Patent Application
20120065772
The present invention relates generally to a system, a container, a container mounting structure, and a container mounting assembly. More particularly, the invention is directed to an automated production system, a container, a container pallet, and a container pallet assembly for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing, collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reduced wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.
The nursery industry supplies ornamental crops to the consumer by way of large nurseries, which grow the crop for the landscaping and garden centers where consumers and landscapers acquire their plants for planting in consumer's yards.
The nursery industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the US, with more than 20,000 nurseries nationwide. Evidence suggests that his industry, like many, also conforms to the 80/20-rule, in that 80% of all ornamentals are grown by 20% of all growers nationwide. Plants can be segregated into shrubs and trees, the former of which is almost exclusively grown in plastic containers, and the latter grown both in containers and in the ground (known as ball-and-burlap or B&B nurseries). Container nurseries represent about 60% of the nursery industry, while the B&B portion accounts for the remainder.
Plants grown in containers can be shipped directly to the market without the need for transplanting. Container grown plants produce numerous advantages to the nursery by reducing labor cost, as well as handling, packaging and other operating costs. In addition, growing plants in containers provides comparatively simplified weed control and enables controlled irrigation and fertilization.
Container nurseries range in size from a few acres to a few thousand acres, where the larger nurseries typically comprise operations at multiple sites. Some nurseries specialize in certain varieties while others grow many varieties of plants. Many nurseries clone their own varieties, propagating them, prior to planting them in containers and growing them in the field. Once plant material has sufficiently matured, it is sold to other nurseries, distributors, landscape contractors, and/or retail stores. Some nurseries specialize exclusively in propagation, while others only grow containers—nurseries might even specialize in growing certain ornamental varieties for a short period of time, before reselling them to other nurseries for further maturing before they are resold to the general public.
Container nurseries are located in different growing regions across the US, largely where climate benefits the type plant material grown. Plants are grown in greenhouses and in the field, as needed to provide a productive growing environment for the plant material. In order to maximize the usage of acreage, nurseries in the regions with frost and snow utilize greenhouses in which plants are grown over the winter.
Growing plants in containers does, however, have several disadvantages. While production labor content is, indeed, reduced through containerization of the plant material, substantial production labor is still necessary.
Virtually all container nurseries utilize seasonal immigrant labor, typically from Mexico, in order to meet their production needs throughout the growing seasons. Such labor is getting more difficult to obtain, requiring continued lobbying-effort in Washington, D.C. to guarantee exemptions from the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS), involves costly recruiting south of the border, transportation to and from their hometowns and their accommodations once in the US and working on site. In addition, the allure for workers to perform tiring and backbreaking work outdoors is fading when the same labor pool is being sought for other better paying and lower exertion jobs in the US economy such as assembly, custodial and other such job categories. Recently, the State of California has actually banned hand weeding of most crops due to worker back injury issues.
A large portion of labor-intensive tasks in container nurseries involves handling of containers. Containers are typically repotted before every growing season, requiring them to be picked up in the field, placed on trailers, brought to a potting shed where they are taken out of their containers and repotted in a larger container with additional soil (so called up-shifting), placed on trailers, driven out to the designated bed (usually an outdoor field area), where they are then placed back on the ground in a variety of different tight/staggered/spaced patterns to allow the plants to grow during the season. The plants are also fertilized and continually watered when in the field. Growers in frigid regions also need to take plants out of greenhouses and perform the up-shifting and spacing operations. All these operations are extremely labor intensive and need to be performed in as compressed a time as possible. Competing for time (typically mostly in early spring) is shipping of finished plant material, which generates the revenue for the nursery. This involves selecting plants, transporting them to the shipping dock and loading trucks. In the case of nurseries in the ‘snow belt’, containers that were placed in the field need to be moved into greenhouses, requiring another intensive labor effort to pick them from the field, transport them via trailer to the greenhouses, and tightly pack them inside the structures to survive the winter months.
The degree to which growers and laborers perform their jobs efficiently has a large impact on the nursery's profit margin and its ability to optimize plant growth and health. Since production labor is the prevalent cost in growing ornamentals (up to 20% to 35% of sales according to large growers), the potential for increasing the competitiveness of the industry through automation in order to reduce manpower requirements, or even smooth out the peak labor requirements, is potentially very large.
Schempf in U.S. Patent Application No. 20020182016 presents results of a survey taken of growers, which provides us a distribution of nursery production labor over various production-related tasks, as follows (where no. 1 rank implies the highest number of laborers required):
1. Moving containerized plants to the canning shed from the growing beds and from the growing beds to the potting shed.
2. Moving containerized plants from the growing beds to the staging (shipping) area.
3. Spacing the containerized plants in the growing beds.
4. Moving containerized plants into and out of the over-wintering houses.
5. Moving containerized plants for pruning plants.
6. Moving excess containerized plants during spacing operations.
7. Other miscellaneous tasks (including potting, weeding, spraying, and fertilizing).
One need for production labor that challenges growers due to its unpredictable nature is that associated with returning overturned containerized plant material to its normal upright condition following windstorms. Particulate fertilizer applied to the surface of the soil in the plant containers is spilled on overturning of plant containers. Such spilled fertilizer, which is often a substantial amount in total across the nursery, is often washed away by rain, rendering it an unrecoverable loss and adding substantially to nursery pollutant runoff. Even if the spilled fertilizer remains on the ground adjoining the overturned plants, labor to recover it and return it to the plant containers is substantial.
Uncontrolled overturning of containers also can damage the associated plant material and create the potential for spread of disease.
Other disadvantages of growing free-standing containerized plant material involve irrigation and other broadcast application of chemicals (fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, etc), whether liquid or solid particulate in nature. The soil mixture used for container grown plants usually has poor water retention so that irrigation must be regularly carried out to prevent the roots from becoming too dry. Such irrigation is typically accomplished by broadcast sprinkling, which results in the majority of applied water missing spaced plant containers. In most cases, spilled irrigation water flows to a retention pond where it can be reclaimed and reused. However, costs of electrical or other energy to run the one or more pumps that typically supply the spilled irrigation water is not recovered. Costs associated with wear of the irrigation system delivering the spilled water are also not recovered. Further, water losses still occur due to evaporation and percolation of at least part of the spilled irrigation water as it runs downhill along its drain paths to the retention pond, particularly in dry locales of relatively low humidity, where the water is needed most and is, thus, typically relatively expensive. Further still, reclaimed water, potentially originating from many areas within a nursery, has the potential to spread disease.
Disadvantages similar to those of broadcast irrigation apply also to broadcast application of chemicals. Spillage of such materials further potentially contributes adversely to pollution in nursery site runoff, particularly following rain sufficient to cause overflow of the nursery's one or more retention ponds.
Beeson, Haman, Knox, Smajstrla, and Yeager in U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,549 present a plant container and container attachment yielding a funnel-shaped container upper opening for collecting otherwise spilled irrigation water and for attachment to adjoining like containers for increasing container orientation stability. The container attachment, while relatively effective at collecting otherwise spilled irrigation water, contemplates substantial additional labor for implementation, which quickly negates water savings.
In addition, above ground containers of containerized plants are often in direct sunlight and wind, which contribute to rapid water evaporation. Most containers used by wholesale nurseries have thin walls and are constructed of plastic containing carbon black, an ingredient that promotes high container longevity, but makes the containers black in color and, thus, highly absorbent of impinging sunlight's radiant energy. The thin side wall(s) of the container thus become hot in direct sunlight and can scorch root tips approaching the container side wall(s) on the inside, adversely affecting the plant growth potential. Above ground containerized plants in more northern regions are also subject to freezing temperatures that combine with high winds to cause convective heat losses by the containers sufficient to freeze roots of containerized plants, potentially killing the plants.
To minimize these disadvantages associated with container grown plants, many nurseries anchor or bury the containers in the ground. This reduces the risk of the roots freezing and the plant from blowing over in high winds. A significant disadvantage of buried containers is the difficulty of removing the container from the ground before the plants can be shipped. Moreover, the roots from the plant grow outward through the drain holes in the container into the surrounding soil. This increases the amount of effort required to remove the container from the ground and usually results in root damage to the plant. An example of this type of growing system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,135. This growing system provides a sufficiently large opening in the container to encourage the roots to grow outwardly into the surrounding soil. A shovel or other tool cuts the roots enabling removal of the container from the ground, inherently resulting in damage to the root system.
In recent years, many nurseries have used a below ground system where an empty container is buried in the ground and a growing container containing the plant is placed in the buried container. This system is often referred to in the industry as a pot-in-pot system. The system has several advantages over other growing systems. In particular, the pot-in-pot type system provides protection for the roots to resist freezing and from drying out in the sun. In addition, the buried container anchors the plant container and reduces the risk of the plants from overturning in high winds.
As in other below ground growing systems, the roots from the growing container often grow outward from the drain holes into the below ground container. The below ground container is required to have drain holes to prevent excess water from remaining in the container which will otherwise cause the roots to rot, potentially killing the plant. Often times the roots from the growing container will grow outward through the drain holes of the below ground container and into the surrounding soil. When this occurs, it is difficult to remove the growing container from the below ground container since the containers are now tangled with the root system. In extreme like situations the growing container cannot be separated from the below ground container without removing both containers from the ground and cutting the roots. This disadvantage increases the labor costs and damages the root system of the plant.
Another disadvantage of in-ground pot-in-pot systems is a lack of means of collecting and funneling broadcast applications to the containerized plants, resulting in costs of broadcast application spillage or of increased labor for direct application to the containerized plants. Low-flow drip irrigation systems are often used on larger such containers, but necessitate substantial labor for setup.
Another disadvantage of in-ground pot-in-pot systems is the potential for the ground in which said systems are mounted to have poor percolation, resulting in significant retention of rainwater in said pot-in-pot system and associated resulting rot of roots of incorporated containerized plants, reducing yield.
Another disadvantage of in-ground pot-in-pot systems, particularly in growing smaller plant material, is the lowering of potted plant foliage to a point nearer the ground, where it either must compete with proximal weeds for sunlight or may be damaged by weed eradication equipment, wherein such weeds tend to grow in soil exposed through breeches in or in the absence of typical plastic weed prevention sheeting material by the socket pots, increasing labor and weed control chemicals.
Another disadvantage of in-ground pot-in-pot systems, particularly in growing smaller plant material, is the relatively close spacing of open socket pots needed to maximize bed space utilization, such spacing resulting in awkward and potentially hazardous manual interaction with bed due to the plurality of essentially open holes in the bed.
Another disadvantage of in-ground pot-in-pot systems is the tendency for socket pots to become at least partially filled with clippings and other debris following crop harvest, resulting in additional labor to clear such debris for proper nesting and drainage of subsequently incorporated containerized plants.
Schempf in U.S. Patent Application No. 20020182016 offers an example of a machine for semi-automatically transferring containerized plants between a bed and trailer in the interest of reducing nursery production labor. However, significant labor is still required for a portion of the proposed container handling operation and to address machine mishandling of containers, which Schempf, in related reports, indicates affect between 0.4% and 2.3% of containers handled, i.e., typically at least one container out of every 250.
Examples of various plant growing containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,038,813 to Moore et al, 4,106,235 to Smith, 5,279,070 to Shreckhise et al, 5,099,609 to Yamauchi and 1,665,124 to Wright and Italian Patent No. 681968 and French Patent No. 427,391. These patents disclose plant container systems having a plant container and a receptacle container for receiving the plant container and holding water for supplying water to the plant. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,515,783 to Peng, 4,232,482 to Watt et al, 4,027,429 to Georgi and 1,533,342 to Schein disclose growing containers having a tray or other container below the plant container for collecting water. These containers do not provide a system for preventing the roots of the plant from becoming entangled with the other container.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the industry for improved containerized plant growing system that overcomes the above disadvantages.
The present invention is directed to an automated system, a container, a structure, and a method, for improving the effectiveness of growing multiple containerized plants and, particularly, a simple free standing structure for supporting in upright orientations multiple containerized plants in planar arrays on a generally horizontal surface, as well as automated machinery for transporting, handling, assembling, and disassembling such structure assemblies.
Said pallet comprises a generally horizontal upper wall portion having a two-dimensional array of downwardly extending receptacles each substantially matching the shape of a container for receipt by each said receptacle, said container for holding soil and a live plant. The center of bottom wall of receptacle further opens to a hollow protrusion extending downward from said receptacle bottom wall, to a closed bottom wall that contacts the surface on which pallet rests, said protrusion forming a column, which with other like columns, collectively support pallet and contents. Said columns provide for effective spacing of bottom of supported container a short distance above pallet installation surface, providing for air pruning of roots growing from container drain holes, improved drainage of containers mounted in pallets sitting on a low, ill-draining mounting surface, and for lifting of pallets from beneath bottoms of containers mounted in pallets.
Said container has at least one side wall coupled to a bottom wall, and at least one drain opening through said at least one side wall and/or through said bottom wall. Said container which may be cylindrical or frustal in shape may further have an annular groove in its bottom wall, concentric with the container vertical centerline, for engagement with a complementary lifting device, facilitating container handling stability during pallet assembly and disassembly processes. Such a groove also provides for improved container water retention when combined with strategic placement of container drain holes.
Unitization of containerized plant material yields a pallet assembly having low height relative to its plan area or footprint, thus achieving significant increase in stability relative to like containerized plant material standing free. Such a unitized pallet assembly significantly resists movement in the face of wind forces as well as transport undulations. Thus, the probability is much greater that a unitized pallet assembly will remain standing in the same location and orientation for a significant period of time, relative to free-standing plant material. Such stability, without the need for ground-penetrating anchors or receptacles, makes flexible, automated handling and processing of palletized plant material economically feasible.
Said upper wall portion further substantially blocks direct sunlight impingement on side of each said container, reducing sunlight heating of wall of said container and consequent adverse heating of proximal roots in said container. Said reduced sunlight heating of container sides also reduces the rate at which soil in the container dries and, thus, reduces variation in moisture from the center of the container to its side wall(s), and, thus, reducing the characteristic differences between soil in the container and soil in the ground. This presents a more natural growing environment for the containerized plant. Said upper wall portion further substantially blocks sunlight needed for weed growth around said containers, reducing the need for herbicide or weed-pulling labor and the associated costs. Said upper wall portion is further contoured as multiple, contiguous funnels concentric with and terminating in said container receptacles, for collecting and shedding broadcast applications to upper surfaces of soil of said containerized plants in said containers, significantly reducing spillage of said broadcast applications. Contouring of said upper wall portion along with proper color and finish of its upper surface further promotes reflection of desired sunlight onto foliage of said containerized plants, enhancing photosynthesis and associated growth of said containerized plants.
Bottom wall of container receptacle is also elevated to reduce ground contacting area of said structure, substantially reducing adverse forces on structure assemblies resulting from impact of proximal moving accumulated rainwater against lower portion of said structure. Incorporation of elevated container platforms also reduces the potential for uncontrolled root rot otherwise resulting from containers sitting on intermittent low ground where pools of water may persist well beyond occurrences of rain showers.
Further, tapered geometry of said structure ensures it nests closely, quickly and easily in a stack of said structures and denests quickly and easily from a stack of said structures. Further, said structure provides physical guidance features for quick, simple, consistent installation and removal of said containerized plants, and for mechanized operations involving said structure.
Thermoforming/trimming is the preferred construction method given the thin-wall nature of the structures and the value added from incorporation of two-layer sheet material. Thermoforming process may further incorporate integral compression molding, providing close control and thinning of selected walls of structure, e.g. for producing integral spring-loaded hinges at funnel spout portion inlets needed for ingress and egress of mounted containers in one style of structure. Structures could also be injection molded of a single color material, with a potential subsequent coating operation applying a second color achieving a result similar to thermoforming of two-layer material. Construction could also be of formed sheet metal with separately attached—either plastic over-molded or equivalently sprung hinged spouts in one style of structure. Preferred plastic would be tough and relatively rigid, typical of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and may be of post-consumer or post-industrial waste to keep costs low. Carbon black will preferably be incorporated to the primary, structural, layer to improve resistance to ultraviolet light. A light-colored upper layer is incorporated to achieve the desired light reflectivity. Stamped, sheet metal construction is of corrosion-resistant composition or has a corrosion-resistant coating.
This invention further contemplates pallet manipulation/handling, assembly and disassembly by automatic machinery comprising; a central pallet assembly/disassembly system, a pallet assembly transport train, and one or more pallet assembly field and/or greenhouse transfer units. A first embodiment of a central pallet assembly/disassembly system further comprises two pallet stacking/destacking units, two containerized plant/pallet assembly/disassembly units (PAU's), a pallet assembly transport train central transfer unit, a pallet/grid washing unit, a pallet/grid accumulation unit, interconnecting pallet conveyors, and two container indexing/spacing conveyor lines, and, optionally, a pallet assembly semi-automatic weeding conveyor line. The central pallet assembly/disassembly system is arranged in a loop, enabling pallet assemblies of a first type to be removed from a pallet assembly transport train, associated plant material removed from said pallets of a first type and loaded into pallets of a second type, and pallet assemblies of the second type returned to same pallet assembly transport train. Additional processes, e.g., automated or semi-automated potting, automated pruning/shaping, and/or automated, semi-automated, or automated weeding, may be incorporated into containerized plant conveyor loop handling plant material between points of plant material removal from said first and installation into said second pallet types. Most system components further operate bi-directionally, giving rise to a plurality of combinations of operating modes best suited to nursery seasonal production needs.
Such a system comprises servo-driven components with programmable motion and logic controls—including sensors and transducers for detecting and measuring, machine component and product positions—to achieve a high degree of flexibility. Variations in processed product combinations are accommodated by stored recipes of machine motion sequences, which, preferably are selected automatically by a central, enterprise-wide, inventory control/master scheduling computer/software system. Such a master control system directs the assembly/disassembly system and all other autonomous field machinery through radio digital command/feedback links. Real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK GPS) technology, which provides positioning accuracy to one centimeter horizontally and 2 centimeters vertically through radio signals from satellites and a base station, provides primary machine position and attitude measurements required by autonomous machinery operating in the field. For autonomous machine operation in areas not having requisite GPS satellite line-of-sight, e.g. in covered central pallet assembly/disassembly area, conventional buried magnet or wire, or laser beacon techniques fill in gaps in GPS position information. Integrated physical limit-, infrared-, radar-, and/or ultrasonic-based sensors provide for personnel detection around said autonomous machines for safe machine operation.
CAIDOC—containerized plant assembly input/disassembly output conveyor (part of PAU)
CGAA—container gripping adapter assembly (part of PAU
CGU—container gripping unit (part of PAU)
CLAA—container lifting adapter assembly (part of PAU
CLU—container lifting unit (part of PAU)
CPC—containerized plant conveyor
CPSC—containerized plant spacing conveyor
CSC—containerized plant spacing conveyor
FMSRT—feature mapping system, remote, trailer-mounted
FMUH—feature mapping unit, hand-held
GPS—global positioning system
HMI—human-machine interface
PA—pallet assembly
PC—pallet (/grid/pallet assembly/pallet stack/grid stack) conveyor
PACTU—pallet assembly central transfer unit
PAFTU—pallet assembly field transfer unit
PAGTU—pallet assembly greenhouse transfer unit
PAIDOC—pallet assembly input/disassembly output conveyor (part of PAU)
PAODIC—pallet assembly output/disassembly input conveyor (part of PAU)
PAS—pallet assembly/disassembly system
PATT—pallet assembly transport train
PAU—pallet assembly/disassembly unit
PE—pallet stack elevator (part of PGSA)
PGRU—pallet & grid rotating unit
PGSA—pallet & grid stack accumulator
PGSC—pallet & grid stack conveyor
PGSU—pallet & grid stacking/unstacking unit
PGWU—pallet & grid washing unit
PET—polyethylene terephthalate
PXC—pallet crossover conveyor
RTK GPS—real-time kinematic global positioning system
SCADA—supervisory control and data acquisition
Referring to the drawings which form part of this disclosure:
Referring now to the illustration of
Invention comprises in part a family of containerized plant pallet assemblies, a first embodiment of which comprises a spaced container pallet assembly 500 like that shown in
Pallet 502 comprises an array of mutually contiguous, coupled shallow funnel-shaped segments in which are centered openings from which extend hollow downward protrusions forming container receptacles 509 which complement shapes of containers to be received. Unitization of individual containerized plants into pallet assemblies 500 substantially reduces the ratio of the effective unit height/least plan area dimension compared with free-standing individual containerized plants 200 and, thus, provides for a corresponding substantial gain in stability of position and orientation of incorporated containerized plants 200 relative to freestanding individual containerized plants 200. Such stabilization increase substantially averts toppling of incorporated containerized plants 200 subjected to wind that would readily topple freestanding containerized plants 200. Stability increase also applies in transportation of incorporated containerized plants 200. Manipulation of individual containerized plants 200 is conducted solely by a central pallet assembly/disassembly system 1400, described below, in which close control over movement of such plant material to ensures highly reliable system operation.
