US3802599A

US3802599A - Methods and apparatus for dispensing articles

Info

Publication number: US3802599A
Application number: US00337044A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Beltz; C Fegley
Original assignee: Western Electric Co Inc
Current assignee: AT&T Corp
Priority date: 1973-03-01
Filing date: 1973-03-01
Publication date: 1974-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-09

Abstract

Semiconductor diodes, enclosed in cylindrical bodies, are fed end to end in a column to a dispensing position adjacent to work positions in a rotating disc. A magnetic escapement releases one diode into each work position in the disc which carries each diode to a mechanism that performs an assembly operation on it. A ring magnet is fixed adjacent to each work position in the disc and an oppositely polarized ring magnet is fixed to a latch which engages the first of the diodes in the column. As the disc rotates and a work position approaches the dispensing position, the work position magnet attracts the latch magnet and withdraws the latch from engagement with the first diode. This releases the diode into the work position and allows the column to advance under the influence of gravity and/or a vibratory feeder. As the work position progresses further because of continued rotation of the disc, the work-position magnet returns the latch to its initial position so that the latch engages the next diode in the column.

Description

Apr. 9, 1974 United States Patent [191 Beltz et al.

l METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING ARTICLES [75] Inventors: Richard K. Beltz, Hamburg; Charles R. Fegley, Laureldale, both of Pa.

Western Electric Company,

netic escapement releases one diode into each work [73] Assignee:

position in the disc which carries each diode to a Incorporated, New York, NY.

Mar. 1, 1973 App]. No.: 337,044

mechanism that performs an assembly operation on it.

[221 Filed: A ring magnet is fixed adjacent to each work position in the disc and an oppositely polarized ring magnet is fixed to a latch which engages the first of the diodes in the column. As the disc rotates and a work position approaches the dispensing position, the work position [52] US. 221/1, 221/270, 221/289 [51] Int. B65h 3/16 magnet attracts the latch magnet and withdraws the latch from engagement with the first diode. This releases the diode into the work position and allows'the column to advance under the influence of gravity and- /or a vibratory feeder. 'As the work position progresses further because of continued rotation of the disc, the

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References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS work-position magnet returns the latch to its initial po- 221/289 X sition so that they latch engages the next diode in the 73/258 x column I Koda et al. 315/209 3,40l,832 Cremieux........................ 3,248,583 Kullmann....... 3,359,455

20 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Primary Examiner-Stanley l-l. Tollberg Assistant ExaminerJoseph J. Rolla Attorney, Agent, or FirmR. Y. Peters IATENTEDAPR 9 Ian I sum 1 or 4 1 METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING ARTICLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispensing articles and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus involving a magnetic escapement for dispensing articles.

2. Description of the Prior Art I Many expedients for dispensing articles exist. However, they entail the use of cam operated mechanisms,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide methods and apparatus for dispensing articles in which a minimum of wear occurs. I I

It is another object of the invention to providemethods and apparatus for dispensing articles in which no control circuits are required.

With these and other objects in view,'the methods and apparatus of the present inventioncontemplate feeding generally cylindrical articles end to end in a column to a dispensing position which is adjacent a rotating member containing'a plurality of work positions. Ring magnets are positioned in the rotating member, one in spaced relation to each work position. A similar ring magnet is fixed a latch which cooperates with and retains the articles at the dispensing position. The rotating member carries each work position past the dispensing position and, in doing so, the magnet associated with the work position first attracts the latch away from the articles to release them as the work position approaches the dispensing position. Then, the

, feeder 24 into a chute 26 where they form a column of FIG. 8 is a plan view of a straight-sided cylindrical article to be dispensed, dispensing position, appropriate latch, and holding position in their starting positions;

