Light Positioning System and Method of Using the Same

摘要

A light positioning system for use in transferring a container to a buffer is disclosed. The system includes a light signal that is disposed adjacent the buffer for guiding an operator to position a chassis into the buffer and a program logic controller. The system also includes a thru beam sensor. The thru beam sensor senses movement of the container into the buffer and outputs data to the program logic controller. The system further includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor determines a distance from the distance sensor to the container and outputs data to the program logic controller. The program logic controller determines a length of the container based on the data received from the thru beam sensor and the distance sensor and provides an output signal to the light signal based on the length of the container and the data received from the distance sensor.

主权项

1. A buffer for transferring a container, the buffer comprising:
a first frame member having first and second vertical supports, wherein a first lift beam is disposed between and attached to the first and second vertical supports; a second frame member having third and fourth vertical supports, wherein a second lift beam, substantially parallel to the first lift beam, is disposed between and attached to the third and fourth vertical supports, and wherein the first and second frame members define a channel therebetween; a first set of support pads movably attached to the first lift beam; a second set of support pads movably attached to the second lift beam; a plurality of sensors connected to a program logic controller; a light signal adjacent the buffer and electrically connected to the program logic controller; and a plurality of actuators connected to each set of the support pads and the program logic controller, said plurality of actuators capable of moving the support pads from a first position to a second position.