Title:
MODULAR MANUFACTURING LINE INCLUDING A BUFFER AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREFOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2010/080998
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A manufacturing line (480, 520) includes a plurality of manufacturing modules (360) positioned in series and defining a main path (481, 526) through the manufacturing line (480, 521). A main track assembly (481, 526) is supported by the manufacturing modules (360) and includes a friction drive system (270) for transporting a trolley assembly (434) along the main path (481, 526). A buffer (430) is positioned to receive the trolley assembly (434) from the main path (481, 526) and includes a first track assembly (432) that includes the friction drive system (270) for transporting the trolley assembly (434) along the first track assembly (432). The first track assembly (432) is sized to support at least two trolley assemblies (434) thereon. The buffer (430) also includes a second track assembly (436) that includes the friction drive system (270) for transporting the trolley assembly (434) along the second track assembly (436). The second track assembly (436) is also sized to support at least two trolley assemblies (434) thereon. A first movable track assembly (444) of the buffer (430) is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first movable track assembly (444) and the first track assembly (432), and a second position defining a second continuous path along the first movable track assembly (444) and the second track assembly (436).
Inventors:
SPANGLER JOHN M (US)
BILSON DAVID G (US)
BILSON DAVID G (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2010/020497
Publication Date:
October 21, 2010
Filing Date:
January 08, 2010
Export Citation:
Assignee:
CATERPILLAR INC (US)
SPANGLER JOHN M (US)
BILSON DAVID G (US)
SPANGLER JOHN M (US)
BILSON DAVID G (US)
International Classes:
B65G21/22; B65G47/51; G06F7/00
Foreign References:
| EP1064212B1 | 2002-12-11 | |||
| US20040002788A1 | 2004-01-01 | |||
| US20040195073A1 | 2004-10-07 | |||
| US6516239B1 | 2003-02-04 |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CARTER, Janda, M. et al. (Peoria, IL, US)
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