Outer perimeter of pallet upper wall 504 incorporates a stiffening lip 564, which allows pallets to abut one another without overlapping of upper walls 504 of adjoining pallets. Such abutment promotes substantial sealing of air gaps otherwise existing between pallets, providing—with supplemental barriers—a significant barrier to passage of humid air from below pallet upper wall to above, promoting relatively dry foliage 223 and relatively moist soil, thereby reducing potential for moisture-related foliage diseases.
Pallet segments are mutually contiguously coupled at their outer perimeters 510, forming two-dimensional horizontal arrays of segments, producing a pallet 502. Pallet segment of a first embodiment incorporates a thin upper wall 504 with a hole in the center, forming the upper end of receptacle 509. Coupled indirectly to the perimeter of the hole is the upper edge of a thin receptacle side wall 542. The bottom edge of the receptacle side wall 542 is coupled to a plurality of equally-spaced segments of thin receptacle bottom wall 521 that extend radially inward. Coupled to the bottom wall 521 segments toward the container vertical centerline is a downwardly protruding hollow pallet support column 518 with a closed bottom wall 529.
Upper wall 504 of each pallet segment is in the shape of a funnel that collects impinging rain, irrigation water and broadcast liquids and particulates and conveys them to the container receptacle 509 in center of funnel. Upper wall 504 also shades side wall(s) 205 of container from direct sunlight, substantially eliminating adverse heating of proximal tips of roots 222 of mounted containerized plant 200. Further, upper surface of upper wall 504 is light colored, increasing reflection of sunlight toward containerized plant canopy 223, potentially increasing photosynthesis and plant growth rate. Simultaneously, heating below upper wall 504 is further reduced. Reduced heating of container reduces rate of soil 219 dehydration, which otherwise is greatest along the container side walls 205, and consequently improves the soil 219 spatial and temporal moisture consistency.
Funnel outer perimeter 510 is hexagonal in a first embodiment, yielding staggered rows of pallet segments, though other shapes are within the realm of this invention.
Pallet segment upper wall 504 incorporates stiffening ribs 513, which are coupled to like ribs on adjoining pallet segments to increase overall pallet stiffness.
Excessive accumulation of water on top 221 of soil 219 of mounted containerized plant 200, due to excessive rainfall, combined with the existence of a water seal between pallet receptacle 509 and mounted container 203, is undesirable as such accumulation increases purging of nutrients resident in soil 219 of containerized plants 200. Consequently, overflow drain holes 540 are incorporated are incorporated through pallet segment upper wall 504. Overflow drain holes 540 are in a first embodiment arranged to strike a balance between manufacturing ease, i.e., achievable with a single vertical punching action, and minimal plan area projection open to impinging falling water and other applications. Overflow drain holes are further placed through sides of ribs to minimize hole area projected both toward mounted containerized plant and up slope of funnel wall 504, thereby minimizing potential for radially outward growing plant foliage and collecting water to enter overflow drain hole 540. Finally, bottom edge of overflow drain holes 540 is located slightly above funnel surface 504 in rib side wall to divert away from overflow drain hole 540 water running down funnel wall 504 slope. Thus, water passing through any of the overflow drain holes 540 is substantially that forming a part of the water accumulation to the level of the associated overflow drain holes 540. It is expected that irrigation flow/timing are controllable so as to avert passage, i.e. spillage, of irrigation water through overflow drain holes 540. The vast majority of irrigation water and other liquid and particulate applications impinging on funnel wall 504 is shed to upper surface 221 of soil 219 of containerized plant 200.
Along the perimeter 511 of the upper end of receptacle 509 is an annular recess 543 of cross sectional area of sufficient size for receiving container lip 209 on installation of containerized plant 200, thereby minimizing accumulation of collected water outside of container lip 209. Recess 543 also incorporates an annular upward-protruding ridge proximal to radially inward perimeter of recess 543 for sealing against a corresponding container surface, described below.
Each container receptacle 509 of a first embodiment is essentially a thin-wall cup substantially matching the shape, though slightly larger in corresponding girth, of a container 203 to be received. Enlarged girth of container receptacle 509 relative to that of mounted container 203 ensures outer surface of container side wall 205 does not contact the inner surface of the container receptacle side wall 542 along its entire perimeter at any given elevation, thereby preventing wedging of container 203 in container receptacle 509 and promoting easy removal of containerized plants 200 from pallet 500. Continuous container receptacle side wall 542, combined with a small air gap between it and the container side wall 205 of an installed containerized plant 200 produces a thermal insulating layer particularly beneficial during the cold season. Humidification of air in gap arising from pallet integral water reservoir, described below, further aids soil temperature regulation, improving root growth environment. Also, continuous container receptacle side wall 542 protects outer surface of container side wall 205 of containerized plant 200 against soiling while in production, resulting in a high-quality nursery product presentation.
As shown in
Spaced along interface between receptacle bottom wall 521 and column side wall 525 are generally equally-spaced gussets 512, which provide for stiffening of said interface and for centering of rows of pallet columns 518 in respective gaps between fork tines of pallet-handling machinery described below. Gussets 512 are arranged to nest with corresponding and similarly effective gussets 819 or 614 of grids 800 or grids 600, respectively, when such are incorporated.
Receptacle bottom wall 521 incorporates container lifting access holes 545 and drain holes 551, which in a first embodiment are through upwardly protruding ribs 515 and risers 552, respectively, creating a water reservoir beneath entire installed container, for retaining container drainage up to a level just below bottom of installed container 203 holding containerized plant 200. This feature provides for improved regulation of temperature of soil 219 in container 203 and for water pruning of roots 222 protruding from container drain holes 228 and 241. Container lifting access holes 545 are at the highest local elevation in order to ensure water does not drain through them and thereby substantially prevents growth of roots 222 of installed containerized plants 200 out of container drain holes 228 and 241 and through container lifting access holes 545. This leaves container lifting access holes 545 substantially clear for passage of container lifting tooling 2654, described below. Temperature regulation includes heat sinking during the hot season and heat sourcing during the cold season. Cold season heat sourcing, combined with an effective double-wall root containment system, provides an additional degree of root ball freeze protection. Upper surfaces of ends of container receptacle bottom wall ribs 515 adjoining central hole 522 rise in elevation to provide seats against which sloped center portion 243 of container bottom wall can rest, limiting sag of container bottom wall center portion 244.
In a second embodiment of container receptacle drainage arrangement shown in
Hollow column 518, coupled to and extending downwardly from bottom wall 521 of container receptacle 509, supports weight of pallet 502 segment and mounted containerized plant 203. A thin column wall 529 closes column bottom, except where exist optional column drain holes 547 through column bottom wall recesses 548. Column side wall ribs 562 provide stiffening of column side walls 525 as well as communication of column drainage between column drain holes 547 and free surface of optionally incorporated grid 600. Column side walls 525 are preferably downwardly converging tapered, facilitating pallet alignment for automatic assembly and disassembly, described below, and facilitating pallet 502 molding process.
Columns 518 support bottoms of containers 203 elevated a short distance above the pallet mounting surface, promoting consistent container drainage control and blockage of rooting of containerized plant into pallet mounting surface, i.e., ground, via roots growing out of container drain holes 228 and/or 241. It also provides access to beneath bottoms of containers 203 for lifting of pallet assembly 500 by manual or automatic means, minimizing stress on receptacle side walls 542 during such lifting. Columns 518 also present to storm water running along ground a smaller impact area than a container seated directly on ground, thereby reducing water impact forces on pallet 500 relative to those on a pallet not incorporating columns.
Columns may have substantially rectangular or oval plans that increase lifting tooling, e.g., fork, access area on pallet assembly sides that have reduced projected distances between adjoining rows of pallet support columns 518.
As shown in
Upper perimeter of container sidewall 205 incorporates an integral stiffening lip 209 having a section enlarged relative to that of container sidewall 205 and extending radially outward from container sidewall 205, reinforcing the open upper end 204 of container 203 and providing a container lifting handle.
Side wall of a cylindrical or frustal container is preferably strictly circular in girth, though may incorporate vertical ribs, provided sufficient wall thickness or circular girdling is incorporated to prevent significant bulging of container girth. Bulging to the extent outer surface of container side wall 205 wedges against inner surface of container receptacle side wall 542 is unacceptable.
Container 203 incorporates an annular upward recess 233 in container bottom wall. Recess 233 preferably has a generally isosceles triangular section wherein the angle at its upper vertex is acute. Recess 233 cross section shape serves a container lifting stabilization role described below. Recess 233 may also serve a soil moisture retention role, acting as a dam blocking gravity flow of water in soil below upper rim of recess/dam 233 from one side of recess/dam 233 to drain holes on opposing side of recess/dam 233. Water in soil on side of recess/dam 233 opposite container drain hole 228 or 241, exclusively, as applicable, must climb over recess/dam 233 under diffusion/wicking action, against gravity, in order to reach incorporated drain hole 228 or 241, exclusively, as applicable, and, thus, the rate of soil dehydration in the affected zone is reduced relative to a zone in gravity communication with an incorporated drain hole 228 or 241, exclusively, as applicable. Omission of strictly container drain holes 228 through container bottom, radially outward from recess/dam 233, gives rise to an annular slowed dehydration zone radially outward from recess/dam 233. Omission of container drain holes 241 strictly through container bottom, radially inward from recess/dam 233, gives rise to a frustal slowed dehydration zone radially inward from recess/dam 233. Incorporation of all container drain holes 228 and 241 results in no slowed dehydration zone.
Radial, upward recesses 242 in container bottom wall 208 allow drainage from container inner drain holes to flow freely out from beneath an associated containerized plant sitting on a planar horizontal surface. Upward, outward sloping of drain hole recesses 229 and 243 enables drain holes 228 and 241 to convey drainage from beneath container and to be punched in a single vertical trimming stroke. Such sloping of outer drain hole recesses 229 also creates barriers to growth of containerized plant roots 222 from container drain holes 228 into lifting rod access holes 545 of pallet container receptacle 509. Also, a plurality of container inner seats 560 adjoining lifting access holes 545 block direct access to container lifting access holes 545 of roots 222 growing from container inner drain holes 241.
As shown in
An optional pallet-stiffening grid 800, shown in
An array of hollow, downwardly extending, slightly inwardly converging tapered pallet column receptacles 810 receive corresponding pallet segment columns 518. Each receptacle 810 has side wall 811 and bottom wall 812. Receptacle 810 is of slightly larger girth at corresponding elevations than that of pallet segment column 518, providing close registration of position of pallet 502 to grid 800 on engagement of pallet segment column 518 into receptacle 810, while avoiding wedging between side walls 525 and 811 of columns 518 and 800, respectively.
Container lifting access holes 815 through receptacle lip 813 of grid 800 aligns with corresponding container lifting access hole 545 through container receptacle. Receptacle flange 813, lip 814 and container lifting access holes 815 maintain ability of containerized plants 200 to be lifted from beneath containers 203 in the process of installing containerized plants 200 in pallet assemblies 500 and removing containerized plants 200 from pallet assemblies 500, with grids 800 incorporated as part of pallet assemblies 500.
Spaced along interface between receptacle lip 813 and column side wall 811 are generally equally-spaced gussets 819, which provide for centering of rows of grid receptacles and, thus, pallet columns 518 in respective gaps between fork tines of pallet-handling machinery described below. Gussets 819 are arranged to nest with corresponding and similarly effective gussets 512 of pallets.
Outer edges of receptacle bottom wall 812 incorporate equally-spaced upward recesses 817 having grid drain holes 816. Such an arrangement averts creation of a vacuum between pallet column 518 and grid receptacle 810, promoting ready separation of pallets 502 and grids 800 during disassembly of pallet assemblies incorporating grids 800.
A second embodiment of a pallet-stiffening grid 600, which incorporates its own integral water reservoir, is shown in
Container lifting access hole 603 through grid aligns with corresponding container lifting access hole 545 through container receptacle and is through upwardly protruding grid rib 608, at higher elevation than grid drain hole risers 605, thereby averting grid water drainage through container lifting access holes 603. Such aversion to drainage through container lifting access holes 603 consequently averts drawing to them roots 222 growing from container drain holes 228 or 241, as applicable. Container lifting access holes 603 maintain ability of containerized plants 200 to be lifted from beneath containers 203 in the process of installing containerized plants 200 in pallet assemblies 500 and removing containerized plants 200 from pallet assemblies 500, with grids 600 incorporated as part of pallet assemblies 500.
Hollow, downwardly extending, slightly downwardly converging tapered hollow column 602 at center of grid/water reservoir 600 segment receives corresponding pallet segment column 518. Column 602 has side wall 612 and bottom wall 613. Grid segment column 602 is of slightly larger girth at corresponding elevations than that of pallet segment column 518, providing close registration of position of pallet 502 to grid 600 on mating of columns, while avoiding wedging between side walls 525 and 612 of columns 518 and 602, respectively.
Spaced along interface between grid webbing 610 and column side wall 612 are generally equally-spaced gussets 614, which provide for centering of rows of grid receptacles and, thus, pallet columns 518 in respective gaps between fork tines of pallet-handling machinery described below. Gussets 614 are arranged to nest with corresponding and similarly effective gussets 512 of pallets.
One configuration of stiffening grid/water reservoir 600 may incorporate segment perimeter ridges 604 and container lifting hole 603 risers at elevations that upwardly limit the reservoir water free surface 607 to below plant container 203 bottom while a second configuration may incorporate variants of such features that upwardly limit the reservoir water surface 607 to above plant container 203 bottom, providing for continual contact of container soil with reservoir, and associated wicking
In the exploded view of
In the exploded view of
The container 203/2 shown in
The container 203/3 shown in
The container 203/4 shown in
The pallet segment 502/2 shown in
The pallet segment 502/3 shown in
The pallet segment 502/4 shown in
The pallet segment 502/5 shown in
The pallet segment 502/6 shown in
The pallet segment 502/7 shown in
The pallet segment 502/8 shown in
The pallet assembly segment 500/9 shown in
The pallet assembly segment 500/10 shown in
The elevation section view of
The elevation section view of
The elevation section view of
The elevation section view of
The elevation section view of
The elevation section view of
Pallet container receptacle 509/28 sides comprise equally spaced ribs 514/28 with open spaces between. Ribs 514/28 are coupled at their upper ends to funnel wall ribs 513/28 and at their lower ends to receptacle bottom wall ribs 515/28. Such arrangement of ribs 514/28 and open spaces applies in all embodiments involving chutes for conveying materials from funnel surface 504 into containers 203/28, as described below.
Focus of
Each of two adjoining, integral chutes comprises an upper segment 556/11 coupled along perimeter 535/11 and a lower segment 557/11 coupled to upper segment 56/11 along perimeter 538/11. Each of perimeters walls 535/11 and 538/11 is thinned by a groove on underside, forming an integral spring hinge. Protrusion 555/11 extending downward from funnel wall 504 limits outward deflection of chute upper segment 556/11, while protrusions 554/11 and 536/11, extending downward from chute upper segment 556/11 and lower segment 557/11, respectively, limit downward deflection of chute lower segment 557/11 relative to chute upper segment 556/11. Described deflections are the result of chute interaction with container lip 209/28 on container installation to and removal from associated pallet container receptacle. Chute side walls 531/11 prevent water from spilling from chute sides. Folds 537/11 and 538/11 in chute side walls 531/11 facilitate spring joint flexibility while preventing water loss from chute sides. Downward protrusions 536/11, on contact with radially outward surface of container lip 209/28 during container 203/28 removal from pallet assembly, ensure chute segments 556/11 and 557/11 deflect outward, clearing lip 209/28.
Free molded and trimmed state of chute depicted in
Each of two adjoining, integral chutes 530/12 is substantially rigid and is coupled along its upper perimeter by a thinned wall 535/12, which is thinned by a groove on underside, forming an integral spring hinge. Lip 203/28 of container being installed into associated pallet container receptacle 509/12 contacts side walls 530/12 of chutes 530/12, driving chutes 530/12 to rotate downward about hinge 535/12, until uppermost surface 211/28 of container lip 203/28 passes to below discharge edges 534/12 of chutes 530/12, at which point container 203/28 becomes seated in receptacle 509/12. Spring action of hinges 535/12 causes chutes 530/12 to rotate back upward, placing discharge edges 534/12 of chutes 530/12 over container lip 209/28. A cam 536/12 is integral to and extends downward from each side wall 531/12 of chutes 530/12. Cams 536/12 are separated from water discharge perimeter 534/12 so that water discharge perimeter is locally the lowest point contacted by discharging water and such water will have no surface leading outside of the container to which to cling and thus be substantially spilled. Discharging water therefore, in a worst case, drips vertically from chute discharge perimeter 534/12 onto downwardly, radially inwardly sloped upper surface 211/28 of container lip 209/28 and splashes largely into container 203/28. On removal of container 203/28 from pallet container receptacle 509/12, container lip 203/28 contacts cam 536/12, causing chutes 530/12 to again rotate downward until clear of path of container lip 209/28.
Chute side walls 531/12 prevent water from spilling from chute sides. Folds 537/12 in chute side walls 531/12 facilitate spring joint flexibility while preventing water loss from chute sides.
Free molded and trimmed state of chute depicted in
Each of two adjoining, integral chutes 530/13 is substantially rigid and is coupled along its upper perimeter by a thinned wall 535/13, which is thinned by a groove on underside, forming an integral spring hinge. Lip 203/28 of container being installed into associated pallet container receptacle 509/13 contacts side walls 530/13 of chutes 530/13, driving chutes 530/13 to rotate downward about hinge 535/13, until uppermost surface 211/28 of container lip 203/28 passes to below discharge edges 534/13 of chutes 530/13, at which point container 203/28 becomes seated in receptacle 509/13. Spring action of hinges 535/13 causes chutes 530/13 to rotate back upward, placing discharge edges 534/13 of chutes 530/13 over container lip 209/28. A cam 536/13 is integral to and extends downward from discharge edges 531/13 of chutes 530/13. Cams 536/13, spring-loaded against and conforming in shape to outer edge of container lip 209/28, substantially seals against container lip 209/28, directing water clinging to cam 536/13 over container lip 209/28 into container 203/28. On removal of container 203/28 from pallet container receptacle 509/13, container lip 203/28 contacts cam 536/13, causing chutes 530/13 to again rotate downward until clear of path of container lip 209/28.
Chute side walls 531/13 prevent water from spilling from chute sides. Chute side walls 531/13 between adjoining chutes are preferably flexible and joined to one another to achieve a bellows-type effect, further averting spillage. Folds 537/13 in chute side walls 531/13 facilitate spring joint flexibility while preventing water loss from chute sides.