FIG. 9 is an elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 along line 99; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 with the latch in its release position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, semiconductor diodes 20 having shoulders 22 are fed from a vibratory the diodes 20. If it is desired to keep the slope of the chute 26 shallow, the chute may be mounted on a linear vibratory feeder 28 to increase the reliability of feeding. The chute 26 terminates in a dispensing position 30 which can be understood more clearly by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The dispensing position 30 is tubular and has a slot 32 to clear a tang 34 on a latch 36 so that the tang may engage the shoulders 22 of the diodes 20. Also, the dispensing position 30 isrelieved, i.e., partially cut away at 37 on the side away from the slot 34 (the left side in FIG. 3) so that the diodes 20 may be moved, without interference from the dispensing position 30, by counterclockwise rotation of a disc'38.' I

The disc 38 contains work positions or holding positions 40 for the diodes 20. The holding positions 40 are evenly spaced in the disc 38. The holding positions 40 may be either through holes or. blind holes depending 1 on whether access is needed. to perform an assembly magnet carries the latch back again to engage and re- I tain the articles as the work position arrives at the dis-- pensing position. Thus, the articles are individually dispensed without the .need for control circuits or cam and lever devices which are prone to wear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 3 with the latch in the release position;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 3 with the latch partially returned 'to its starting position and ready to engage the next diode;

FIG. 7 is a front'elevation of apparatus similar to that of FIG. 3 except that the latch pivots, i.e., moves arcuately;

operation on one or both endsof the diodes 20. In eith'er case, the disc 38 may bemade of a nonmagnetic center, such as molded plastic or aluminum, and a rim 39 of wear resistance material, such as hardened steel or ceramic. A ring magnet 42 is inserted in a counterbore in the disc 38in .relation to each holding position 40. 7

Typically, the magnets are about 0.900 inches outside diameter, 0.400 inches inside diameter and 0.240 inches thick, and may be secured in place with a cement, such as that sold by the Eastman Kodak Company under the trade designation No. 910 Adhesive. Each magnet 42 is positioned to lag its corresponding holding position 40 by approximately 15 when the magnets are about 1.750 inches and the positions 40 are about 2.750 inches from the center of the disc 38.

The disc 38 is mounted on the shaft of a stepping motor 44 and the motor is actuated to index each holding position 40 into alignment with the dispensing position 30. The indexing movement also carries the position 40 into alignment with another position (not shown) where an assembly operation is performed.

However, it is to be understood that other mechanisms are available for indexing and any suitable means may be used to index the disc 38. Also, although a rotating disc 38 is shown for convenience for carrying the holding positions 40 and magnets 42 in a curvilinear manner past the dispensing position 30, the holding positions and magnets may be mounted on an endless conveyor and carried past the dispensing position 30 in a linear or straight line manner.

Where the holding position 40 is a through hole (rather than a blind one) as is the case for the diode 20 because operations must be performed at both ends of the diode, a retaining member 46 is-provided. In addition, where the diodes 20 are not fully dispensed into the holding positions 40, an additional inserting member 48 having a lead-in portion 50 may be used.

The diodes 20 are restrained from and released for entering the holding positions 40 by the tang 34 on the latch 36. The structure and operation of the latch 36 can be understood best by reference to FIGS. 3 through 7.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a holding position 40 is aligned with the dispensing position 30 and the tang 34 engages the shoulder 22 of one of the diodes 20. A ring magnet 52, which may be identical to the ring magnet 42, is fixed in a counterbore formed in the body of a ball slide, such as that sold by Automation Gages, Inc. under the trade designation Miniature Ball-Slide J The magnet 52 is placed so that it will align with a magnet 42 in the disc 38 at the point where the paths of travel cross. The

magnets

42 and 52 are magnetized axially and mounted with opposite poles adjacent each other so that they attract.

Starting from the position shown in FIG. 4, as the disc 38 rotates counterclockwise, magnet 42 tries to pull the latch 36 to the left, but cannot because of a stop screw 56 in a stop 54. The latch 36 is held in this position by the receding magnet 42 until an approaching magnet 42 is nearer the latch 36 than the receding one.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the approaching magnet 42 attracts the latch 36 and it moves to the right against a stop screw 58 in the stop 54. This disengages the tang 34 from the shoulder 22 and releases the column of diodes 20.

