T [Also in Division B8] A system for picking items stored in successive order in bins 21, Fig. II, in which the items are e.g. envelopes 22a containing dress patterns stacked horizontally and spring pushed up to a stop at the open front of the bin. The bins are carried in vertical columns by a frame 100, Fig. V to form a co-ordinate grid. Aligned with each column is a rotary rod 46 operated by a respective e.g. solenoid actuator 29, the rods having arms 48 carrying vacuum cups 32, the cups being linked horizontally by flexible conduits 47 to respective solenoid vacuum control valves 28. On pressing a selected switch in a panel or deriving a signal from a tape or punched card for retrieving a required item having given co-ordinates in the grid, a valve 28, e.g. 8 is opened and an actuator, e.g. 50 swings a cap 32 to pick out an item having co-ordinates 8, 50. Via a delay relay circuit, the cup holds the item as it swings out on release of the actuator, after which the vacuum valve closes and the item drops via shoot 34 on to conveyer 31. Several items may be picked at a time. A continuous coloured band 33, Fig. 1 (not shown) at the side indicates when a bin requires refilling, the vaccuum cups may be resiliently offset and front stops 27a, 27b, 29' Figs.III, and IV (not shown) restrain the edges of the envelopes so that the vacuum cup bows them in order to separate the front from the rear envelope. (For Figures see next page)