Free molded and trimmed state of chute depicted in
Each of two adjoining, integral chutes 530/14 is substantially rigid and is coupled along its upper perimeter by a thinned wall 535/14, which is thinned by a groove on underside, forming an integral spring hinge. Lip 203/28 of container being installed into associated pallet container receptacle 509/14 contacts side walls 530/14 of chutes 530/14, driving chutes 530/14 to rotate downward about hinge 535/14, until uppermost surface 211/28 of container lip 203/28 passes to below discharge edges 534/14 of chutes 530/14, at which point container 203/28 becomes seated in receptacle 509/14. Spring action of hinges 535/14 causes chutes 530/14 to rotate back upward, placing discharge edges 534/14 of chutes 530/14 over container lip 209/28. Discharging water, in a worst case, drips vertically from chute discharge perimeter 534/12 onto downwardly, radially inwardly sloped upper surface 211/28 of container lip 209/28 and splashes largely into container 203/28. On removal of container 203/28 from pallet container receptacle 509/12, container lip 203/28 contacts underside of chutes 530/14, causing chutes 530/14 to rotate upward until clear of path of container lip 209/28. On passage of container lip 209/28 clear of chutes 530/14, chutes 530/14 spring back to free, downwardly, radially inwardly sloped state.
Chute side walls 531/14 prevent water from spilling from chute sides. Chute side walls 531/14 between adjoining chutes are preferably flexible and joined to one another to achieve a bellows-type effect, further averting spillage. Folds 537/14 in chute side walls 531/14 facilitate spring joint flexibility while preventing water loss from chute sides.
Free molded and trimmed state of chute depicted in
In a contiguous-container pallet assembly 400/2 of a second embodiment shown in
Pallets are preferably molded as single pieces of commodity plastic, e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Post-consumer or post-industrial recycled waste can be utilized to reduce material costs to the extent associated material savings are not offset by increased costs of reduced manufacturing process reliability. Molded plastic pallets, grids and grid/water reservoirs may be thermoformed or injection molded. Thermoformed pallets may further be of coextruded sheet, enabling incorporation of a relatively thin, sunlight reflective, white or equivalent pallet wall upper layer combined with a relatively thick, carbon black-loaded pallet wall lower layer as an ultraviolet light protected, durable structural layer. Thermoforming may further be combined with upstream in-line sheet extrusion for reduced material and energy costs. Thermoforming lends itself best to thin-wall, generally planar products like subject pallets, grids, and grids/water reservoirs, though necessitates a subsequent trimming operation for separation of parts from plastic processing support skeletons and for blanking holes in parts as needed. Area-specific partial compression molding is preferably incorporated into thermoforming process to achieve close-tolerance and other reduced wall thickness where necessary, e.g., grooves producing spring hinges for pallet chutes and perimeters of walls to be trimmed to reduce wear rate of trimming tooling. Increased reflection of sunlight adds a substantial portion of reflected sunlight to proximal plant foliage while simultaneously substantially reducing heating of mounted container sides and surrounding areas. Sunlight addition to foliage potentially increases photosynthesis and corresponding plant growth rate. Reduced container heating corresponds to reduced heating of roots proximal to container sides and to reduced rate of container soil dehydration, thereby increasing container soil spatial and temporal moisture consistency and associated root health.
Injection molded pallets, grids, and grids/water reservoirs have the benefit of allowing use of lower-cost grades of a given generic material, combined with better wall thickness control. However, more material is typically used for a given part, compared with thermoforming, and pallet material would be largely homogeneous by the nature of the process. Consequently, a carbon black-loaded pallet would be molded and subsequently have a sunlight reflective white coating applied to its upper side.
Pallets, grids, and grids/water reservoirs may also be formed and blanked out of sheet metal. Corrosion resistance and sunlight reflectivity would either be inherent in the material or be achieved through the addition of suitable coatings.
Containers, much like pallets, are preferably molded as single pieces of commodity plastic. However, most common container materials accepted in the industry are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Molded plastic containers may be thermoformed, blow molded or injection molded. Thermoformed containers may further be of coextruded sheet, enabling incorporation of a relatively thin, sunlight reflective, white or other color container wall outer layer, combined with a relatively thick, carbon black-loaded container wall inner layer as an ultraviolet light protected, durable structural layer. Other discussed thermoforming characteristics applying to pallets also apply to containers.
Blow molding of frustal, open-top containers usually involves extrusion/blow molding of a barrel, which is subsequently cut into two similar halves—each substantially a container—in a trimming process. Extrusion/blow molding process necessitates injection by a nozzle of high-pressure air into one end of a parison tube sandwiched between two female blow mold halves the insides of which together are in the shape of the subject barrel. Thus, a hole in the center of the bottom of one of every two containers produced by a conventional extrusion/blow molding process is a natural result. Therefore, feasibility of one variant of a container having soil reduced dehydration rate zone, as described earlier, is limited with an extrusion/blow molded container.
Injection molded containers have the benefits and limitations described for injection molded pallets and grids/water reservoirs.
The substantial gain in stability of position and orientation of containerized plant material offered by incorporation of such plant material into pallet assemblies 300, 400 and 500, and the relatively recent development of real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK GPS) technology gives rise to automation as illustrated in
RTK GPS as a position determination means does not necessarily preclude incorporation of supplemental position measuring systems, e.g., inertial navigation, laser-based, wire-in-ground or magnet-in-ground systems, on which machine controls rely in few locations where line of sight between subject machine and GPS satellites as required for GPS operation is not achievable, e.g. when machine is operating below a roof. Also, strategically placed, supplemental proximity or equivalent sensors in heads of or elsewhere on machinery typically provide fine position sensing of pallet and/or interacting machine edges, surfaces, and/or the ground, to facilitate proper interaction. Autonomous machinery also incorporates safety systems such as infrared, vision, and/or motion detection sensors to ensure machinery work area is properly cleared of personnel and other safety concerns while machinery is actively working.
A first embodiment of a pallet assembly/disassembly system (PAS) 2000 is shown in
The preferred implementation of such an automated system of machinery and pallets involves integration of machine controls with the following computer-based systems: plant material growth process database; nursery inventory and sales order scheduling and control system; and nursery financial control system. Plant growth process includes bills of materials, ideal plant material start time (month), start configuration (plug, clipping, etc.), irrigation schedule, fertilizing schedule, container upsizing schedule, growth duration for designated canopy size/shape, pruning schedule, etc.
A preferred embodiment of construction of conveyors employed for handling pallet stacks, pallets, pallet assemblies, and containers is as described herein.
Conveyors may of the belt/slider bed, belt/roller bed, or synchronous belt-driven closely spaced, small-diameter roller variety for smooth operation.
Conveyor belt of each belt type conveyor is composite, comprising multiple, closely laterally spaced synchronous belts 1527 for positive composite belt surface positioning and belt lateral “walking” elimination. Synchronous belt teeth of belt-type conveyors may also face up and, thus, provide the conveyed item support surface as conveyor motion is controlled to eliminate slip between belt. Compared to downward-facing, bed-contacting, sliding belt teeth, wear rate of upward facing belt teeth is substantially lower. Further, belt can incorporate low-friction backing, still further reducing belt wear rate.
Roller-type conveyors incorporate relatively closely-spaced, relatively small-diameter bed rollers as necessary for relatively small-width pallet support columns to smoothly span gaps between bed rollers as pallets are conveyed by such a conveyor.
Each conveyor incorporates programmable, numerically controlled servo positioning, determined by a master control system sequence for the active PAS 1500 operating mode. Such controls also provide programmable velocity, acceleration, and jerk control, providing for even smoother operation, consequently virtually eliminating slip between composite belt and conveyed items, resulting in accurate positioning of such items by composite belt while allowing for high-speed operation. All conveyors operate reversibly and do so as required for PAS 1500 operating mode. Controls also provide for conveying surface on each side of a transition between adjoining, interacting conveyors to move at the same speed while conveyed items are in simultaneous contact with both surfaces, still further promoting slip-free contact between conveyor belts and conveyed items, thereby maintaining high positioning accuracy of conveyed items. Each conveyor incorporates relatively small head and tail sprockets, allowing close spacing of tandem adjoining conveyors, which provides for stable transitioning of relatively small conveyed items between same. Each conveyor also has a relatively large diameter, elongated sprocket driving the composite belt on the return belt layer generally between head and tail rollers, facilitating drive of relatively large conveyed items while promoting long belt life. Drive sprocket is flanked by idler rollers that provide requisite composite belt tensioning and drive sprocket wrap angle. Composite belt drive sprocket is typically coupled to a servomotor through a drive train, comprising a drive train sprocket directly coupled to the composite belt drive sprocket, which, in turn, is driven by a gear belt, which, in turn, is driven by a second drive train sprocket, which, in turn, is coupled to a servomotor or servo gear motor, as load dictates. Frame of servomotor/gear motor, as applicable, is fastened to framework against which servomotor/gear motor reacts on imparting torque necessary to move composite belt.
As is typical in heavy-duty, precision positioning conveyor construction, all substantially continuously operating rotating joints incorporate rolling element, e.g., ball, bearings for repeatability. Such bearings are preferably sealed for long life. Use of belt construction provides the benefit of minimal system backlash while offering long life without the need for lubrication. Thus, conveyor accuracy is maintained with minimal system maintenance. Sealing of bearings encloses lubrication within bearing, minimizing tendency of lubricant to attract bearing-life-reducing contamination. Absence of exposed lubricant further promotes a long-lasting clean machine appearance.
Programmable servo conveyor belt positioning controls also provide for capture of the position of an item on conveyor relative to the strategic position along conveyor of an ancillary sensor, e.g., a photoelectric sensor, a narrow beam of which crosses laterally above the belt and is broken by a passing conveyed item, indicating detection of such item. A digital representation of belt position is reflected through the drive train by the servomotor shaft angle measuring device—typically a resolver with digitizing circuitry, or an encoder. Actuation of conveyor belt causes to move an item initially having an unknown position, enabling a leading or trailing edge of such conveyed item passing such sensor to cause sensor to change state, signaling control system. Control system, knowing geometry of conveyed item based on an active record obtained from a maintained database, and knowing sensor position on conveyor, thereby establishes position of conveyed item on receipt of sensor signal. Once position of item is established on a first conveyor, comparable programmable servo positioning controls of subsequent conveyor belts and related item manipulators compute, and, thus, reliably track item position as item progresses through PAS 1500, with subsequent item presence detection sensors employed only for item position verification and minor compensation, if necessary.
Unless otherwise described, conveyors are situated in metal—formed/welded/painted/bolted steel or bolted extruded aluminum—framework that fixes conveyor to ground or an adjoining frame.
Most PC's of first embodiment of PAS 1500 are at least twice the width of the widest pallet, 302, 402, or 502, grid 800 or grid 600 the PAS 1500 is configured to process, in order to convey two of such items closely laterally spaced. CPC's 1660 and 1660′ are of width sufficient to convey containerized plants in the largest diameter containers desired to be processed by PAS 1500.
Each manipulator carriage in the PAS 1500, unless otherwise specified, is constructed generally as described herein.
Each manipulator carriage incorporates programmable, numerically controlled servo positioning determined by a master control system sequence for the active PAS 1500 operating mode. Such controls also provide programmable velocity, acceleration, and jerk control, providing for even smoother operation, resulting in accurate positioning of such carriages while allowing for high-speed operation.
Each manipulator carriage in the first embodiment of the PAS 1500 moves linearly relative to other manipulator carriages or framework to which subject manipulator is attached. Relative motion between two manipulator carriages or between a carriage and a fixed frame is accommodated preferably by a cam follower bearing arrangement on the shorter of the two carriages, or of a carriage and frame, in the direction of motion, such cam follower bearing arrangement movably attached to a complementary track on the longer. Such motion is typically driven by a servomotor, the frame of which is typically mounted to the shorter of the two carriages—or of a carriage and frame, as applicable—in the direction of motion. The shaft of the subject servomotor (or servo gear motor, as the load dictates) typically mounts a sprocket, which, in turn, drives a gear belt, which, in turn, is fixed at its ends proximal to the opposing ends of the longer carriage. A pair of idler rollers provides for requisite wrap angle and tensioning of belt around sprocket and any long horizontal stretches of belt in contact with a support surface to substantially mute belt vibration.
Alternately, servomotor frame can be mounted to the carriage/frame containing the track for a movably connected carriage. A timing belt loop between two sprockets proximal to the ends of the subject track and movable carriage incorporates a clamp that is fastened to one of the timing belt legs. The shaft of the driving servomotor (or servo gearmotor) may be mounted to one of the loop end sprockets, or to a separate drive sprocket with flanking idler rollers on the unclamped leg of the loop. Also, two carriages mirroring one another may be driven simultaneously by this alternate arrangement simply by clamping one carriage to one leg and the other carriage to the other leg. These are a couple examples of the use of timing belts and sprockets.
Each substantially slender carriage that must move relatively perpendicularly to its long side and which is geometrically limited to minimal spacing of bearings in direction of travel necessitates coordination in movement between its ends with greater mechanical advantage than that offered by suggested bearing arrangement. In such case, a drive/synchronization shaft extending the length of the carriage may be incorporated into the drive train. A sprocket and belt arrangement like that described immediately above, is incorporated at each end of the drive shaft. In a convenient location along the drive shaft, preferably near the center for drive shaft torsional stiffness balance, is mounted a third sprocket, which is coupled to and driven by a third gear belt, which is, in turn, coupled to and driven by a fourth sprocket, which is mounted to and driven by the shaft of a servomotor or servo gear motor, as load dictates, the frame of which is fastened to the slender carriage. A rotary shaft coupling may be incorporated into the drive shaft near the third sprocket to facilitate change of the third timing belt. Bearings situated proximal to each sprocket and the rotary shaft coupling mount the drive shaft to the slender carriage. Such an arrangement is comparable to rack-and-pinion assemblies coupled to the ends or a long rotary shaft.
Flexible cable carriers, connected between carriages sharing a track/cam follower bearing arrangement, provide for delivery of electrical and fluid power and signals required by nested carriages. Any one of strategically located belt break sensors, on detecting a broken belt, signals control system, which automatically executes an appropriate emergency stop algorithm for the situation and presents audible and visual alarms that queue facility maintenance personnel to resolve issue.
As is typical in heavy-duty, precision positioning machinery, all substantially continuously operating rotating joints preferably incorporate rolling element, i.e., ball, bearings for repeatability. They also are preferably ‘permanently’ sealed for long life. Use of belt construction provides the benefit of minimal system backlash while offering long life without the need for lubrication. Thus, machine accuracy is maintained with minimal system maintenance. Bearing lubrication fittings can be provided at customer direction.
Programmable servo positioning controls provide for coordination of relative motion between two or more servo controlled carriages, enabling nested carriages to move in desirable paths relative to fixed space or one another, thus, achieving objectives not achievable without such coordination, and difficult with manual intervention. A digital representation of carriage position is reflected through the drive train by the servomotor shaft angle-measuring device—typically a resolver with digitizing circuitry, or an encoder. A ‘home’ limit switch/sensor, typically mounted proximal to one end of track on which carriage operates, is incorporated with servo positioning systems that utilize an incremental quadrature encoder or equivalent pulse train generator with internal pulse counter for carriage position determination. These features are all typically accommodated in today's motion control systems.
Linear timing belt-driven motion manipulator carriages that are driven at fixed inclined angles (including vertical) each typically incorporate a ‘counterbalance’ pneumatic cylinder. A ‘counterbalance’ pneumatic cylinder, as specified here and in several other vertical motion applications forming parts of this invention, is a pneumatic cylinder connected to a first machine element—a carriage or frame—and having a movable piston attached to a second machine element, where one machine element moves in part vertically relative to other machine element. Force applied by compressed air to side of cylinder piston that acts to lift inclined moving machine element provides for substantial cancellation of the effects of gravity on such machine element while other machine element is either stationary or moves in horizontal plane in a gravitational or other body force-producing field. Typically, piston side of cylinder that acts to lift inclined moving machine element is ported to a closed tank of compressed air, such tank having volume substantially greater than that of cylinder to avert unnecessary compressed air consumption while providing for minimal pressure variation as piston traverses cylinder, changing combined closed volume of compressed air. This allows for reduced motor/drive sizing and reduced mechanical energy waste, relative to a non-counterbalanced system, to accomplish a given task involving inclined motion.
True mass-based counterbalancing may be incorporated in relatively massive machine elements that to not move in consistent directions relative to a body force-producing field.
Linear motion manipulator carriages that are driven at inclined angles each also typically incorporate a failsafe brake device that is automatically applied with the removal of power to it, in an ‘emergency stop’ situation, or with detected breakage of a related carriage drive belt. Such a brake freezes the position of an inclined manipulator carriage relative to the carriage or frame to which the inclined carriage is directly movably attached, typically through a cam follower bearing/track arrangement.
Typical manipulator is constructed of metal—formed/welded/painted/bolted steel or bolted extruded aluminum—framework.
The aforementioned drive techniques are merely examples. Those skilled in the art readily appreciate the myriad of drive type possibilities suitable for given tasks, which may involve hydraulics, strict electric, pneumatic, mechanical (wedges/cams, levers, cranks, screws, etc.)
A first embodiment of a pallet assembly transport train (PATT) 1200, shown in
In first embodiment of PATT 1200, each traction drive 1203 comprises a servo gearmotor coupled to a corresponding traction wheel 1204 through a synchronous belt/sprocket set. Belt/sprocket set are shrouded for safety. PATT 1200 steering drive 1207 similarly comprises a servo gearmotor coupled to a steering assembly 1205 arcuate segment member that swivels about a vertical axis centered between two steering wheels 1208. Further, a steering belt break sensor, combined with two side-by-side steering belts, provides steering redundancy, enabling PATT to be safely stopped upon detection of steering belt breakage.
PATT 1200 RTK GPS-capable receiver 1211, receiving GPS satellite radio signals via two spaced GPS antennas 1212 and 1214 and an RTK GPS error correction signal from system base station 112 via radio antenna 1216, determines PATT 1200 position, and control system 1210, interacting with GPS receiver 1211, subsequently determines heading and attitude of PATT 1200.
PATT 1200 must also operate beneath a roof, where PAS 2000 resides, and where GPS satellite signals may not. Thus, PATT also incorporates a supplemental guidance system, based on buried wire or magnets, laser-reflector, inertial navigation, or dead reckoning techniques commonly used for autonomously guided vehicle guidance. PATT control system switches position sensing systems at predefined locations where two position sensing systems are both effective, ensuring PATT is constantly aware of its position throughout its operating domain.
PATT control system 1210 includes memory and permanent storage in which reside data and control algorithms pertaining to PATT 1200 operation. Data residing in PATT control system 1210 may include: geometry, configuration and operational status of PATT 1200; layout—including topography—of nursery in which PATT 1200 operates (particularly paths on which PATT 1200 operates); restrictions, e.g., area reduced speed limits; and, historical information, e.g. earlier detected PATT path topological aberrations, etc. Control algorithms include servo traction and steering drive position and speed loops, turn maneuvers, positioning maneuvers for loading and unloading, emergency stop sequences, communication link loss sequences, responses to human-machine interface (HMI) manual control inputs, etc.
Master control system 113, residing at base station 112 of
PATT 1200 normally operates in automatic mode wherein it follows predefined, computer-generated paths for carrying palletized plant material between loading and unloading points comprising pallet assembly central transfer unit 5000 (PACTU, described below) load/unload point of PAS 2000, a field growing area, a load/unload point proximal to a relatively small, inaccessible greenhouse, potentially inside a larger greenhouse, or some combination of those. Periodically, PATT's 1200 must transport stacks of pallets and, potentially, grids, between field- and/or greenhouse-based storage areas and PACTU 5000 load/unload point of PAS 2000.
PATT 1200 may also be operated in manual mode wherein it responds to inputs from an operator via a cable- or radio-linked HMI. An attachable seat may be provided for operator to safely ride on PATT 1200 while manually piloting it.
PATT 1200 depicted is battery-powered and incorporates electric, programmable servo drives (servo amplifier/motor packages) for actuation. Actuation could alternately comprise servo valve-controlled hydrostatic transmissions and have a diesel or gasoline engine as a prime mover. An alternator coupled to subject engine of a primarily hydraulically driven machine supplies electric energy to electric functions.
Electric primary drives offer a means to readily return PATT 1200 kinetic energy to potential energy, i.e., recharging battery through servo traction motor generation action during deceleration of PATT 1200, with minimal losses to thermal energy, resulting in a relatively efficient system, i.e. one requiring relatively the least amount of energy, i.e., operating expense, to travel a given distance with a given load.
Incorporation of positioning servo drives as traction drives provides PATT 1200 with an ability to sense and thereby minimize traction wheel slip, increasing PATT 1200 traction drive efficiency and reducing potential for PATT 1200 path rut development, particularly during wet PATT 1200 path conditions.
GPS-based positioning and a central, artificially illuminated, PAS 2000 also enables system to operate without light, i.e., at night. Lightning rods 1230 and associated grounding wiring and electrodes 1231 reduce risk of damage to PATT 1200 by a stroke of lightning, facilitating operation of PATT 1200 in a thunderstorm, thereby still further increasing system productivity.
Note that while most linear track rails throughout invention are shown as simple bars, structure of rails and bearings following them incorporates elements, typically rolling, that prevent normal separation of bearings from track rails, regardless of direction of force applied to bearings.
A first embodiment of PACTU 5000, shown in
PACTU 5000 comprises two stationary frames comprising risers 5011, 5012, 5021 and 5022, and lateral beams 5013 and 5023, with three progressively nested, mutually orthogonal, linear motion carriages culminating in a pallet assembly fork 5400. Frame lateral beams 5013 and 5023 incorporate track rails 5014 and 5024 traversed by a relatively slender overhead bridge (first carriage, 5050), which is sufficiently high to provide for passage beneath of a loaded PATT 1200. Bridge 5050 is perpendicular to PC line it spans and is of sufficient length to span: a PATT 1200 positioned parallel to and in close proximity to PC line; PC 5001 or 5002; and a parking lane for PACTU successive carriages nested below, including PACTU fork 5400. Four frame riser supports 5011, 5012, 5021, and 5022, extending from ground are situated in four corners of frame.
PACTU bridge 5050 is movably attached to stationary track rails 5014 and 5024 on frame. Bridge 5050 further incorporates a horizontal second linear track 5070, along length of bridge 5050, to which a second carriage 5100 is movably attached.
PACTU second carriage 5100 is movably attached to bridge track 5070, providing for movement along bridge 5050 of second carriage 5100. Second carriage 5100 may further incorporate a swivel bearing 5108 and drive servo gearmotor 5104 providing for rotation of a third carriage (lift mast) 5150 about a vertical axis. Third carriage 5150 incorporates vertical linear track 5153, to which a fourth, carriage 5200 (lift stage 1) is movably attached.
PACTU fourth carriage 5200 (lift stage 1) is movably attached to PACTU third carriage 5150 and incorporates a bearing track arrangement 5205 movably attached to PACTU fifth carriage 5250 (lift stage 2), which mounts PACTU fork 5400. Hydraulic cylinder 5155, with its butt attached to third carriage 5150 and its rod attached to fourth carriage 5200, draws upward on fourth carriage 5200. One end 5156 of each of two belts 5157 is attached to bottom of third carriage 5150, while other end 5253 of each belt 5157 is attached to fifth carriage 5250. Belts 5157 wrap over tops of respective rollers 5204 such that drawing upward of fourth carriage 5200 by hydraulic cylinder 5155 causes fifth carriage 5250 to move upward at twice the rate and distance of fourth carriage 5200.
Fourth and fifth carriages 5200 and 5250, respectively, provide for PA fork 5400 vertical travel between elevation of bottoms of PA's 300, 400 or 500, as applicable, seated on PC 5001 or 5002, and elevation of bottoms of PA's 300, 400 or 500, as applicable, just above uppermost deck 1203 of PATT 1200, wherein PATT 1200 is situated beneath bridge 5050. Tine 5402 lateral adjustment provides for substantially clear passage of fork tines 5402 between pallet support columns during process of fork engagement with pallets, followed by self-centering of pallets on pallet lifting, due to sloped surfaces of gussets between pallet columns and bottom walls of pallet container receptacles or grids interacting with and adjoining edges of fork tines. Such flexibility provides for positioning of tines to accommodate variations in geometry of pallets 302, 402, 502, or other, as applicable.
Adjustable fork tines like those of
A PAGTU 5000 transfer-to-PATT 1200 loading process is shown in
PACTU first carriage (bridge) 5050 provides for fine alignment between fork 5250 and PA placement locations longitudinally along PATT 1200 and PACTU-PAU PC's 5001 and 5002. Bridge 5050 may also accommodate multiple PA transition locations.
In assembly mode, pallet assembly transport train 1200 is advanced to coarsely position an empty pallet assembly space on train 1200 in substantial alignment with PACTU 5000. PACTU 5000 begins a train loading cycle by positioning its first carriage 5050 so as to place fork 5250 in fine alignment with PA 300, 400 or 500 (500 shown in
Unloading of PATT 1200 by PACTU 5000 is simply the reverse of the described loading mode.
First embodiment of the PAS 2000 incorporates two substantially identical pallet assembly/disassembly units PAU12100/1 and PAU22100/2, respectively. (Unless otherwise explicitly stated, description of PAU 2100 refers to features common to both units.) A first embodiment of PAU 2100, shown in
Adjoining CAIDOC 2107 is a two-zone, servo positioning, containerized plant spacing conveyor (CSC) 1660 (
PAIDOC 2105, array of CLU conveyor elements 2450, and PAODIC 2106 form a line of PC's that index pallets/pallet assemblies from a first external PC adjoining one end of PAU 2100, through PAU 2100, to a second external PC adjoining opposing end of PAU 2100. CAIDOC 2107 is located above and has flow directions perpendicular to PAODIC 2106. Vertical distance between CAIDOC 2107—accounting for CAIDOC 2107 cross section height—and PAODIC 2106 provides for tallest of containerized plants 203 conveyed by PAODIC 2106 to pass below CAIDOC 2107. All conveyors are programmable servo positioning type, having recipe-based indexing sequences appropriate for pallet assembly type being processed by PAU 2100.
CGU 2102 further comprises: a fixed frame 2104; a first carriage 2150 linearly movably attached to frame 2104; a second carriage 2200 linearly movably attached to first carriage 2150; a third carriage 2250 linearly movably attached to second carriage 2200; and a gripper array adapter 2300 (
CGU 2102 first carriage 2150 and those nested thereon reciprocally traverse, on bearings 2153, linear track 2152 horizontal, parallel to flow directions of PC's 2105 and 2106, under the action of servo gearmotor 2154 (
Container gripper first carriage 2150 movement relative to PAU 2100 frame provides for horizontal translation of gripped containerized plants between container lifting unit (CLU) 2350 (described below) transition point and centerline of CAIDOC 2107. Container gripper first carriage 2150 further incorporates vertical linear bearings 2205, which are movably attached to vertical track 2206 of container gripper second carriage 2200.
CGU second carriage 2200 incorporates a vertical track 2206 for reciprocally movable attachment of CGU second carriage 2200 relative to CGU first carriage 2150. Positioning of CGU second carriage 2200 relative to CGU first carriage 2150 is achieved by a positioning servo gearmotor/gear belt sprocket/gear belt arrangement 2202, combined with a pneumatic counterbalance cylinder 2203 and spring-applied, pneumatic release failsafe brake. CGU second carriage 2200 movement relative to CGU first carriage 2150 provides for vertical translation of gripped containerized plants between elevation of CLU 2350 transition point and CAIDOC 2107.
A first embodiment (not necessarily preferred) of CGU second carriage 2200 further incorporates linear bearings 2260 along its base, which are movably attached to horizontal track 2261 of CGU third carriage 2250.
A first embodiment of CGU third carriage 2250 reciprocally translates relative to CGU second carriage 2200, perpendicular to PAIDOC 2105 flow directions. Such movement of CGU third carriage 2250 enables container grippers to align with laterally staggered pallet container receptacles 509 occurring in alternating rows of such receptacles 509 in pallets 502 having hexagonal container receptacle segments.
A first embodiment of CGU third carriage 2250 mounts a container gripper array attachment (CGAA) 2300 having a linear array of individual, horseshoe-shaped container grippier yokes 2306. Each gripper yoke 2306 is arcuate and has an inner radius substantially matching that of the body of a corresponding frustal container 203 (
A second embodiment of the bottom of CGU second carriage 2700, shown in
Servo positioning gearmotor 2704, coupled to left-hand-side tine array adapter mounting carriage 2730 through sync belt drive sprocket 2705, sync belt 2706, sync belt idler sprocket 2707, and left-hand-side tine array carriage belt clamp 2743, actuates container gripper left-hand-side tine array mounting carriage 2730. Similarly, servo positioning gearmotor 2709, coupled to gripper right-hand-side tine array adapter mounting carriage 2750 through sync belt drive sprocket 2710, sync belt 2711, sync belt idler sprocket 2712, and right-hand-side tine array carriage belt clamp 2763, actuates container gripper right-hand-side tine array mounting carriage.
Attachable to left-hand-side tine array adapter mounting carriage 2730 is a container gripper left-hand-side tine array adapter, comprising a tine mounting bar 2782, to which are ultimately mounted an array of container gripper left-hand-side tines 2785. Attachable to right-hand-side tine array adapter mounting carriage 2750 is a container gripper right-hand-side tine array adapter, comprising a tine mounting bar 2792, to which are ultimately mounted an array of container gripper right-hand-side tines 2795. Tines of container gripper left-hand-side and right-hand-side tine arrays are interleaved, combining to form an array of container grippers. Right side of each left-hand-side tine 2785 incorporates a container position control recess 2786 while left side of each right-hand-side tine 2795 incorporates a container position control recess 2796, which mirrors recess 2786.
Servo positioning gearmotors 2704 and 2709 drive gripper tine arrays synchronously in opposite directions for gripping and releasing of array of containers holding containerized plant material. Servo positioning gearmotors 2704 and 2709 drive gripper tine arrays synchronously in the same direction to effect side shifting of the container gripper array. Container control recesses 2785 and 2786 together support each container by its downward-facing lip surface at four spaced locations along the lip, mirrored about a vertical plane centered between container gripper tines 2785 and 2795. Shapes of container gripper recesses enable grippers to handle square containers in relatively small, i.e., pint or quart, sizes, as well as frustoconical containers in a plurality of sizes. With gripper recess depicted, side of a small, e.g., pint or quart-sized, cubic (or pyramidal) container nearest gripper assembly base is held against recess surfaces 2788 and 2798 by recess surfaces 2787 and 2797 as gripper tines are driven toward one another. Recess surfaces 2787 and 2797, which are inclined relative to direction of gripping motion, also effectively act to center a cubic (or pyramidal) container between tines 2785 and 2795. Also, recess surfaces 2788 and 2798 check rotation of a cubic (or pyramidal) container about its vertical centerline, fixing container orientation. Programmability of CGU servo drives enables grippers to carefully approach a containerized plant and to achieve a pre-defined gap complementing container to be gripped, maximizing containerized plant handling reliability.
A third embodiment of the bottom of CGU second carriage 2800, shown in
Container gripper left-hand-side tine array mounting carriage 2820 is movably attached to linear track 2814/2815 via linear bearings 2831, 2832 (not shown), 2835, and 2836 (not shown), which are mounted to a container gripper left-hand-side tine mounting bar/track 2830. “C”-shaped mounting bar/track 2830 is attached to, and thereby driven by, container gripper left-hand-side tine array mounting carriage drive belt 2806 via clamp 2841, which protrudes through and traverses slot 2816 through beam 2803. Container gripper right-hand-side tine array mounting carriage 2850 is movably attached to linear track 2814/2815 via linear bearings 2861, 2862 (not shown), 2865, and 2866 (not shown), which are mounted to a container gripper right-hand-side tine mounting bar/track 2860. “C”-shaped mounting bar/track 2860 is attached to, and thereby driven by, container gripper right-hand-side tine array mounting carriage drive belt 2811 via clamp 2871, which protrudes through and traverses slot 2817 through beam 2803.
Container gripper left-hand-side tine 2920 incorporates a mounting bar mating portion having hooks 2922 and 2934 which cause tine 2920 to be captured inside perimeter of “C” section of mounting bar/track 2830 (
Third embodiment enables a plurality of pallet-container configurations to be handled (not simultaneously) by one container gripper assembly merely by repositioning of container gripper tine attachments on CGU and, if necessary, addition or removal, of container gripper tine attachments to or from CGU, respectively.
Servo positioning gearmotors 2804 and 2809 drive gripper tine mounting bar/tracks 2830 and 2860 synchronously in opposite directions for gripping and releasing of array of containers holding containerized plant material. Servo positioning gearmotors 2804 and 2809 drive gripper tine arrays synchronously in the same direction to effect side shifting of the container gripper array.
Water collecting design of pallet assemblies results incorporated plant containers that are not exposed for gripping or handling without a secondary means of lifting containers at least partially out of pallets. Consequently, a containerized plant lifting unit (CLU) 2350 forms a part of PAU 2100. CLU 2350 is situated in part in a relatively narrow gap between PAIDOC 2105 and PAODIC 2106 and operates generally within a substantially horizontal, relatively slender, frame 2352 mounted to frame 2104 of PAU 2100.
Substantially along the top of CLU 2350 frame 2352 is a linear horizontal track 2402 to which CLU first carriage 2400 is movably attached via linear bearings 2415. A relatively short, integral, composite third pallet conveyor (CLUPC) is formed of an array of laterally spaced conveyor elements 2450 clamped to CLU first carriage 2400. Track 2402 is lateral to PAIDOC 2105 flow directions, and provides for shuttling of CLU first carriage 2400 to substantially one side of PAU 2100. Lateral shifting of CLU first carriage 2400 is actuated by servo positioning gearmotor 2403 (
Conveyor elements 2450 (
Alternately, conveyor element 2450 belt is inverted and associated rollers and sprockets are swapped, and tensioning roller and drive sprocket positions swapped. This arrangement results in sync belt teeth providing the conveying surface. Such an arrangement reduces wear rate on belt teeth as theoretically no slip occurs between teeth and conveyed workpieces. Also, a low-friction belt backing may be applied to reduce belt-bed sliding friction. In earlier configuration, unless belt is modified, potentially at significant expense, e.g., to yield a “T” cross section and conveyor element side rails provide belt support, wherein belt teeth do not contact, and, thus, slide against, conveyor bed while supporting weight of conveyed workpieces, belt teeth bear workpiece load while sliding, yielding a relatively high wear rate of belt teeth.
Conveyor elements 2450 are actuated by a servo positioning gearmotor 2417 through a coupling 2418 and common splined shaft 2419. CLU first carriage 2400 and thereon mounted conveyor elements 2450 may be driven to side of PAU 200 to provide for vertical insertion and removal of container lifting tooling that mounts below CLU first carriage 2400 conveying surface. Positions of conveyor elements 2450 are adjusted automatically for each new production setup by CLU first carriage 2400 positioning of each conveyor element 2450 in an element gripping unit 2353, which momentarily grips and effectively fixes the position of a given conveyor element 2450 in free space while the CLU first carriage 2400, to which conveyor element is mounted, is driven in free space, relative to the conveyor element 2450. Control system maintains CLU first carriage 2400 and conveyor element gripping unit 2353 geometry, conveyor element 2450 current and subsequent positions, and associated motion algorithms as required for automatic position changes.
Nested in CLU 2350 frame 2352 is a CLU second carriage 2500 that periodically reciprocally traverses a linear, vertical track, driven by positioning servo controlled hydraulic actuators 2501 and 2502, which provide a portion of the linear guidance. Vertical motion synchronization of the four corners of CLU second carriage 2500 is accomplished with arrangement of sync belts 2508, 2509, 2510, and 2511, sync belt sprockets 2506 and 2507, idler rollers 2512 and 2513, sync shaft 2503, and sync shaft 2503 support bearings (not shown). CLU second carriage 2500 further incorporates a linear horizontal track 2514 along the length of CLU second carriage 2500 along which a CLU fourth carriage 2600, discussed below, periodically, reciprocally traverses.
Also nested in CLU 2350 frame 2352 is a CLU third carriage 2550 that periodically reciprocally traverses a linear horizontal track 2563 perpendicular to PAIDOC 2105 conveyor flow directions, driven by servo positioning gearmotor 2552 through a drive train comprising shaft coupling 2553, upper sync belt drive sprocket 2557, upper sync belt 2559, upper sync belt idler sprocket 2561, drive/sync shaft 2554, lower sync belt drive sprocket 2558, lower sync belt 2560, lower sync belt idler sprocket 2562, and drive/sync shaft 2554 support bearings (not explicitly shown). Downward extending guide rails 2601 and 2602 provide vertical surfaces against which guide bearings 2604 (
Nested in CLU second carriage 2500 and CLU third carriage 2550 is a CLU fourth carriage 2600. CLU fourth carriage 2600 bearings 2603 and 2604 slave CLU fourth carriage to elevation of CLU second carriage 2500 and lateral position of CLU third carriage 2550. A CLU container lifting column drive plate 2652 portion of CLU container lifting adapter assembly 2650 is fastened to CLU fourth carriage 2600 via an array of spring-applied, pneumatically released latches 2606 situated along the seat of drive plate 2652.
Arrangement of carriages yields relatively low mass of components that must shuttle horizontally each machine cycle to align lifting columns with staggered pallet container receptacles in alternating rows of hexagonal pallet container receptacle segments. This reduces on framework reaction forces and associated motor loads.
Each container lifting adapter assembly 2650 comprises a container lifting column drive plate 2652 and a container lifting column guide plate 2670. Drive plate 2652 and guide plate 2670 are horizontally situated with drive plate 2652 spaced below and normal to guide plate 2670. Mounted on drive plate 2652 is a linear array of slender same-height columns 2654 or groupings 2653 of columns extending upward from drive plate 2652. Lifting columns pass through corresponding holes in complementary lifting column guide plate 2670.
During CLU 2350 operation, drive plate 2652 is latched to and consequently matches motion of CLU fourth carriage 2600 while guide plate 2670 is latched to and consequently matches motion of CLU third carriage 2550. Fourth carriage 2600 with drive plate 2652 provides vertical upward thrust and position control of lifted containers of plants while third carriage 2350 with guide plate 2670 ensure upper ends of lifting columns 2654 are accurately aligned with container lifting access holes 545 in pallets 502 (
In the case of frustal or cylindrical containers, container lifting adapter assemblies 2650 incorporate for each container in a row of spaced pallet container receptacles a circular array 2653 of at least three preferably six equally spaced, equally long lifting columns 2654 that are attached to and extend upward from container lifting drive plate 2652, through corresponding holes in the container lifting column guide plate 2670. In a case in which a stabilization groove 233 is incorporated in the bottom of and concentric with each container 203, the diameter of the circular array 2653 of container lifting columns 2654 matches that of the groove 233 in the container bottom. Also, in spaced container receptacle pallets 502, the pattern of container lifting columns 2654 on the container lifting drive plate 2652 matches the corresponding pattern of lifting access holes 545 in a row of container receptacles 509 in a pair of pallets 502 spaced laterally closely on the CLU conveyor. There is consequently no restriction on rotational orientation of a mating container about its vertical centerline for proper mating of lifting columns 2654 with groove 233 of each such container.
