US3695459A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Handling device
Assignee: AGC Glass Europe SA
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Filing: 1970-06-17
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-06-17
Abstract
Abstract An article supporting surface, such as for handling sheets of glass provides an air cushion for supporting the sheets and suction for holding sheets against the surface. The surface is articulated and tilts and is mounted on tracks so that the sheets may be handled and moved.
Inventors
- 👤 Andre Raes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:45
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G49/00; B65G49/05; B65G49/06; B65G49/067; B65G49/063; B65G49/064; B65G49/065; B65G49/068; C; C03; C03B; C03B33/00; C03B33/02; C03B33/023; C03B33/03; B65G2249/00; B65G2249/04; B65G2249/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
An article handling device comprising, in combination: an article supporting surface; means for forming at least one fluid cushion for at least partially supporting an article to be handled; means for applying a pressure lower than the ambient pressure for pushing an article toward said article supporting surface, said pressure applying means being disposed under at least a part of the position on said article supporting surface intended for such article; entraining members; and, means for positioning said members towards the position provided for an article to be handled.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
An article handling device comprising, in combination: an article supporting surface; means for forming at least one fluid cushion for at least partially supporting an article to be handled; means for applying a pressure lower than the ambient pressure for pushing an article toward said article supporting surface, said pressure applying means being disposed under at least a part of the position on said article supporting surface intended for such article; entraining members; and, means for positioning said members towards the position provided for an article to be handled.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said article supporting surface forms part of the pressure applying means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as defined in claim 2 wherein the pressure applying means are means for sucking fluid disposed under the position provided for the article to be handled.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the fluid cushion forming means include means for circulating a pressurized fluid and means for emitting fluid in the direction of the position provided for the article to be handled.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for circulating a pressurized fluid and the pressure applying means are incorporated in a common fluid circuit in which the means of the second type feed the means of the first type.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device as defined in claim 4 further comprising separate connecting and disconnecting means for connecting and disconnecting the means for emitting fluid both to said pressure applying means and to said means for circulating a fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for emitting a fluid include at least one box formed with apertures which extends at least over substantially the whole extent of the position for articles to be handled.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the cushion forming means and pressure applying means are distributed in distinct zones along the position provided for the article to be handled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for emitting fluid which have a component of predetermined direction tangential to the surface of the article.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the positioning means are arranged to displace the entraining members from a working position permitting the entraining of an article located above and in the vicinity of the article supporting surface to a position of rest different from the position of said article when it is supported over the article supporting member by at least one fluid cushion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the positioning means depend on the cushion forming means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the entraining members include at least two belts of concurrent direction and independent positioning means for belts of different direction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as defined in claim 12 wherein at least one belt is associated with means for emitting fluid beneath the run adapted to entrain the article.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising articulating means and tilting means for the article supporting surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device as defined in claim 14, wherein said articulating means and tilting means are arranged to allow said article supporting surface to be at least once substantially completely turned over.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device as defined in claim 14 wherein at least two of the articulating means have non-parallel articulating axes and are arranged to be selectively placed in an operative position or a non-operative position so that said tilting means tilt the article supporting surface around the axes of the articulating means which are in operative position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as defined in claim 14 further comprising at least one substructure mounted for displacement on a track associated with the article supporting surface via said articulating means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as defined in claim 17 wherein said track is part of a body which itself is displaceable on a second track substantially perpendicular with the first track.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for moving at least a marginal zone of the article supporting surface in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as defined in claim 19 wherein the means are means for deforming said article supporting surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |