Claims
- 1. An automatic pad loading and unloading system comprising:a lap; a pad retainer positionable to retain and release a pad from said lap; a pick and place machine operably near said lap and programmable to selectively place a pad on said lap and withdraw a pad from said lap.
- 2. An automatic pad loading and unloading system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pick and place machine places and withdraws said pad when said pad retainer is positioned to release a pad.
- 3. An automatic pad loading and unloading system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a controller controls both said retainer and said pick and place machine.
- 4. An automatic pad loading and unloading system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said system further includes at least one sensor to monitor a pad placed on said lap.
- 5. An automatic pad loading and unloading system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor to determine when a pad on said lap requires replacement.
- 6. An automatic pad loading and unloading system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pick and place machine includes a vacuum cup and the selectively actuatable vacuum source.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/452,579 filed Dec. 1, 1999.
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