Also, for spaced container receptacle pallets 502, the pattern in plan of container lifting columns 2654(1) on the container lifting drive plate 2652(1) matches that of lifting access holes 545 in a row of container receptacles 509 in a pair of pallets 502 spaced laterally closely together on the CLU conveyor. For contiguous container receptacle pallets 402, the pattern of container lifting columns 2654(2) on the container lifting drive plate 2652(2) matches the corresponding pattern of lifting access holes in a row of container receptacles in a pair of pallets spaced laterally closely together on the CLU conveyor except reflecting the absence of every other pallet container receptacle. Such is also the case for tray/flat pallets, which can be considered a variant of contiguous container receptacle pallets.
In such case the upper end of each container-lifting column 2654 is in the general shape of a spade 2655 that matches an arcuate segment of the container bottom groove 233 mating with the lifting column 2654. Large depth of groove 233 relative to its section width ensures upper and lower contact surfaces between groove 233 and engaged lifting column 2654 interfere with free tipping of lifted container 203, resulting in stable lifting in the event of container side loading, as may result from entanglement of adjoining plant canopies during containerized plant removal. Container lifting columns 2654 can be cylindrical, enabling incorporation of circular, normally blanked container lifting access holes through pallets and grids, resulting in relatively low production costs.
In a case in which no stabilization groove is incorporated in the bottom of each container, the diameter of the circular array of container lifting columns is preferably approximately that of the outer perimeter of the container bottom. In this case the upper ends of the container lifting columns are “L”-shaped, wherein the horizontal leg points toward the center of the container bottom and the vertical leg extends a minor distance upward along the side of the container on engagement of container lifting columns with containers. Such container lifting columns necessitate substantially larger container lifting access holes through pallets and grids and consequent difficult, oblique trimming of pallets in production of container receptacles, resulting in relatively greater production costs.
In a case in which container plans are noncircular, giving rise to finite relationships rotationally about common vertical centerlines between pallet container receptacles and associated mounted containers, an otherwise circular groove in the bottom of a container would be replaced by one or more tapered recesses. In this case, for smaller containers, a single tapered recess of noncircular plan, e.g., a pyramid, in and concentric with the container bottom engaged by a single container-lifting column yields requisite container lifting stability. Noncircular plan of single container lifting column per container ensures associated container remains rotationally fixed about its vertical centerline while gripper array is in the process of retrieving it.
In PAU having first embodiment of CGU/CGAA arrangement (
In PAU having second embodiment of CGU/CGAA arrangement (
In PAU having third embodiment of CGU/CGAA arrangement (
Also, prior to start of production, CLU conveyor elements 2450 are positioned typically to align with predefined lateral positions of centers of pallet container receptacles 509 across PAIDOC 2105 prior to start of production run. For larger containers, CLU conveyor elements may be “doubled up” beneath each pallet receptacle to accommodate the relatively greater weight/mass involved, given the lower number of receptacles 509 involved and relatively greater spacing between container lifting columns lifting individual containerized plants.
In production processing of spaced container receptacle pallets 502 (
In processing of hexagonal container receptacles, whether spaced or contiguous, wherein alternating rows of container receptacles are laterally staggered, appropriate CGU and CLU carriages shuttle reciprocally, laterally relative to PAIDOC 2105 flow direction each machine cycle for proper alignment between receptacles, container grippers and container lifting columns. Such reciprocal lateral shuttling also occurs in order to process alternating contiguous container receptacle pallets 402, as well as flat/tray pallets 302, i.e., regardless of whether pallet container receptacle rows are staggered, as stated above.
In processing pallet assemblies, e.g., 500, in which a secondary means is necessary to expose container lips 209 for lifting of containers 203, container lifting columns 2654 engage bottoms 216 of plant containers 203 situated in pallet container receptacles 509 where container bottoms 216 are exposed through container lifting access holes 545 in bottoms of pallet container receptacles 509, and through lifting access holes 603 in separate grids 600 (or lifting access holes 815 in grids 800), if incorporated. In processing container pallet assemblies that present exposed lips for container lifting, container lifting columns 2654 simply facilitate freeing containers 203 from respective pallet container receptacles.
In pallet assembly mode, as shown for spaced container receptacle pallets 502 in
Over substantially the same time period, PAIDOC 2105 receives empty pallets, potentially nested in grids, from an adjoining first PC, and drives, in an indexing fashion, such pallets toward containerized plant-pallet assembly area of PAU 2100, largely asynchronously with assembly action of containerized plant-pallet assembly area of PAU 2100, though substantially synchronously with lateral shuttling of CLU third 2550 and downwardly retracted fourth 2600 carriages and associated container lifting assembly adapter 2650 (
Container lifting columns 2654 extend upward through container lifting access holes 545 and, if applicable 603 or 815, such that their upper ends are positioned against the bottom of the array of flats/trays 303 of plants or containers 203 of individually containerized plants 200 to engage pallet container receptacles 309, 140 or 509, as applicable (
Pallet disassembly mode, depicted by
PAU control programming can, as part of assembly and/or disassembly machine cycles, cause PAU container gripper array to be positioned against upper surfaces of pallets adjoining row of container receptacles (a) about to receive containerized plant material and/or (b) from which plant material is being extracted.
In the case of pallet container receptacles about to receive containerized plant material, such momentary positioning of PAU container gripper array prevents lifting of pallets that may otherwise result from incidental contact between container lifting columns and edges of associated container lifting access holes through pallets, and, if applicable, grids, as container lifting columns pass upward through container lifting access holes in pallets (and, if applicable, grids). In the case of containerized plant material being extracted, such momentary positioning of PAU container gripper array further prevents lifting of pallets resulting from incidental friction between pallet and containerized plant material being upwardly extracted from pallet—friction that may otherwise cause pallet to be lifted along with containerized plant material being upwardly extracted from pallet.
Such incidental friction may result from accumulation of debris in container lip-supporting trough along upper perimeter of pallet container receptacle, outside of container lip. It may also result from minor deformation of container side wall(s) and/or pallet container receptacle side wall(s) (e.g., elliptical instead of round in plan), which cause incidental contact between such respective side walls. These are but a couple of examples of pallet-containerized plant material friction sources and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
Lastly, extraction of containerized plant material from pallets may be further facilitated by minor differences (e.g., approximately 1/4 inch) between; (a) the height of an array of container lifting columns associated with a first containerized plant in a given row being extracted, and (b) the height of an array of container lifting columns associated with a second containerized plant adjoining said first containerized plant in the subject row being extracted; relative to container lifting adapter drive plate. Such variation in heights of container-associated container lifting column arrays reduces the number of containerized plants experiencing initial separation from the pallets at any given temporal instant. It also results in a corresponding concentration of pallet-containerized plant initial separation forces for overcoming pallet-containerized plant friction. The difference in height between the array of greatest elevation and the array of least elevation in a given container lifting adapter assembly is, however, sufficiently small to ensure containerized plant material can be reliably transferred to and from containerized gripper array, which is situated substantially in a horizontal plane (and, therefore, does not necessarily have corresponding gripper-to-gripper elevation variation).
Variation in gripper-to-gripper elevation relative to gripper adapter base may alternately complement variation in container lifting column array elevation relative to container lifting drive plate. If so, gripper-to-gripper elevation variation will be sufficiently small to ensure simultaneously gripped containerized plant material can be reliably transferred to and from a common horizontal planar (i.e., a stationary conveyor) surface.
Programmable controls, electro-pneumatically actuated latches and servo-driven conveyors and carriages enable switching of CGAA 2300 and CLAA 2650 fitting one pallet configuration to those fitting another.
On completion of CLAA replacement, CLU first carriage 2400 interacts with CLU conveyor element positioner 2353 to reposition each CLU conveyor element 2450 suitably for the upcoming production run. CLU first carriage 2400 moves each CLU conveyor element 2450 into CLU conveyor element positioner 2353, where clamp holding CLU conveyor element 2450 to CLU first carriage 2400 is released and CLU first carriage 2400 is relocated relative to CLU conveyor element 2450. Programmable control system maintains a database of positions of CLU conveyor elements 2450 for each processed pallet type, thereby ensuring execution of the repositioning process in the order necessary to avoid collisions between CLU conveyor elements 2450.
Adjoining and transitioning to CAIDOC 2107 is a containerized plant spacing conveyor (CPSC) 1660 (
CPSC 1660 is divided into first and second servo-driven conveyor belt positioning zones. Individually controllable adjoining zones and of CPSC 1660 provides for substantially infinite adjustment of container-to-container spacing of containerized plants, as well as for additional substantially infinite adjustment of much larger spacing between arrays of spaced containerized plants. This results in a corresponding time period for PAU 2100 to retrieve such arrays of containerized plants from CAIDOC 2107 for assembly with pallets or to convey away such an array of containerized plants from CAIDOC 2107, providing space to receive a new array to be disassembled from pallets.
Conveyor speeds in adjoining zone are matched as containerized plants cross transition, substantially averting container-to-belt slip, thereby maintaining high accuracy of containerized plant positioning in handling by CPSC. Also, servo controls provide for programmable speed, acceleration and jerk, thereby further smoothing conveyor flow and averting container-to-belt slip.
Following use, which may last for several months, pallets and grids will be dirty and should be rinsed with water to maintain integrity of sealing and reflective surfaces and to prevent debris from adversely affecting pallet and grid stack nesting for storage. Features of pallets and grids, such as water reservoirs and lips necessitate pallets be stood on edge for substantially complete drainage of rinse water. Further, it is preferable that standing on edge of pallets occurs repetitively, at a relatively high frequency, i.e., on a production basis, without manual interaction. Upon completion of pallet and grid rinsing, pallets should ideally be likewise returned to a working position. Automated pallet and grid rotator unit (PGRU) 5500 for such pallet and grid manipulation.
Two PGRU's 5500(1) and 5500(2), which are capable of standing pallets and grids on edge as well as returning pallets and grids to their working orientations, are at infeed and outfeed ends of a pallet and grid washing unit (PGWU) 5700 of
PGRU 5500(1) simultaneously rotates two pallets and grids as units from working orientation to “on edge” rinsing orientation. PGRU 5500(2) at opposite end of PGWU 5700 simultaneously rotates two pallets and grids as units from “on edge” rinsing orientation to working orientation.
PGRU 5500 comprises two substantially identical carriage assemblies, movably attached to a common frame, that rotate and translate symmetrically mirrored about a vertical plane centered on infeed PC and tangential to infeed PC flow direction.
PGRU 5500 comprises a frame 5502, plus, on each of two sides lateral to conveyor line, a horizontally, linearly translating first carriage 5520(L/R), a reciprocally rotating and conveying second carriage 5550(L/R), a conveying third carriage 5580(L/R), and a reciprocating and conveying fourth carriage 5620(L/R).
PGRU frame 5502 as illustrated, incorporates a linear track having rails 5510 and 5511 9not shown) and assembly first and second sync belt arrangements. First and second sync belt arrangements provide in part described mirrored symmetrical motion of first carriages 5520(L) and 5520(R), which traverse track 5510/5511. First synchronizing belt arrangement comprises sync belt sync sprocket 5503 and idler sprocket 5505 and thereon mounted belt 5504 to which first carriages 5520(L) and 5520(R) are coupled through clamps 5526(L) and 5526(R), respectively. Second synchronizing belt arrangement, comprising sync belt sync sprocket 5507 and idler sprocket 5509 and thereon mounted belt 5508 to which first carriages 5520(L) and 5520(R) are coupled through clamps 5528(L) and 5528(R), respectively. Sync shaft 5506, which provides carriage 1 synchronization redundancy, is coupled to sprockets 5503 and 5507 and is supported near ends by bearings not shown. While two coupled sync belt arrangements are depicted, one arrangement, combined with carriage 1 travel bumpers at ends of track 5510/5511 maintains first carriages 5520(L) and 5520(R) on track in the event of a belt break. Without the need for sync shaft 5506, relatively lesser expensive flat or equivalent belts and pulleys can replace remaining sync belts and sprockets, respectively. Beneath PGWU frame 5502(1) as shown in
Each PGRU first carriage 5520 is movably attached via linear bearings 5521, 5522, 5523, and 5524 to PGRU frame 5502 track 5510/5511 and pivotally to respective second carriage 5550 via bearings 5529 and 5530. PGRU first carriage 5520 incorporates a PGRU second carriage rotation drive servo gearmotor 5532 coupled to drive/sync shaft 5531, which is coupled at each end to sync belt sprockets 5533 and 5534 and supported near each end by proximal bearings not shown. An open-ended sync belt 5536 fixed at a first end of a pulley segment 5552 of second carriage 5550 wraps around sprocket 5533 and terminates at belt clip 5539 (not shown, complements belt clip 5540 shown). Belt clip 5539 couples sync belt 5536 entering clip 5539 from one direction and two belts 5535 laterally symmetrically spaced apart by width of belt 5536, entering clip 5539 from direction opposite belt 5536. Laterally spaced belts 5535 wrap around an idler sprocket 5541, straddle pulley segment 5552-wrapped belt 5536, and wrap around pulley segment 5552 in opposite direction from belt 5536 and is fixed to end of pulley segment 5552 opposing belt 5536 attachment end. A second open-ended sync belt 5538 fixed at a first end of a pulley segment 5553 of second carriage 5550 wraps around sprocket 5534 and terminates at belt clip 5540. Belt clip 5540 couples sync belt 5538 entering clip 5540 from one direction and two belts 5537 laterally symmetrically spaced apart by width of belt 5538, entering clip 5540 from direction opposite belt 5538. Laterally spaced belts 5537 wrap around an idler sprocket 5542, straddle pulley segment 5553-wrapped belt 5538, and wrap around pulley segment 5553 in opposite direction from belt 5538 and is fixed to end of pulley segment 5553 opposing belt 5538 attachment end. Servo gearmotor 5532 and described drive cause second carriage 5550 to rotate about bearings 5529 and 5530, relative to first carriage 5520. Pivotal connection between PGRU second carriages 5530(L) and 5530(R) necessitates that distance between PGRU first and second carriage pivotal joints 5529 and 5530 vary. First carriage bearings 5529 and 5530, running on PGRU track 5510/5511 provide for such variation.
PGRU second carriage 5550 incorporates: a first set of pins 5529 for pivotal attachment to PGRU first carriage 5520; pulley segments 5552 and 5553 coupled to PGRU first carriage 5520 forming part of rotation drive described above; an aligned pin and hole pair 5551 for pivotal connection to a facing second carriage 5550; a servo gearmotor 5558-driven positioning conveyor 5555; a track 5559/5560 for movable attachment of PGRU third carriage 5580; and a drive for positioning PGRU third carriage 5580 relative to PGUR second carriage 5550. PGRU third carriage 5580 positioning drive comprises gearmotor 5561 coupled to drive/sync shaft 5568, sync belt sprockets 5565 and 5569 attached to ends of drive/sync shaft 5568, sync belt 5566 mounted to drive sprocket 5565 and looping around idler sprocket 5567 mounted to front side of PGRU second carriage 5550; and, sync belt 5570 mounted to drive sprocket 5569 and looping around idler sprocket 5571 mounted to rear side of PGRU second carriage 5550. Track 5559/5560 is oriented to provide for motion of PGRU third carriage 5580 perpendicular to conveying surface of PGRU second carriage conveyor 5555.
PGRU third carriage 5580 incorporates: linear bearings 5581, 5582, 5583, and 5584, movably attaching PGRU third carriage 5580 to track 5559/5560 of PGRU second carriage 5550; belt clamps 5586 and 5588 coupling PGRU third carriage 5580 to associated drive belts 5566 and 5570; a servo gearmotor 5592-driven positioning conveyor 5589; linear bearings 5593 and 5594 movably attaching PGRU third carriage 5580 to track 5621/5624 of PGRU fourth carriage 5620; a servo gearmotor drive for positioning PGRU fourth carriage 5620 relative to PGRU third carriage 5580. PGRU fourth carriage 5620 positioning drive comprises servo gearmotor 5595 coupled to sync shaft 5600, near the front end of which is mounted sync belt sprocket 5596 and idler rollers 5597 and 5598 which collectively drive open-ended sync belt 5599, and near the rear end of which is mounted sync belt sprocket 5601 and idler rollers 5598 and 5602 which collectively driv open-ended sync belt 5604. Sync belt 5599 is fastened at its ends to ends of PGRU fourth carriage 5620 track front rail 5621. Sync belt 5604 is fastened at its ends to ends of PGRU fourth carriage 5620 track rear rail 5624. Linear bearings 5593 and 5594 and associated track 5621/5624 are oriented to provide for motion of PGRU fourth carriage 5620 perpendicular to PC flow direction and tangential and proximal to conveying surface of PGRU third carriage conveyor 5589.
PGRU fourth carriage 5620 incorporates: track 5621/5624, movably attached to linear bearings 5593 and 5594 of PGRU third carriage 5580; belt clamps 5622, 5623, 5625, and 5626, coupling PGRU fourth carriage 5620 to associated drive belts 5601 and 5604; and, a servo gearmotor 5629-driven positioning conveyor 5627.
Sequence of PGRU actions in rotation of pallets 502 (and, if applicable, nested grids 800) from “working” orientations to “on edge” orientations is shown in
Sequence of PGRU actions in rotation of pallets 502 (and, if applicable, nested grids 800) from “on edge” orientations to “working” orientations is the reverse of that described above.
Pallet and grid washing unit (PGWU) 5700 provides for rinsing of pallets and grids having been exposed for several months to splashed containerized plant soil, fertilizer and dust. As stated above and as depicted in
PGWU main conveyor 5720 aligns with PGRU second carriage conveyors 5555 and upwardly supports pallets processed by or bypassing PGWU 5500. In order to accommodate a PGWU bypass mode, PGWU main conveyor 5720 is of sufficient width to convey a pair of pallets spaced closely laterally on conveyor. PGWU main conveyor 5720 runs continuously, generally at a constant speed, which is adjustable depending on PGWU 5500 operating mode. Beneath PGWU main conveyor 5720 is a drip pan 5721 having two rinse water collection sections. First rinse water collection section is upstream—relative to PGWU main conveyor 5720—from second rinse water collection section, and is separated from second rinse water collection section by drip pan separation wall 5722. First rinse water collection section receives spilled rinse water from a pallet and grid low-pressure initial rinse area and a pallet and grid high-pressure rinse area. Resulting rinse water, considered unacceptably contaminated for reuse, is discharged into a culvert or underground piping that directs such water to a retention pond. Second rinse water collection section receives spilled rinse water from a pallet and grid low-pressure final rinse area. Resulting rinse water, considered to be suitably clean for reuse, is discharged to the inlet 5727 piping of recirculation pump 5723, which, in turn, pumps such rinse water through piping 5724 and flexible 5725 to pallet and grid low-pressure initial rinse water distribution system 5785 to be combined with clean PGWU 5700 supply water.
PGWU stationary frame 5740 incorporates PGWU first carriage vertical guide rails 5766, 5767, 5768, and 5769 and an automatic, cable-based, carriage elevating suspension system, which supports PGWU first carriage 5800 substantially above PGWU main conveyor 5720. Automatic suspension system comprises: automatic motorized elevator drive 5741 with failsafe brake, cable winding drums 5745 and 5746 (not shown), sync shaft 5744; sync shaft bearings 5742 and 5743, support cables 5747, 5748, 5749, and 5750; pulley blocks 5751, 5752, 5753 (not shown), and 5754; and, height limit switches. Suspension system is immobile during a given production run. Suspension system raises PGWU first carriage 5760 and all thereon mounted components to produce substantial clearance between bottoms of components mounted to PGWU first carriage 5760 and conveying surface of PGWU main conveyor 5720, thereby achieving a PGWU bypass mode in which relatively tall stacks of pallets may pass freely through PGWU on PGWU main conveyor 5720. Alternately, motorized, sync belt-synchronized acme screws could replace cables, being situated reasonably proximal to (former) cable vertical runs.
