INTEGRATED LOAD PORT-CONVEYOR TRANSFER SYSTEM

摘要

A transfer system (10) and method (figure 16) for moving an article (12) between a conveyor (14) and a workstation (16). The transfer system (10) includes an elevator system (60) having a lift device (64) configured to engage the article carried by a conveyor (14) and raise the article (12) above the conveyor (14). The lift device (64) is movable between a stand-by position with the lift device (64) positioned for the movement of articles (12) past the lift device (64) along the conveyor (14), and an actuated position with the lift device holding the article (12) above the conveyor. The transfer system (10) also includes a support assembly (62) for supporting the article (12) vicinal a workstation. The support assembly (62) including a shelf (120) for retaining the article (12) at the workstation (16) and a displacement mechanism (126) for moving the shelf (120) between the conveyor (14) and the lift device (64). The method (figure 16) includes moving a support (62) to engage the article (12) and lift the article (12) above the conveyor (14), extending a load port shelf (120) to the conveyor (14) and inserting the shelf (120) between the article (12) and the conveyor (14). After the shelf (120) is extended, the method (figure 16) includes moving the support (62) to deposit the article (12) onto the shelf (120), and after the step of moving the support (62), the method (figure 16) includes retracting the shelf (120) to the load port (22).