Automated in-process pipe storage and retrieval system
Patent 4642017 Issued on February 10, 1987. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 10, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 10, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 06/430746 filed on 09/30/1982US Classes:414/348, Having portion suspended from vehicle on overhead way212/312, TRAVELING BRIDGE212/325, Overhanging end212/346, Trolley having wheels which contact different sides or planes of a beam414/21, WITH WEIGHING414/273, With control system responsive to changeable operating instructions414/542, Hoist having traversing (i.e., horizontal) movement414/608, Separable rack414/745.7, Sequentially acting, diverse handling devices414/789.9, With means for removing completed stack from stacking location414/792.9, With article gripping means414/793.2Includes magnetic-type article gripping meansExaminersPrimary: Paperner, Leslie J.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG06Q 10/00 (20060101)B65G 1/04 (20060101) AbstractAn automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane. Moreover, a center of gravity alignment feature at such stations balances pipe in the containers. A footer support system reinforces the storage facility floor where containers are placed thereby minimizing overall floor carrying capacity requirements.Other References
Field of SearchWITH WEIGHINGPLURAL, STATIC STRUCTURES FOR SUPPORTING DISCRETE LOADS AND CHARGING OR DISCHARGING MEANS THEREFOR With control system responsive to changeable operating instructions Charging or discharging means includes elevating device, movable in horizontal direction (e.g., portable, etc.), having load-sustaining surface With load-supporting pallet Having portion suspended from vehicle on overhead way Hoist having traversing (i.e., horizontal) movement Separable rack | |