PGWU first carriage 5760 incorporates: linear bearings 5762, 5763, 5764, and 5765, movably attaching PGWU first carriage 5760 to PGWU stationary frame 5740; a low- and high-pressure water pump unit 5785, water spray nozzle arrays and associated distribution manifolds, (mirrors of such nozzle arrays and manifolds described below); an air drying blower unit 5786, drying air nozzle array and associated distribution manifold (mirrors of such nozzle array and manifold described below); mirrored “on edge” pallet fences 5782 and 5784 which make up parts of mirrored pallet tracks 5826 and 5876, respectively, running the length of PGWU 5700; mirrored lateral rails 5766, 5767, 5768, and 5769 to which PGWU second carriages 5800 and 5850 are movably attached; and, an automatic gearmotor/sync belt-actuated PGWU second carriage lateral translation drive. Electric motor-driven low-pressure water pumps are of the centrifugal variety due to their ability to tolerate contamination in the pumped water. Electric motor-driven high-pressure water pumps are of the positive displacement variety to achieve relatively high pumping efficiency. Due to close pumping element tolerances, single-pass inlet filtration is employed. Supply water pressure, produced by well or reservoir pumps or elevated tanks, is suitable for low-pressure rinses described, and for charging inlets of high-pressure pumps. PGWU second carriage lateral drive comprises a gearmotor 5770, attached sync belt sprocket 5771, sync belt 5772, sync belt sprocket 5773, front left drive/sync sprocket 5774, front drive/sync belt 5775, front idler sprocket 5776, front-back sync shaft 5777 attached to drive/sync sprockets 5774 and 5778, rear left drive/sync sprocket 5778, rear drive/sync belt 5779, rear idler sprocket 5780. PGWU second carriage lateral drive provides for drive and synchronization of front and rear ends of PGWU second carriages 5800 and 5850. Alternately, motorized, sync belt-synchronized screws would also work well for synchronization of PGWU second carriages 5800 and 5850.
PGWU left-hand-side second carriage 5800 incorporates: beam 5801 supporting most components; linear bearings 5802, 5803, 5804, and 5805, movably attaching PGWU left-hand-side second carriage 5800 to lateral rails 5766 and 5767 of PGWU first carriage 5760; clamps 5807 and 5809, coupling PGWU left-hand-side second carriage 5800 to associated drive belts 5775 and 5779; left-hand-side, servo-driven, “on-edge” pallet conveyor; initial low-pressure rinse water spray nozzle array 5823 and distribution manifold; high-pressure water pump unit 5810 and associated water spray nozzle array 5824 and distribution manifold; final low-pressure rinse water spray nozzle array 5825 and distribution manifold; and, drying air nozzle array 5831 and distribution manifold. Conveyor comprises: servo positioning conveyor drive gearmotor 5811; upper sync belt drive sprocket 5812; upper sync belt 5813, upper sync belt idler sprocket 5818; upper-lower conveyor drive sprocket sync shaft 5832; lower sync belt drive sprocket 5814; lower sync belt 5815; lower sync belt idler sprocket 5819; flight upper track 5816; flight lower track 5817; and, flight 5820. Conveyor flights 5820 provide positive, constant drive of pallets (and, if incorporated, nested grids) past spray nozzle arrays that can readily disturb conveying workpieces.
PGWU right-hand-side second carriage 5850 incorporates: beam 5851 supporting most components; linear bearings 5852, 5853, 5854, and 5855, movably attaching PGWU right-hand-side second carriage 5850 to lateral rails 5768 and 57697 of PGWU first carriage 5760; clamps 5857 and 5859, coupling PGWU right-hand-side second carriage 5850 to associated drive belts 5775 and 5779; right-hand-side, servo-driven, “on-edge” pallet conveyor; initial low-pressure rinse water spray nozzle array 5873 and distribution manifold; high-pressure water pump unit 5860 and associated water spray nozzle array 5874 and distribution manifold; final low-pressure rinse water spray nozzle array 5875 and distribution manifold; and, drying air nozzle array 5881 and distribution manifold. Conveyor comprises: servo positioning conveyor drive gearmotor 5861; upper sync belt drive sprocket 5862; upper sync belt 5863, upper sync belt idler sprocket 5868; upper-lower conveyor drive sprocket sync shaft 5882; lower sync belt drive sprocket 5864; lower sync belt 5865; lower sync belt idler sprocket 5869; flight upper track 5866; flight lower track 5867; and, flight 5870.
Initial low-pressure rinse nozzle linear arrays, typical of nozzle array 5823 shown in
As shown in
PGSU 4500 comprises framework 4510 supporting a PGSU first carriage 4550 and nested second 4600 and third 4700 carriages above PGSU positioning PC 4512. Frame 4510 incorporates a linear, horizontal first track 4514—perpendicular to PGSU PC 4512 flow directions—for movable attachment of PGSU first carriage 4550. Also mounted on frame 4510 is: a servo gearmotor 4515; with mounted sync belt sprocket 4516; thereon mounted sync belt 4517; sync/drive shaft drive sprocket 4518; drive/sync shaft 4525 with drive/sync sprockets 4519 and 4520 proximal to its ends and mounted to frame 4510 on bearings not shown; PGSU first drive/sync belt 4521 mounted to drive/sync sprocket 4519 and frame 4510-mounted idler sprocket 4523; PGSU second drive/sync belt 4522 mounted to drive/sync sprocket 4520 and frame 4510-mounted idler sprocket 4524. Described arrangement, drives first carriage 4550 reciprocally along first track 4514. First carriage 4550 provides for accurate positioning in shuttling of second 4600 and third 4700 carriages laterally across PGSU PC 4512 so that pallets and, if applicable, grids may be picked up from or deposited to both sides of PGSU PC 4514.
Mounted to first carriage 4550 is a first set of linear (or cam follower) bearings 4560, which provide for movable attachment of first carriage 4550 to first track 4551 of frame 4510. Also mounted to first carriage 4550 are two vertical linear bearing arrangements 4560 and 4570, each for movable attachment of second 4600 and third 4700 carriages via linear tracks 4601 and 4701 mounted to second 4600 and third 4700 carriages, respectively. Mounted to first carriage 4550 is a servo gearmotor 4561 with thereon mounted sync belt sprocket 4562, flanked by two idler rollers 4563 that provide for requisite belt-sprocket contact angle between sprocket 4562 and open-ended, vertical drive sync belt driving 4605 PGSU second carriage 4600. Also mounted to first carriage 4550 is a servo gearmotor 4571 with thereon mounted sync belt sprocket 4572, flanked by two idler rollers 4573 that provide for requisite belt-sprocket contact angle between sprocket 4572 and open-ended, vertical drive sync belt 4705 driving PGSU second carriage 4700. Also mounted between first carriage 4550 and each of second 4600 and third 4700 carriages is a failsafe brake for emergency and idle fixing of respective carriage relative to first carriage 4550, and a “counterbalance” pneumatic cylinder as described above.
Vertical drive arrangement for each of second 4600 and third 4700 carriages alternately could comprise a closed sync belt mounted to a drive sprocket and idler sprocket at opposing ends of respective carriage riser member, having a point on one belt run clamped to first carriage, wherein driving servo gearmotor is mounted to subject second or third carriage and is coupled to subject drive sprocket, thereby eliminating reverse flexing of drive belt, improving its longevity. Vertical drives could alternately also by hydraulic or pneumatic servo-based, or an electric servo with cable/drum-based motion transmission.
As detailed in
Hanging over the edge proximal to each of four corners of upper surface of upper base plate 4620 is a spring-applied, pneumatically released hook 4637. Hook 4637 incorporates a horizontal slide portion 4638, a riser portion extending downwardly from slide portion, a flange portion 4639 extending inward at the lower end of riser portion, and a lip 4640 protruding upwardly and outwardly from upper, inner edge of flange portion 4639. Hanging over the edge proximal to each of four corners of upper surface of lower base plate 4660 is a spring-applied, pneumatically released hook 4663. Hook 4663 incorporates a horizontal slide portion 4664, a riser portion extending downwardly from slide portion, a flange portion 4665 extending inward at the lower end of riser portion, and a lip 4666 protruding upwardly and outwardly from upper, inner edge of flange portion 4665.
Pallet gripper upper adapter plate 3110 rests on flanges 4639 of respective hooks 4637 mounted to upper base plate 4620, with respective spring-retracted hook drive pneumatic cylinders 4641 disengaged. Hook flange lips 4640 and complementary adapter plate 3110 support surfaces are shaped to prevent inadvertent actuation, i.e., release, of hooks 4637 and adapter plate 3110 while weight of adapter plate 3110 is still borne by hooks 4637. Similarly, pallet gripper lower adapter plate 3140 rests on flanges 4665 of respective hooks 4663 mounted to lower base plate 4660, with respective spring-retracted hook drive pneumatic cylinders 4667 disengaged. Hook flange lips 4666 and complementary adapter plate 3140 support surfaces are shaped to prevent inadvertent actuation, i.e., release, of hooks 4663 and adapter plate 3140 while weight of adapter plate 3140 is still borne by hooks 4663.
Pallet gripper upper 4620 and lower 4660 base plates further each incorporates a mechanism for actuating pallet hooking finger 3122 and 3132 array mounting/drive plates 3120 and 3130, respectively. Mounted to upper base plate is a vertical pivotal shaft 4643 that extends downward from an input crank 4644 above the upper base plate 4620 through a bearing 4645, to a lower end having a pair of opposing cams 4647 straddling shaft 4643. Pneumatic cylinder 4646, pinned at one end to a bracket fastened to upper base plate 4620 reciprocally drives crank 4644, thereby reciprocally rotating shaft 4643. Opposing cams 4647 on the lower end of shaft 4643 engage drive slots 3121 and 3131 of two pallet hooking finger mounting/drive plates 3120 and 3130, respectively. Pallet hooking finger mounting/drive plates 3121 and 3131 are supported by pallet gripper upper adapter plate 3110 and guided to slide horizontally parallel to each other. Minor rotation of shaft 4643 causes cams 4647 to push on walls of slots 3121 and 3131 of pallet hooking finger mounting/drive plates 3120 and 3130, respectively, in opposing directions. Mounted to and extending downward from pallet hooking finger mounting/drive plates 3120 and 3130 are pallet hooking fingers 3122 and 3132, respectively, which, assembled together, form a two-dimensional array of pallet hooking finger pairs that in plan match the arrangement of pallet container receptacles of an associated pallet configuration.
Lower ends of pallet hooking fingers 3122 and 3132 incorporate flanges 3154 and 3155 that face away from like flanges on opposing pallet-hooking fingers. Opposing fingers 3122 and 3132, on being lowered so as to protrude down through container lifting access/pallet lifting holes 545/603/815, move apart to engage pallet/grid walls adjoining container lifting access/pallet lifting holes 545/603/815 on deactivation of pneumatic cylinder 4646—a failsafe condition. Opposing fingers 3122 and 3132, move toward one another to disengage pallet/grid walls adjoining container lifting access/pallet lifting holes 545/603/815 on activation of pneumatic cylinder 4646.
Pallet hooking finger drive/mounting plates 3150 and 3160 and thereto mounted pallet hooking fingers 3152 and 3162, respectively, which are associated with pallet gripper lower base 4660 and adapter 3140 plates, operate similarly to their counterparts associated with pallet gripper upper base 4260 and adapter 3110 plates. However, directions of movement and locations of pallet hooking finger mounting plates 3150 and 3160 and corresponding fingers 3152 and 3162, respectively, align with different pairs of container lifting access holes 545/603/815 through pallets and grids.
Vertically movably attached to and normally hanging below pallet gripper lower adapter plate 3140 is a pallet/grid guide plate 3180 having downwardly tapering features that complement those of the pallet or grid to be gripped. Pallet/grid guide plate 3180 facilitates alignment between pallet gripper head and pallet or grid, as applicable. Pallet/grid guide plate 3180 further incorporates a sensors that, together with carriage vertical position measurement derivable from the second 4600 or third 4700 carriage vertical drive servo system, signal the PGSU 4500 controls that the pallet/grid guide plate 3180 is being supported by a stack and no longer by the pallet gripper lower adapter plate 3140, indicating the top of a stack (or, if at a predefined elevation, an absent stack) has been located.
Arrangement of two groupings of pallet gripper fingers, the vertical separation between which servo positioning drive 4623 automatically adjusts, provides for forced separation of one pallet (or grid, as applicable) from the top of a stack of same, such stack sitting on PC 4512 below PGSU 4500, or from the bottom of a stack accumulated on the pallet gripper adapter assembly 4600 or 4700, as applicable.
Pallet gripper adapter assembly 3100 of a given configuration has geometry that complements the geometry of key features of a pallet or grid to be gripped and, thus adapt PGSU 4500 for handling a given configuration of pallet and/or grid. Shown in
Operation of pallet gripper fingers in de-stacking process is depicted in sections
As can be seen in
Integration of controls of PGWU 4500 and associated PC's 4511, 4512 and 4513 provide for iterative pallet 502, and, if applicable, grid 600, stacking and de-stacking. In stacking mode, on control system anticipation of pallet/grid gripper assemblies 4600/4700 reaching capacity of held partial stacks of pallets 502 and, if applicable, grids 600, infeed PC 4513 temporarily discontinues feeding pallets 502 and, if applicable, grids 600, in order for pallet/grid gripper assemblies 4600/4700 to remove remaining pallets 502 and, if applicable, grids 600 from PGSU PC 4512. Once PGSU PC 4512 is deplete, PC 4511, which adjoins PGSU PC 4512, and which participates in stacking and de-stacking of pallets 502 and, if applicable, grids 600, along with PGSU PC 4512, indexes its partial stacks (if present) to beneath pallet/grid gripper assemblies 4600/4700, which, in turn, deposit PGSU-held partial stacks onto PC 4511-supplied partial stacks (if present) below. PC's 4511 and 4512 then index accumulated stacks back onto PC 4511 if not complete, or beyond PC 4511 to storage, if complete, and stacking sequence resumes with pallet/grid input from PC 4513.
This portion of pallet (and, if applicable, grid) stacking is also reversible, yielding a complementary portion of a pallet de-stacking process.
PGSA 3500 in a first embodiment comprises a pallet & grid storage conveyor array 3550 comprising several (four shown) equal-length horizontal servo-driven positioning PC's 3552, 3553, 3554, and 3555 spaced normally, vertically relative to one another and supported by a common frame. At each end of the PGSA storage conveyor array 3550 is a pallet & grid stack elevator (PGSE) 3510(1) and 3510(2) with an integral servo-driven positioning PC 3540(1) and 3540(2), respectively. PGSA 3500 temporarily stores stacks of pallets and grids of a first configuration produced on a substantially ongoing basis by a disassembly process. PGSA 3500 also dispenses stored stacks of pallets and grids of a different configuration required for a substantially ongoing assembly process. Having two PGSE's 3510(1) and 3510(2), PGSA 3500 can substantially simultaneously store and dispense pallets and grids to accommodate one PAU12100(1) in disassembly mode and a second PAU22100(2) in assembly mode.
PGSA 3500 stores pallet & grid adapters tools not in production at a given time. Further, PGSA 3500 receives, stages and dispenses such items as dictated by production schedule and tool handling algorithms maintained by control system, thereby facilitating automatic system configuration changes. Incorporation of at least two levels in PC array 3550 and two PGSE's 3510(1) and/or 3510(2) yields a carousel arrangement that provides stored item manipulation resulting in unrestrained access to any adapter tool.
Control system maintains geometry of pallets, grids, tools, PGSA 3500, as well as real-time operating status and can, therefore anticipate PGSA 3500 depletion and filling to capacity. On anticipated PGSA 3500 depletion of a pallet/grid stack supply, control system calls for transferal of a PATT 1200 ‘load’ of pallet and grid stacks drawn from a ‘permanent’ designated field storage area to the PGSA 3500. PACTU 5000, transfers stacks of pallets and grids from PATT 1200 to PAS 2000 PC's for conveying to PGSA 3500 via PGSE's 3510(1) and/or 3510(2).
On anticipated PGSA 3500 filling to capacity of a pallet/grid stack supply, control system calls for transferal of a PATT 1200 ‘load’ of pallet and grid stacks drawn from the PGSA 3500 to a ‘permanent’ designated field storage area. PAS 2000 PC's convey pallet and grid stacks from PGSA 3500 via PGSE's 3510(1) and/or 3510(2) to PACTU 5000, which transfers pallet and grid stacks from PAS 2000 PC's to PATT 1200 for transport to field-designated storage area.
PGSE's 3510(1) and 3510(2) service PGSA 3500 by transferring pallet and grid stacks between various PGSA PC 3552, 3553, 3554, and 3555 elevations and elevation of PC's with which PGSA 3500 interfaces.
The first embodiment of PAS 2000 incorporates primarily two parallel lines of PC's, designated (A) and (B) where necessary in
Each switch conveyor, comprises an electric motor-driven cam, pneumatically, or comparably actuated lift table on which is mounted a roller conveyor having conveyor rollers interleaved with sync belt loops of a laterally flowing composite sync belt conveyor that is mounted to the frame forming the base of lift table.
In its lowered position, lift table supports rollers of the switch conveyor with the uppermost surface of each roller slightly below upper surface of the upper run of each sync belt forming switch conveyor. In its raised position, lift table supports rollers of the switch conveyor with the uppermost surface of each roller slightly above upper surface of the upper run of each sync belt forming the switch conveyor.
Conveyor loops, formed through incorporation of PXC's, enable PAS to retrieve PA's from a PATT, perform multiple functions on the plant material in those PA's, and return subject plant material, potentially in differently configured PA's, to potentially the same PATT from which it was retrieved, in a continuous manner.
First PXC 2004(A1)-2005(1)-2004(B1) provides a PC link as stated, though, through programmable controls of system, provides for lateral shifting of items on line (A) or (B). Either switch PC 2004(A1) or 2004(B1) can also be used for PAS loading and unloading of a PAS adapter tool having been serviced or about to be services, respectively.
Second PXC 2004(A2)-2005(2)-2004(B2) primarily provides for feeding of PGWU 5700 from both PAU's 2100(1,2) operating in disassembly mode, as in the case of plant material shipping. Second PXC 2004(A2)-2005(2)-2004(B2) can also provide for feeding from PGSA of both PAU's 2100(1,2) operating in assembly mode, as in the case of plant material receiving or potting, particularly while PGWU 5700 is being serviced. Also, second PXC 2004(A2)-2005(2)-2004(B2) forms part of a PC loop for the processing of PA's as whole units (i.e., involving no disassembly). In this case, PACTU 5000 retrieves PA's from PATT 1200 and places them on PC 5001, from which PA's flow through first PAU 2100(1) untouched, then across second PXC 2004(A2)-2005(2)-2004(B2) then through second PAU 2100(2) untouched, then along PC 2003(B3), then across third PXC 2004(B3)-2005(B3)-2005(C3)-2005(A3)-2004(A3) (or an alternate parallel path), then along PC 2003(A3) to PC 5002, from which PACTU 5000 retrieves it and returns it to PATT 1200.