Upon further counterclockwise rotation of the disc 38, the magnet 42 aligns with the magnet 52 (refer to FIG. 6) and the latch 36 moves partway back toward its starting position.

Still further rotation of the disc 38 in the same direction aligns the holding position 40 with the dispensing position 30. At the same time the magnet 42 attracts the latch 36 further to the left. The tang 34 on the latch Alternate Latches Although the latch 36 moves linearly, this is not essential and the latch may move arcuately. Indeed, in some cases the arcuate movement may be preferable because of its lower cost and simplicity. For example, a latch 60 (refer to FIG. 7) pivots about a pin or shoulder screw 62 between adjustable stop screws 64 and 66 and a tang 68 engages the shoulder 22 of the diode 20. The latch 60 operates in the same manner as the latch 36.

Where no shoulder or the equivalent is found on the article to be dispensed, e.g., straight-sided articles, the

tangs

34 and 68 of

latches

36 and 60, respectively, may be constructed in a somewhat different manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dispensing position 30 is provided with a ledge 70, offset 72, and apertures 74. A tang 76 is provided with two prongs 78 which pass through the apertures 74 to engage one of the articles 80. An aperture 82 in the tang 76 permits the escaping article 80 to pass through the tang.

In operation, that article 80, which is the most advanced in a column of articles being fed to the dispensing position 30, rests against the inner face of the ledge 70. The tang 76 is held to the left by counterclockwise rotation of the disc 38 and the attraction of disc and latch

magnets

42 and 52, respectively, so that the prongs 78 do not engage the article 80. This condition is maintained until the next holding position 40 and its associated magnet 42 approach the latch 36 and its magnet 52. As the

magnets

42 and 52 near the aligned condition, the latch 36 is drawn to the right, refer to FIG. 10, so that the prongs 78 push the most advanced article 80 from the ledge and the article passes through the aperture 82 into the holding position 40. At the same time, the prong 78 adjacent the next most advanced article 80, engages it and supports the column of articles 80. As the counterclockwise rotation of the disc 38 continues, the force of attraction between the

magnets

42 and 52 carries the latch 36 to the left until the prong 78, in contact with what was the next most advanced article but is now the most advanced, disengages from it and allows the column to advance until the most advanced article rests against the ledge 70. The cycle is then repeated as the next holding position 40 and its associated magnet 42 approach the dispensing position 30.

Thus, methods for dispensing articles and apparatus for carrying out the methods have been disclosed in which a minimum of wear occurs and no control circuits are needed.

While specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing specification to illustrate the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made, e.g., electromagnets substituted for permanent magnets, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of:

arranging the articles in a column; producing a magnetic field in a predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, each of a plurality of holding positions into each of which an article is to be dispensed from the'column;

engaging the articles in the column with a latch to support the articles in the column;

moving each holding position and its field in sequence toward the column of articles to withdraw the latch from engagement with the articles to release them; and

moving each holding position and its field further in the same direction to return the latch to engagement with the articles in the column to again support the articles remaining in the column whereby the articles areindividually dispensed into the article holding positions.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of arranging the articles includes vibratory feeding of the articles end to end.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the latch moves linearly into and out of engagement with the articles, and the holding positions move arcuately.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein both the latch and the holding positions move arcuately.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein both the latch and the holding positions move linearly.

7. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of:

feeding the articles to a dispensing position, said position having a ledge for retaining the articles and a latch, responsive to a magnetic field, working in cooperation with the ledge to disengage the articles therefrom;

positioning a magnet in fixed relation to and for movement with each of a plurality of holding positions into each of which an article is to be dispensed;

moving each holding position and its magnet in sequence into alignment with the dispensing position to attract the latch and disengage one of the articles from the ledge; and

moving each holding position and its magnet further in the same direction to'return the latch to its initial position to enable the ledge to retain the remaining articles, whereby the articles are dispensed individually into the holding positions.

