US 12,459,735 B2
Apparatus, system, and method for automating parts delivery
Lloyd R. Holland, Georgetown, KY (US); Scottie L. Foster, Lawrenceburg, KY (US); Bradley J. Garcia, Louisville, KY (US); Michael C. Greenlee, Paris, KY (US); Jeffrey L. James, Mount Sterling, KY (US); Annetta L. Allen, Trenton, MI (US); Ronnie G. Kiser, Jr., Lexington, KY (US); and Andrew B. Novian, Winchester, KY (US)
Assigned to TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., Plano, TX (US); and TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, (JP)
Filed by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Plano, TX (US)
Filed on Mar. 16, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/122,660.
Prior Publication US 2024/0308764 A1, Sep. 19, 2024
Int. Cl. B65G 1/08 (2006.01); B65G 1/04 (2006.01); B65G 43/08 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 1/0492 (2013.01) [B65G 1/08 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for delivering a part to another system, the apparatus comprising:
a platform including a plurality of holding stations configured to hold a plurality of parts to be delivered to another system, the plurality of holding stations including at least a first holding station configured to hold a first part and a second holding station configured to hold a second part;
a first gate member coupled to the first holding station and a first engaging member coupled to a first spring and configured to engage with a first guide member coupled to another apparatus, the first gate member being configured to move to an open position and release the first part when the first engaging member is engaged with the first guide member on the another apparatus, the first engaging member configured to move downward to the open position causing the first spring to compress; and
a second gate member coupled to the second holding station and a second engaging member coupled to a second spring and configured to engage with a second guide member coupled to the another apparatus, the second gate member being configured to move to an open position and release the second part when the second engaging member is engaged with the second guide member on the another apparatus, the second engaging member configured to move downward to the open position causing the second spring to compress.