Third PXC 2004(B3)-2005(B3)-2005(C3)-2005(A3)-2004(A3), together with additional, like-constructed parallel PXC's 2004(B4)-2005(B4)-2005(C4)-2005(A4)-2004(A4), etc., with respective connecting PC's 2003(B4), 2003(A4), etc., form a semi-automatic weeding area. PC's 2005(C3), 2005(C4), etc., are each slow-, constant-speed PC's along the two sides of which are stationed weeding workers who hand weed plant material in PXC-borne PA's. Lateral conveyor portions of switch PC's 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc, as well as lateral PC's 2005(B3), 2005(B4), etc. are servo positioning. With more than one weeding area PXC operating, PC 2003(B3) accumulates the number of PA's matching the number of weeding area PXC's operating, up to the maximum number of weeding area PXC's incorporated into PAS (4 shown). Number of PXC's operating in weeding area is extrapolated from the average amount of time necessary for one weeding worker to weed one containerized plant palletized and flowing along a given PXC as described, and the required production throughput established by nursery management, up to the PAS operational limit.
Once switch PC's 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc. are clear of prior-conveyed PA's, PC's 2003(B3)-2004(B3)-2003(B4)-2004(B4), etc., quickly distribute to the active switch PC's 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc. pairs of PC 2003(B3)-accumulated PA's. Once trailing edges of preceding PA pairs have crossed respective transitions between lateral PC's 2005(B3) and 2005(C3), 2005(B4) and 2005(C4), etc., switch PC's 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc., simultaneously switch directions and PA's on respective switch PC's 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc., are quickly conveyed along respective PXC's to close gaps between their respective leading edges and the preceding PA's trailing edges. Upon closure of subject gaps, speed of lateral PC portion of each switch PC 2004(B3), 2004(B4), etc. and of respective lateral PC 2005(B3), 2005(B4), etc. matches that of lateral PC 2005(C3), 2005(C4), etc. Thus, a continuous slow-speed flow of palletized plant material is conveyed past weeding workers.
Once trailing edges of preceding PA pairs have crossed respective transitions between lateral PC's 2005(C3) and 2005(A3), 2005(C4) and 2005(A4), etc., preceding PA pairs are quickly conveyed along respective PXC's, onto switch PC's 2004(A3), 2004(A4), etc., opening gaps between their respective trailing edges and the succeeding PA's leading edges. This provides time for switch PC's 2004(A3), 2004(A4), etc. to simultaneously switch directions and quickly convey switch PC-borne PA pairs to PC's 2003(A3) and 5002, where they accumulate in staging for transfer to PATT 1200 by PACTU 5000.
Below weeding area PXC's are conventional belt conveyors 2012 and 2014 for collecting pulled weeds from PXC weeding stations and conveying them to a weed collection container 2011 or equivalent.
Weeding area 2010 PXC's may incorporate side walls extending a short distance above sides of PC's to prevent inadvertent movement of PA's by weeding workers. Weeding workers reach stations by overhead walkways (not shown) and may be provided with stools for comfort. PAS semi-automatic weeding area 2010 presents a comfortable weeding environment, presenting a tremendous improvement over conventional field hand weeding—an operation performed by workers who typically must bend over to reach and pull weeds. Conventional hand weeding has contributed to worker back injuries and has actually been banned in the State of California. PAS 2000, including weeding area 2010, is under roof, enabling production during inclement weather and shading workers from direct sunlight, furthering comfort factor and associated worker productivity. Finally, artificial lighting of PAS weeding area 2010 provides for production at night as well as day.
PAS 2000 can operate in following modes: open loop, container closed-loop, and pallet assembly (PA) closed-loop. These modes are achieved through recipe-driven, microprocessor-based control, substantial integration of controls and process and the ability of most PAS 2000 components to operate reversibly.
Open-loop mode is characterized by generally single-direction movement of containerized plants through PAS 2000, and can have following variations: ‘serial-in’, ‘serial-out’, ‘serial-in/out’, ‘parallel-in’, and ‘parallel-out’.
‘Serial-in’ mode comprises: conveying of individual containerized plants or trays/flats of plants from a location outside the nursery internal growing areas—typically the nursery's shipping/receiving area—to one PAU 2100(2), along with conveying of pallets, and, if applicable, grids, from PGSU 4500(2) which singulated pallets from stacks drawn from PGSA 3500, through PGSE 4510(2); installation by PAU 2100(2) of associated containerized plants or trays/flats of plants into pallets; conveying of completed PA's from PAU 2100(2), along PC path 2003(B3)-2004(B3)-2005(B3)-2005(C3)-2005(A3)-2004(A3)-2003(A3), to PC's 5002 and 5001 interfacing with PACTU 5000; and transfer by PACTU 5000 of PA's from PACTU interface PC's 5002 and 5001 to a PATT 1200 for transport to a nursery internal growing area.
‘Serial-out’ mode is effectively the reverse of ‘serial-in’, though incorporates rinsing of pallets, and, if applicable, grids, by PGWU 5700. This mode comprises: transfer by PACTU 5000 of PA's from a PATT 1200—received from a nursery internal growing area—to PACTU interface PC's 5001 and 5002; conveying of PA's from PACTU interface PC's 5001 and 5002 to a second PAU 2100(1); removal by associated PAU 2100(1) of containerized plants or trays/flats of plants from pallets and placement of containerized plants or trays/flats of plants on CAIDOC 2107(1); conveying of pallets and, if applicable, nested grids, to and rinsing by PGWU 5700, conveying to and subsequent stacking by second PGSU 4500(1), and conveying of resulting stacks to PGSA 3500—through PGSE 4510(1)—for temporary storage; and, conveying of containerized plants from associated PAU 2100(1) to a location outside the nursery internal growing areas—typically the nursery's shipping area.
‘Serial-in/out’, ‘parallel-in’ and ‘parallel-out’ modes are possible due to incorporation of two properly arranged PAU's 2100(1) and 2100(2) and associated PC's and CPC's in the PAS 2000. ‘Serial-in/out’ is characterized by PAS 2000 split operation wherein a first part of the PAS 2000 operates in the ‘serial-in’ mode, like that described above while a second part operates in ‘serial-out’ mode, also like that described above. Different plant material types and pallet configurations would typically be processed by each part as the PAS 2000 operates in ‘serial-in/out’ mode. ‘Parallel-in’ and ‘parallel-out’ modes are characterized by both parts of the PAS 2000 operating in ‘serial-in’ and ‘serial-out’ modes, respectively. ‘Parallel’ PAS 2000 operation provides for substantially increased system throughput relative to single, ‘serial’ operation, accommodating seasonal peaks, e.g., order filling/shipping.
Container closed-loop mode is characterized by: transfer by PACTU 5000 of PA's of containerized plants or PA's of trays/flats of plants from a PATT 1200—received from a nursery internal growing area—to PACTU interface PC 5001; conveying of PA's from PACTU interface PC 5001 to PAU 2100(1); removal of containerized plants or trays/flats of plants, as applicable, from the associated PA's by PAU 2100(1); conveying of associated containerized plants or trays/flats of plants, as applicable, from PAU 2100(1) to a central processing area (e.g., potting, individual plant weeding, pruning, inspection/grading/sorting, etc.); conveying of emptied pallets and, if applicable, grids from PAU 2100(1) to PGWU 5700; washing of emptied pallets and, if applicable, grids by PGWU 5700; conveying of washed pallets and, if applicable, grids to PGSU 4500(1) and resulting stacks to PGSA 3500 for temporary storage; conveying of stacks of pallets and, if applicable, grids,—potentially different from those stored immediately prior—from PGSA 3500 to PAU 2100(2); conveying of containerized plants from central processing area to PAU 2100(2); installation of (potentially newly potted) containerized plants into PA's by PAU12100(2); conveying of reassembled PA's from PAU 2100(2) to PACTU interface PC 5002; and transfer of reassembled PA's from PACTU interface PC 5002 to PATT 1200—potentially the same as that on which PA's were received—by PACTU 5000, for return to a nursery internal growing area. PAS 1500 may also simply remove containerized plants from contiguous container PA's 400, convey them through an idle or unmanned processing area, and install them into spaced container PA's 500. Further, if operation is limited to a pallet change from contiguous to spaced or vise versa, i.e., such that associated containers are not altered and no manipulation or alteration of the plant itself is involved, PAU 2100(1) can simply reach across CAIDOC 2107(1) and retrieve individual containerized plants exiting PAU 2100(2) on container conveyor 1700, with proper indexing control of container conveyor 1700.
PA closed-loop mode is characterized by: transfer by PACTU 5000 of PA's of containerized plants or PA's of trays/flats of plants, as applicable, from a PATT 1200—received from a nursery internal growing area—to a PACTU interface PC 5001; conveying of PA's as units from PACTU interface PC 5001 to a central plant material processing area 2010 (e.g., weeding, pruning, inspection/grading/sorting, etc.) (
An autonomously guided pallet assembly greenhouse transfer unit (PAGTU) 4000, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, is illustrated in
First embodiment of PAGTU 4000 comprises a specialized forklift-type unit having a tricycle traction wheel arrangement, where all wheels are servo position-driven. PAGTU main carriage 4020 comprises framework for mounting two fixed-direction pneumatic tired traction wheels 4060(L) and 4060(R), respectively mounting sync belt sprockets 4057(L) (not shown) and 4057(R), coupled sync belts 4056(L) (not shown) and 4056(R), coupled drive motor sync belt sprockets 4055(L) and 4055(R), and servo positioning gearmotors 4054(L) and 4054(R), in protective shrouds 4058(L) (not shown) and 4058(R). Main carriage 4020 also mounts via a rotary joint 4083 having a vertical centerline a second carriage 4080, which, in turn, mounts two closely laterally spaced additional traction wheels 4081(L) and 4081(R) driven by a common servo positioning gearmotor 4040 through differential 4084. This arrangement provides for minimal skidding of tires in tight turns. Main carriage 4020 also houses a battery or, alternately, a prime mover, e.g., a gasoline or diesel engine, and a fuel tank. Each alternative satisfies the need for counterweight enabling PAGTU 4000 to maintain its stability during lifting of heaviest PA's anticipated in operation. Finally, main carriage 4020 houses PAGTU control system, including RTK GPS-related components.
Second carriage 4080, best seen in
Third carriage 4100, best seen in
PAGTU third carriage 4100 also incorporates a pivoting joint 4121 and an arcuate track 4108 providing for pivotal mounting of fourth carriage 4120—a lift mast—about an axis falling in a vertical plane centered between traction wheels 4060(L) and 4060(R) and perpendicular to track of lift mast 4120, i.e., roll. A servo gearmotor 4102, mounted to PAGTU third carriage 4100, in turn, mounts a sync belt sprocket 4103. A first end of a pair of laterally spaced open-ended sync belts 4105, attaches to a first end of an arcuate pulley 4107 that is part of PAGTU lift mast 4120. Sync belt 4105 pair engages and is returned by gearmotor-driven sync belt sprocket 4103 and terminates at its second end at clip 4109. Clip 4109 couples second end of sync belt 4105 pair to first end of an opposing open-ended sync belt 4106, which engages and is returned by idler sprocket 4106, passes between spaced sync belts 4105, and ultimately terminates at second end of arcuate pulley 4107.
Combination of PAGTU third 4100 and fourth 4120 carriages provide for active programmable pitching and rolling, respectively of PAGTU fork 4300, as necessary for PAGTU 4000 engagement of PA's in undulating bed space that contains PA's that PAGTU 4000 must retrieve or that is to receive PA's that PAGTU 4000 must place. It also enables a PAGTU 4000 situated on a first ground surface plane to drive the plane of its fork tines to be parallel with that of any deck of a PATT 1200 situated on a second ground surface plane, which is not parallel to first ground surface plane.
Fork lift mast 4120 incorporates linear bearings 4125, which, together with linear bearings 4163 at the base of fork lift first stage 4160 guide fork lift first stage 4160 along length of fork lift mast 4120. Fork lift mast 4120 also mounts a pair of laterally spaced hydraulic cylinders 4122(L) and 4122(R) or equivalent for driving fork lift first stage 4160 longitudinally along fork lift mast 4120. Upper end of fork lift first stage 4160 incorporates pulleys 4164 and 4165. Fork lift mast 4120 also mounts another hydraulic cylinder 4123 or equivalent, which drives downward, parallel to fork lift first stage motion, and has a pulley block 4142 incorporated into its lower, downwardly extending end. An open-ended belt 4127 is fastened at a first end 4126 to fork lift mast 4120, then extends downward, parallel to fork lift first stage 4160 motion, to and wraps half way around cylinder 4123-actuated pulley 4142. Belt 4127 then extends upward, parallel to fork lift first stage 4160 motion, to fork lift first stage pulleys 4164. Belt 4127 wraps over collective tops of fork lift first stage pulleys 4164 and 4165, and finally extends downward, parallel to fork lift first stage 4160 motion, to a clamp 4187 on fork lift second stage 4180, where belt 4127 terminates.
Fork lift first stage 4160 further incorporates a longitudinal track traversed by fork lift second stage, running on bearings 4182. Lightning rods 4167 and associated conductors and grounding electrodes are also provided to protect PAGTU 4000 operating in a inclement weather
Extension of cylinder 4123 and related motion of pulley block 4142, while maintaining cylinders 4122(L) and 4122(R) retracted, drives fork lift second stage 4180 longitudinally along fork lift first stage 4160 as fork lift first stage 4160 remains retracted, fully nested in fork lift mast 4120. Incorporation of pulley 4142 further causes distance traveled by fork lift second stage 4180 to be double the stroke of cylinder 4123. Operation of cylinder 4123 keeps fork lift height to a minimum to allow PAGTU 4000 to work inside a greenhouse, where ceiling height is often limited, as depicted in
Extension of cylinders 4122(L) and 4122(R) and related motion of fork lift first stage 4160, while maintaining cylinder 4123 retracted, drives fork lift second stage 4180 longitudinally along fork lift first stage 4160 as fork lift first stage 4160 upwardly extends relative to fork lift mast 4120. Incorporation of pulleys 4164 and 4165 further causes distance traveled by fork lift second stage 4180 to be double the stroke of cylinders 4122(L) and 4122(R). Operation of cylinders 4122(L) and 4122(R) causes telescoping of fork lift mast 4120, first stage 4160 and second stage 4180, enabling PAGTU fork 4300 to engage uppermost decks of PATT 1200 for transferring PA's between PAGTU 4000 and PATT 1200, as shown in
Mounted to fork lift second stage 4180 is an articulated fork 4300, joined to fork lift second stage 4180 by slender, pivoting, tandem-connected members 4200 and 4220. Members 4200 and 4220 and fork 4300 swivel in a plane parallel to the one containing fork 4300 tines. Members 4200 and 4220 and fork 4300 also present a sufficiently vertically compact assembly to operate between two adjoining decks of a PATT 1200. Fork articulation first drive servo gearmotor 4186 is mounted to fork lift second stage 4180. First end of fork first articulating member 4200 is mounted to and reciprocally driven by output shaft of servo gearmotor 4186. Second end of fork first articulating member 4200 mounts fork articulation second drive servo gearmotor 4204. First end of fork second articulating member 4220 is mounted to and reciprocally driven by output shaft of servo gearmotor 4204. Second end of fork second articulating member 4220 mounts fork articulation third drive servo gearmotor 4224. Base of fork 4300 is mounted to and reciprocally driven by output shaft of servo gearmotor 4224.
Two spaced GPS antennas 4022 and 4024 (along with other requisite PAGTU-borne GPS equipment) enable PAGTU position and attitude to be determined. Incorporation of position-measuring control system devices typically associated with servo positioning system provide for accuracy of PAGTU RTK GPS-based attitude calculations to be increased with articulated fork 4300 extended.
Coordination between fork articulation members to achieve straight-line motion in substantially an infinite number of directions within operating plane of articulating members is readily achievable with PAGTU 4000 programmable motion controls and stated servo devices.
As can be seen in
Details of a fork 4300 having tines 4350, the lateral spacing of which can be adjusted, are shown in
Details of quick-adjusting/release fork tines 4350/4351/4352 are shown in the section view of
As is familiar to those skilled in the art, PAGTU 4000, regardless of embodiment, incorporates safety sensors comprising radar, infrared, or equivalent, to safeguard personnel and equipment against potential harm by PAGTU 4000.
PAGTU 4000 preferably operates in automatic mode, wherein it maintains an operational map, and automatically picks from a field or greenhouse and places on a PATT 1200, vise versa, or some combination thereof in an order dictated by queues it maintains with updates radioed it by master control system. PAGTU 4000 also operates in a semi-automatic mode, wherein, an operator utilizes an RTK GPS-based probe (e.g. 180,
A first embodiment of a PAFTU 1100, shown in
As shown in
PAFTU bridge supports 1116 and 1119 engage bridge 1102 via a second track 1115 on bridge 1102, providing for adjustment of longitudinal positions of bridge supports 1116 and 1119 on bridge 1102. Adjustability of positions of bridge supports 1116 and 1119 provides for operation of traction wheels 1125 in aisles 126 between relatively narrow beds 125 while simultaneously having one end of bridge 1102 positioned proximal to one side of a driveway 127, on either end of bridge 1102, where a PATT 1200 operates, thereby facilitating pallet assembly transfer between PAFTU 1100 and PATT 1200. Adjustability of positions bridge supports 1116 and 1119 also enables bridge supports 1116 and 1119 to operate on paths that are clear of irrigation sprinkler heads 129 and related exposed plumbing 130. Failsafe brakes 1117 and 1122, which provide for fixing positions of both bridge supports 1116 and 1119 along bridge 1102, are interlocked to fix at least one bridge support 1116 or 1119 at all times for safety.
Adjustment of positions of bridge supports 1116 and 1119 along bridge 1102 may be accomplished one at a time automatically by a programmed sequence comprising: release of strictly brake 1117 or 1122 which frees the position on bridge 1102 of one bridge support 1116 or 1119; swiveling of both traction wheels 1125 on one bridge support 1116 or 1119 to drive parallel to one another and generally along longitudinal axis of bridge 1102; activating associated traction wheels 1125 to drive swiveled bridge support 1116 or 1119 to achieve the desired position of the “free” bridge support 1116 or 1119 on bridge 1102; then reapplying the released brake 1117 or 1122. Such an adjustment can be accomplished ‘on the fly’—either traveling or working—through a similar sequence. Encoders or equivalent position measuring devices, or even an RTK GPS antenna mounted on each bridge support 1116 and 1119 can provide suitable bridge support position information. Physical travel stops 1118 and 1123 limit movement of bridge supports 1116 and 1119 along bridge 1102 to ensure stability of bridge 1102.
PAFTU prime mover 1127, comprising an internal combustion engine driving an electrical alternator with a DC rectifier package, is preferably situated with its fuel tank 1128 at a relatively low elevation on one of the bridge supports 1116 or 1119, to aid in lowering the machine's center of gravity, thus, promoting machine stability. The internal combustion engine further has an in-line cylinder arrangement to minimize prime mover 1127 width, in keeping with the desirability of locating bridge supports 1116 and 1119 in space above relatively narrow aisles 126 between nursery beds 125.
Pallet handler first carriage 1114 houses the machine's master control system 1129 and operates semi-autonomously on bridge 1102. Pallet handler first carriage 1114 obtains electrical power through electrical brush-type contacts that run against a bus bar 1132 extending the length of bridge 1102. Similar arrangements provide for electrical power transmission between bridge supports 1116 and 1119 and bridge 1102. Low-level control signal communication between bridge 1102, bridge supports 1116 and 1119 and pallet handler first carriage 1114 are preferably accomplished via radio or infrared links between those components. Near real-time control/status communication among all communicating machine components and between PAFTU 1100 and master control system at base station 112 assures overall system integrity required for safe autonomous operation.
As shown in
Fork 1147 is movably attached to fork pitch rotation joint 1146 and is shown having size suitable for handling of one PA 300, 400 or 500, though could be potentially sized to handle more than one PA's 300, 400 or 500 simultaneously. Fork tines 1153 are shaped and spaced to provide for lifting of PA's 300, 400 or 500 from beneath bottoms of mounted containerized plants 200 as discussed above. Preferably, spacing and number of fork tines 1153 are adjustable to correspond to the number of container receptacle rows in handled PA's 300, 400 or 500.