8. An apparatus for dispensing articles, which comprises:

means for constraining the articles in an aligned relationship;

means for moving a plurality of work positions individually in a first direction past and in cooperation with the article constraining means;

magnetic means mounted ina spaced relationship to each work position for movement therewith; and means, mounted for movement relative to the constraining means and responsive to the magnetic means, for releasing the articles from the constraining means into the work positions upon movement of the releasing means in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and for then retaining the remaining articles in the constraining means upon the movement of the releasing means in the first direction, whereby the articles are dispensed individually into the work positions.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the work positions and the magnetic means and the means for individually releasing and retaining the articles move arcua tely.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for individually releasing and retaining the articles moves linearly.

11. An apparatus for dispensing shouldered articles into work positions, which comprises:

means for feeding the articles in a column to the work positions, each of which accepts one article;

means for moving the work positions past the column of articles in cooperation with the feeding means;

magnetic means fixed to the work-position moving means in spaced relation to the work positions for movement therewith;

a latch for engaging the shoulder of one of the articles, the latch being slideably mounted with respect to the feeding means and responsive to the magnetic means, so that the latch is withdrawn from engagement with the shoulder of the most advanced article in the column by the magnetic means appreaching the feeding means, and is returned to engagement with the shoulder of the mext article by further movement of the magnetic means toward the feeding means, to release eacharticle into one of the work positions.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 1, wherein the latch includes a permanent magnet to enhance its responsiveness to the magnetic means.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the means for moving the work positions is a rotary disc and the feeding means includes a vibratory feed.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the magnetic means and the permanent magnet of the latch are ring magnets magnetized axially with opposite poles facing each other.

15. A magnetic escapement for dispensing straightsided articles into work positions, which comprises:

a dispensing position;

means for feeding the articles end to end to the dispensing position;

means for keeping the articles in the dispensing position until they are to be dispensed;

means for moving the work positions past the dispensing position in cooperation therewith; magnetic meansfixed in spaced relation to each work position for movement therewith; and

means, responsive to the magnetic means, for disengaging the articles from the means for keeping said articles in the dispensing position so that they escape into the work positions.

16. An escapement according to claim 15, wherein the means for feeding the articles includes a vibratory feeder, and a guide tube, one end of which is at the dis pensing position, and the means for keepingthe articles in the dispensing position includes a ledge.

17. An escapement according to claim 16, wherein the means for moving the work positions moves them arcuately, the magnetic means are permanent ring magnets, and the means for disengaging the articles includes a permanent ring magnet to make it responsive to the magnetic means.

18. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of:

arranging the articles in a column;

producing a magnetic field in a predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, a holding position into which an article is to be dispensed from the column;

moving the holding position and its field toward the column of articles to withdraw the latch from engagement with' the articles and release oneof the articles; and

moving the holding position and its field further in the same direction to return the latch to engagement with the articles in the column to again support the articles remaining in the column whereby the articles are individually dispensed into the article holding position.

19. A method for dispensing an article, which comprises the steps of:

feeding the article to a dispensing position;

producing a magnetic field in a fixed predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, a receptacle for the article;

pensing position; means, responsive to a magnetic field, for retaining the articles in the dispensing position until they are to be dispensed; means for moving the dispensing position and work positions relatively so that they pass in proximity to each other; and means for producing a magnetic field for disengaging the retaining means from the articles to release said articles into the work positions and for returning the retaining means to engagement with the articles, the field producing means having a fixed space relation to the work positions for movement therewith.

Claims

1. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of: arranging the articles in a column; producing a magnetic field in a predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, each of a plurality of holding positions into each of which an article is to be dispensed from the column; engaging the articles in the column with a latch to support the articles in the column; moving each holding position and its field in sequence toward the column of articles to withdraw the latch from engagement with the articles to release them; and moving each holding position and its field further in the same direction to return the latch to engagement with the articles in the column to again support the articles remaining in the column whereby the articles are individually dispensed into the article holding positions.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic field is produced by ring-type permanent magnetics and another such magnet is fixed to the latch and oppositely polarized so that the latch is responsive to the magnets positioned relative to the holding position.

7. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of: feeding the articles to a dispensing position, said position having a ledge for retaining the articles and a latch, responsive to a magnetic field, working in cooperation with the ledge to disengage the articles therefrom; positioning a magnet in fixed relation to and for movement with each of a plurality of holding positions into each of which an article is to be dispensed; moving each holding position and its magnet in sequence into alignment with the dispensing position to attract the latch and disengage one of the articles from the ledge; and moving each holding position and its magnet further in the same direction to return the latch to its initial position to enable the ledge to retain the remaining articles, whereby the articles are dispensed individually into the holding positions.

8. An apparatus for dispensing articles, which comprises: means for constraining the articles in an aligned relationship; means for moving a plurality of work positions individually in a first direction past and in cooperation with the article constraining means; magnetic means mounted in a spaced relationship to each work position for movement therewith; and means, mounted for movement relative to the constraining means and responsive to the magnetic means, for releaSing the articles from the constraining means into the work positions upon movement of the releasing means in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and for then retaining the remaining articles in the constraining means upon the movement of the releasing means in the first direction, whereby the articles are dispensed individually into the work positions.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the work positions and the magnetic means and the means for individually releasing and retaining the articles move arcuately.

11. An apparatus for dispensing shouldered articles into work positions, which comprises: means for feeding the articles in a column to the work positions, each of which accepts one article; means for moving the work positions past the column of articles in cooperation with the feeding means; magnetic means fixed to the work-position moving means in spaced relation to the work positions for movement therewith; a latch for engaging the shoulder of one of the articles, the latch being slideably mounted with respect to the feeding means and responsive to the magnetic means, so that the latch is withdrawn from engagement with the shoulder of the most advanced article in the column by the magnetic means approaching the feeding means, and is returned to engagement with the shoulder of the mext article by further movement of the magnetic means toward the feeding means, to release each article into one of the work positions.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the latch includes a permanent magnet to enhance its responsiveness to the magnetic means.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic means and the permanent magnet of the latch are ring magnets magnetized axially with opposite poles facing each other.

15. A magnetic escapement for dispensing straight-sided articles into work positions, which comprises: a dispensing position; means for feeding the articles end to end to the dispensing position; means for keeping the articles in the dispensing position until they are to be dispensed; means for moving the work positions past the dispensing position in cooperation therewith; magnetic means fixed in spaced relation to each work position for movement therewith; and means, responsive to the magnetic means, for disengaging the articles from the means for keeping said articles in the dispensing position so that they escape into the work positions.

16. An escapement according to claim 15, wherein the means for feeding the articles includes a vibratory feeder, and a guide tube, one end of which is at the dispensing position, and the means for keeping the articles in the dispensing position includes a ledge.

18. A method of dispensing articles, which comprises the steps of: arranging the articles in a column; producing a magnetic field in a predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, a holding position into which an article is to be dispensed from the column; engaging the articles in the column with a latch to support the articles in the column; moving the holding position and its field toward the column of articles to withdraw the latch from engagement with the articles and release one of the articles; and moving the holding position and its field further in the same direction to return the latch to engagement with the articles in the column to again support the articles remaining in the column whereby the articles are individually dispensed into the article holding position.

19. A method for dispensing an article, which comprises the steps of: feeding the article to a dispensing position; producing a magnetic field in a fixed predetermined relationship to, and for movement with, a receptacle for the article; engaging the article with a latch which is responsive to a magnetic field; moving the dispensing position and receptacle and field relative to each other to decrease the distance between the position and receptacle so that the latch is withdrawn from engagement with the article to release it; and continuing the same relative movement of the position and receptacle and field to return the latch.

20. A magnetic escapement for dispensing articles from a dispensing position into work positions, which comprises: means for feeding the articles to the dispensing position; means, responsive to a magnetic field, for retaining the articles in the dispensing position until they are to be dispensed; means for moving the dispensing position and work positions relatively so that they pass in proximity to each other; and means for producing a magnetic field for disengaging the retaining means from the articles to release said articles into the work positions and for returning the retaining means to engagement with the articles, the field producing means having a fixed space relation to the work positions for movement therewith.