As shown in
Automation in accordance with invention necessitates digitally mapping the nursery automation system operating area 111 (
FMUH 180 incorporates: a computer/human machine interface (HMI) terminal 186; two GPS satellite signal antennas 182 and 183; an RTK GPS error correction signal antenna 197; an inclinometer 184 providing computer 186 with accurate unit inclination information; a non-contact distance transducer 185 providing computer 186 with height of transducer 185 (and, thus, unit) above ground; a component mounting plate 181 and riser/grip bar 187; riser clamp angle transducer 199 for measuring riser diameter; a sprinkler riser mounting seat 190, associated spring 194-loaded clamp 191, pivot pins 188 and 196, linkage 193, and release handle 189. Dual satellite antennas enable FMUH 180 to determine its heading as well as position without having to be moved. (Such can alternatively be accomplished with a flux valve/electronic compass.)
FMUH 180 arrangement provides for mounting to and mapping of irrigation sprinkler heads, including their heights, attitudes (tilt angle and direction) and riser diameters. Also, an attachable probe 198 (
FMUH 180 can also be used in production situations for reestablishing positions and plan orientations (headings) of PA's that may have been displaced by floodwaters, extremely high winds, or inadvertent manual contact. Simple probing of two predefined corners of pallet forming subject PA, together with FMUH control system knowledge of associated PA geometry, establishes requisite subject PA. Further, FMUH control system, with knowledge of pallet geometry and production status (i.e., pallet type that should be present) FMUH can audibly and visually alert operator to probing errors, ensuring proper determination of position and plan orientation of subject PA. Once position and plan orientation of subject PA has been reestablished, FMUH 180 can transmit via radio such information to master control system, which, in turn, provides such information to pertinent autonomous material handling machinery for successful retrieval/handling of subject errant PA.
Many nurseries incorporate irrigation sprinkler heads that are positioned centered in relatively wide beds, making direct access to those heads for mapping a time-consuming effort. A remote, trailer-mounted, feature mapping system (FMSRT) in accordance with the invention, substantially expedites mapping of such difficult-to-access component with sufficient accuracy to avert collisions between autonomous pallet-handling machinery while promoting placement of PA's relatively closely to such features, thereby maximizing use of bed space.
FMSRT, illustrated in
Each trailer comprises a metal frame on two wheels, having a tow bar/hitch for towing behind a small utility vehicle. One of the two wheels incorporates a rotary incremental encoder 157 or equivalent rotary position-measuring device for interpolating associated trailer position between GPS position updates, as needed. Also mounted to frame is a first carriage 174 that swivels about a vertical axis and is clamped a fixed position for a given mapping operation. Also mounted to frame is an electrical enclosure in which control system is found.
First carriage 174, with the exception of the swivel joint, comprises a framework that is of triangular shape falling in a vertical plane, which is centered between two trailer wheels with swivel centered. One upper edge of triangular frame of first carriage 174 is sloped preferably 45 degrees to typically horizontal trailer deck. First carriage 174, in turn, mounts a light source 170, a light source vertical position transducer 173, two GPS satellite antennas 153 and 154 spaced apart to enable trailer attitude/heading to be measured; an RTK GPS error correction signal antenna 155, and second carriage 175 that provides for reversal of the aperture of a thereon-mounted linear photoelectric receiver array.
Second carriage 175 comprises primarily a photoelectric sensor array 172—a linear array of photoelectric sensors spaced a short distance (e.g., 1/2-inch or less) apart in a slender housing pinned at its ends, allowing for swiveling of sensor array 172 about its longitudinal axis. Sensors have separate electrical output circuits that enable sensor array 172 to iteratively roughly measure lengths of objects that pass between a point light source and sensor array 172. Height of sensor array 172 is sufficient to ensure all target features can be reliably measured. Second carriage 175 is arranged for periodic rotation about its slender body, effectively “flipping” over to view source light from the opposing side. Orientation of sensor array 172 is maintained by spring-applied latch 176. Light source and photoelectric receivers are preferably modulated to negate error-producing effects of ambient light on the photoelectric receivers. Photoelectric sensor array 172 is sloped to enable light from source to be received on both sides of a slender target feature, e.g., a sprinkler riser, providing for redundancy in measurement of such feature.
Frame-mounted electrical enclosure holds a microprocessor-based programmable control system 151, including GPS receiver 152. A human-machine interface (HMI) terminal 160, separate from FMSRT control 151 enclosure, mounts on handle bar or dashboard of utility vehicle and is connected through a cable 161 to control system enclosure at connector 162. FMSRT preferably draws electrical power from utility vehicle electrical supply (e.g., alternator or battery), though alternately could have its own battery. Control system incorporates electrical circuitry and real-time programming suitable for relatively high rate data logging. Discrete inputs comprise primarily photoelectric receiver signals (light/dark) and operator HMI terminal 160 inputs. Digital inputs comprise GPS satellite and base station signals, encoder 157 signal, light source height transducer 173, HMI terminal 160 signals, and current time. System output comprises time-stamped position and photoelectric sensor array status data sent to permanent storage and operator audiovisual travel speed command information via the HMI terminal 160.
Prior to a mapping operation, each of two FMSRT trailers 150(1) and 150(2) are arranged in an initial configuration. In initial configuration, each trailer has its first carriage 174 set counterclockwise 45 degrees in plan from vertical plane centered between trailer wheels. The second carriage 175 of first trailer 150(1) is set to receive light input from its right-hand side, while the second carriage 175 of second trailer 150(2) is set to receive light input from its left-hand side. Light source 170 on each trailer is set to an elevation a minor distance above the tops of the canopies of the plant material in the bed container the target sprinkler head(s).
As shown in
First 150(1) and second 150(2) utility vehicle/trailers are established as master and slave, respectively, in a master/slave data collection arrangement. Master (first) utility vehicle/trailer 150(1) travels independently to a pre-defined speed limit, while slave (second) utility vehicle/trailer 150(2) speed—generally the same as that of the master—is set and adjusted as necessary to maintain a fixed lead distance from master (first) utility vehicle/trailer 150(1) so that photoelectric array 172 on a given trailer is maintained normal to the light source 170 on the complementary trailer. Real-time GPS position of FMSRT master (first) trailer 150(1) is radio communicated to slave (second) FMSRT trailer 150(2) control system, which compares the received position information to proper offset information it maintains, generating an error value, which drives an audible indication (i.e., tone) produced by HMI, prompting slave (second) utility vehicle operator to increase or decrease his speed to reduce the error value—effectively yielding a position servo loop. Speed control tones, based on a pre-defined working speed, can also be incorporated into master utility vehicle/trailer controls. Incorporation of pair of headphones, connectable to HMI, facilitates operator concentration on speed control tones.
Alternately, an auto-throttle system could be incorporated into each utility vehicle, wherein master would travel at a constant speed and slave would maintain the discussed offset distance. Safety would dictate incorporation of a ‘dead man’ switch on each vehicle to disengage the auto-throttle system in the event of a problem.
Data acquisition initiates and vehicles/trailers travel length of bed at a rate limited by the lesser of the data acquisition update rate or safety limits. While traveling, target features (e.g., sprinkler heads) are passed, which break the light beams emitted by the trailer light sources 170(1) and 170(2) and received by parts of the corresponding photoelectric receiver arrays 172(2) and 172(1), giving rise to height measurements and a first of two attitude measurements of features observed.
Upon completing initial pass(es), first carriage 174 of each trailer 150 is swiveled to 45 degrees clockwise in plan from vertical plane centered between trailer wheels. The first vehicle/trailer 150(1) now leads the second vehicle/trailer 150(2) by the distance it trailed the second vehicle/trailer 150(2) in the earlier configuration as data collection is resumed. This results in triangulated views of the remote features being mapped. Data consolidation and reduction, subsequent to collection, yields positions of targeted remote features laterally across beds, in addition to longitudinal positions, heights, attitudes, and diameters (of risers). Manual counting of targeted features (e.g., sprinkler heads) can be employed confirm system operation. Reduced data is in a format suitable as a digital map interpretable by nursery automation system in directing autonomous machinery.
Unless otherwise stated, components incorporated into PAS second embodiment are substantially the same as those incorporated into PAS first embodiment.
A second embodiment of PAS 1500 is shown in
First PC line in PAS second embodiment is an over-and-under configuration, reducing system footprint relative to first embodiment though necessitating greater height to enable items conveyed on lower PC run to pass beneath PAU's 1700. Further, access to PATT 1200 by PACTU 1820 consequently necessitates bottommost deck of PATT 1200 be higher than that of first embodiment, thus necessitating a ramp on which PATT 1200 sits for loading and unloading, or the placement of lower PC's of PAS second embodiment in a trough.
PAS second embodiment calls for stacks of pallets and grids to be removed from PAS by forklift for storage elsewhere. Thus, no PGSA is incorporated in PAS second embodiment.
Also, PC's 1860 and 1890 may be elongated to provide space for an optional PGWU with PGRU's comparable to those of PAS first embodiment. PC 1860 operates beneath such components.
As can be seen in
Proximal to first end 1529 of each PGSC, which is distal to longitudinal centerline of PE1-PE2 PC described below, is an arrangement for centering and squaring pallet and grid stacks 1540 and 1543, respectively, placed on associated conveyor at associated end 1529 by a manually operated forklift 1502. Arrangement consists of a lift table 1511 and a pair of mirrored centering arms 1517 and 1518 situated on sides of PGSC opposite one another at associated conveyor end 1529. Lift table 1511, the main structure of which is below conveyor belt support structure proximal to conveyor end 1529, incorporates ribs 1512 that extend up between individual conveyor belts to provide a composite planar horizontal surface for lifting and subsequent lateral sliding of pallet and grid stacks 1540 and 1543, respectively, without disturbing conveyor belts. Cam plate 1513, pushed horizontally by actuator 1514, and situated between lift table 1511 and stationary base plate 1516, drives lift table 1511 vertically upward along guides 1515, substantially synchronously raising upper surfaces of ribs 1512 above upper surfaces of adjoining conveyor belts, taking weight of pallet/grid stack from associated conveyor.
Push arms 1517 and 1518 operate as pantographs driven by cranks 1519 and 1520, which are driven by links 1521 and 1522, respectively, which are driven and guided by actuator 1525. A sensor at the end 1529 of each PGSC, plus control system logic detect and establish the new presence of a pallet/grid at the end 1529 of the associated PGSC. Lift table 1511 is elevated and then push arms 1517 and 1518 advance toward one another. One arm, 1517 or 1518, as applicable, contacts and pushes an eccentric, skewed pallet/grid on a corner pallet/grid support column, causing pallet to rotate until arm contacts other pallet/grid support columns along same side of pallet. At this point, pallet is rotationally aligned with PGSC. Arm, 1517 or 1518, as applicable, continues pushing pallet, translating it toward PGSC center, at which point opposing arm, 1518 or 1517, as applicable, contacts opposing side of pallet. At this point, pallet is rotationally aligned with and laterally centered above PGSC. If no other associated conveyor indexing action is occurring at the time, associated lift table 1511 is then lowered, placing pallet/grid on associated conveyor composite belt, properly oriented for conveying to PGSU for subsequent de-stacking. Pallet detection sensors and algorithms handle remaining pallet indexing/positioning requirements of PGSU on pallet. Pallet alignment function works as well with custom pallets for holding PGSU pallet adapters, providing for automatic PGSU tooling changes.
As shown in
Frame 1562 is arranged to enable PGSU 1560 manipulator carriages to engage pallets and grids situated on proximal ends of four PGSC's 1506, 1507, 1508, and 1509, PGSU-PAUL PC 1890, and PE1 PC 1631. Frame 1562 incorporates a linear, horizontal first track 1563—perpendicular to PE1-PE2 PC flow directions—for movable attachment of a first carriage 1568. Also mounted between frame 1562 and first carriage 1568 is a servomotor/sprocket/gear belt arrangement for reciprocally driving a first carriage 1568 along first track 1563.
Mounted to first carriage 1568 is a first set of linear (or cam follower) bearings 1569, which provide for movable attachment of first carriage 1568 to first track 1563 of frame 1562. Also mounted to first carriage 1568 are four vertical linear bearing arrangements 1570, 1571, 1572, and 1573, each for movable attachment of second through fifth carriages 1575, 1588, 1594, and 1600 via linear tracks 1576, 1589, 1595, and 1601, respectively, mounted thereon. Mounted between first carriage 1568 and each of the second through fifth carriages is a servo actuator as described above for reciprocally driving same along respective tracks 1576, 1589, 1595 and 1601. Also mounted between first carriage 1686 and each of second through fifth carriages 1575, 1588, 1594, and 1600 is a failsafe brake for emergency and idle fixing of same relative to associated bearing arrangement, and a “counterbalance” pneumatic cylinder as described above.
Each of second through fifth carriages, 1575, 1588, 1594, and 1600, respectively, are substantially the same as the second and third carriages of PGSU first embodiment.
PAS second embodiment operates similarly to PAS first embodiment. Also, pallet and grid stacks are added to and subtracted from PAS via forklift interfacing with a PGSC's of PGSU second embodiment.
In each PAS 1500 operating mode involving assembly of PA's combined with change of type or addition of pallets 302, 402, or 502, such process starts with placement of a stack 1543 of pallets 302, 402, or 502 and, if applicable, a stack 1540 of grids 600 onto forklift interface ends 1529 of stationary PGSC's, 1507 and 1506, respectively, by a manned or autonomous forklift 1502. PGSC's provide for addition of pallet and grid stacks to PAS 1500 without interruption of continuous operation of PGSU 1560 and, thus, PAS 1500.
Upon clearing of gripper interface end 1530 of PGSC 1507, PGSC 1507 indexes a pallet stack 1543 from forklift interface end 1529 to gripper interface end 1530 of PGSC 1507, clearing forklift interface end 1529 to receive an additional pallet stack 1543. PGSC 1506 operates similarly, typically handling grids in lieu of pallet stacks. PAS 1500 then signals for additional pallet stacks (e.g., through illumination of a light and sounding of a horn for manual forklift operation, or, through electrically wired signaling to control system for autonomous forklift operation) and continues to operate without interruption. All PGSC's are individually controllable by conveyor-dedicated clutch/brake units 1531 positioned in the conveyor drive train between conveyor drive rollers and one common conveyor drive motor 1532, or by separate conveyor-dedicated drive motors, to enable independent indexing of PGSC's 1506, 1507, 1508, and 1509. Thus, it is permissible for pallet stacks 1544 and grid stacks 1541 to have different quantities of pieces, without interrupting PAS 1500 operation. Photoelectric sensors or mechanical limit switches 1535 detect passing leading or trailing edges of pallet stacks 1544, establishing positions of pallet stacks 1544 on PGSC 1507. A similar sensor arrangement is incorporated on PGSC 1506. These discrete signals are fed to the programmable servo system controls along with conveyor position measurement information from position measuring components—typically rotary encoders—associated with servo system driving PGSC's, 1506, 1507, 1508, and 1509, respectively. This arrangement provides for flexible positioning on respective conveyors of pallet stacks 1544 and grid stacks 1541, the geometry of each of which may change with production changes, due to different types of pallets 300, 400 or 500 and grids 600 which system 1500 desirably handles.
Pallet stacks 1544 and grid stacks 1541 conveyed to gripper interface ends, 1530 of PGSC's 1507 and 1506, respectively, are roughly positioned for de-nesting due to variation in pallet stack 1543 and grid stack 1540 placement positions and orientations on first ends 1529 of PGSC's 1507 and 1506, respectively, by forklift 1502. PGSU 1560 compensates, as described below, for such variation in positions and orientations of pallet stacks 1544 and grid stacks 1541.
Pallet/Grid Removal from PAS
In each process involving removal of pallets and, if applicable, grids, from PAS 1500 and subsequent storage of such items starts with the presence of first and second pallets, 1894 and 1895, respectively, (similar to 302, 402, or 502) proximal to PGSU 1560 end 1893 of and spaced laterally on PC 1890. It may, depending on production configuration, also start with the presence of a first pair of grids 1896 and 1897 (similar to 600) beneath respective pallets 1894 and 1895 and a second pair of grids 1896′ and 1897′ between respective pallets 1894 and 1895 and PGSU 1560 end 1893 of PC 1890. Such process comprises sequentially: engaging and gripping a first pallet 1894 and, if applicable, a first grid 1896′, as applicable, on side of grid longitudinal center vertical plane distal to PGSC's 1508 and 1509, transferring first pallet 1894 and grid 1896′ to and nesting them on tops of second pallet 1895 and grid 1897′, respectively, on side of PC longitudinal center vertical plane proximal to PGSC's 1508 and 1509; releasing first pallet 1894 and grid 1896′; gripping second pallet 1895 and grid 1897′, thus capturing first pallet 1894 and grid 1896′, transferring first and second pallets 1894 and 1895, respectively, and first and second girds 1896′ and 1897′, respectively, to and nesting them on tops of pallet stack 1553 and grid stack 1550 at PGSU 1560 ends 1530 of PGSC's 1509 and 1508, respectively. Pallet and grid stacks 1553 and 1550, respectively, on reaching designated size, are automatically conveyed from gripper interface end 1530 to forklift 1502 interface end 1529 for forklift 1502 retrieval and transport to storage area.
Forklift 1502 places a stack 1507 of pallets 302, 402, or 502 and, if applicable, a stack 1542 of grids 600 onto stationary pallet stack conveyor belt 1509 and grid stack conveyor belt 1543, respectively, proximal to the first (free) end 1527 of a pallet stack conveyor 1517 and grid stack conveyor 1540, respectively, These conveyors are of lengths of at least twice the horizontal dimension of the associated stack 1507 or 1542 in the stack conveyor flow direction 1526 and provide for addition of pallet and grid stacks to system without interruption of continuous operation of PGSU. Conveyor surfaces preferably comprise multiple, laterally spaced gear belts 1525 for positive belt surface positioning and belt side-to-side “walking” elimination. Slide beds preferably support conveyor belts for smooth operation and preferably have high-friction backing to promote substantially slip-free contact between belts and carried items.
In de-nesting mode, if grids 600 are to be incorporated into PA's 500 (for example), PGSU 1560 picks up two grids 600 simultaneously from two grid stacks 1542 at second end 1547 of grid stack 1540, translates grids 600 and places them on first end 1644 of PC 1640. PGSU 1560 then picks up two pallets 502 simultaneously from two pallet stacks 1507 at second end 1528 of pallet stack conveyor 1517, translates pallets 502 and places them on first end 1644 of PC 1640, inserting them into grids 600 if grids are to be incorporated into PA's 500. In nesting mode, PGSU 1560 simultaneously picks up pallets 502 from first end 1644 of PC 1640, out of grids 600 if girds 600 were incorporated in PA's 500, and translates pallets 502 and places them on pallet stacks 1507 at second end 1528 of pallet stack conveyor 1517. If grids 600 were incorporated in PA's 500, PGSU 1560 then simultaneously picks up grids 600 from first end 1644 of PC 1640, and translates grids 600 and places them on grid stacks 1542 at second end 1547 of grid stack conveyor 1540.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/695,900, filed on Jan. 28, 2010, entitled “Apparatuses and Systems for Growing Nursery Stock,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/339,732, filed on Jan. 25, 2006, entitled “Apparatuses and Systems for Growing Nursery Stock”, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,846, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, entitled “Apparatuses and Systems For Crowing Nursery Stock.” The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60646846 | Jan 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11339732 | Jan 2006 | US |
| Child | 12695900 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12695900 | Jan 2010 | US |
| Child | 13176527 | US |
