초록 ▼

Improved methods and apparatus are provided for sorting and arranging garments in a selected order which have been sequentially placed in an unordered sequence. The garments are identified by a marking affixed to each garment, and each garment is arranged in its identified sequence on a sorting conv

Improved methods and apparatus are provided for sorting and arranging garments in a selected order which have been sequentially placed in an unordered sequence. The garments are identified by a marking affixed to each garment, and each garment is arranged in its identified sequence on a sorting conveyor having a multiplicity of movable carriers each for receiving a garment. Identification signals are rearranged in a preselected order, and a plurality of arranged signals are assigned to each one of a corresponding plurality of pick-off mechanisms positioned along the sorting conveyor. A computer calculates bidirectional movement of the sorting conveyor to minimize conveyor movement for positioning a garment for pick-off in its proper sequence by a respective one of the pick-off mechanisms. The conveyor is driven in a bidirectional mode to properly position the garment, and a pick-off mechanism is activated to remove the garment from the sorting conveyor and position the garment on an unloading conveyor. Each conveyor pick-off apparatus includes a fluid-powered cylinder inclined downward toward the sorting conveyor, and a drive unit for closing the gripper mechanism. The method and apparatus of the present invention are particularly well suited for commercial laundry and industrial uniform rental plant industry, wherein commingled garments are arranged in a selected order for pickup or delivery to customers.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of sorting and arranging garments in a preselected order each having an identifying marking affixed thereto and suspended from a garment hanger, the garments being in an unordered sequence prior to the sorting and arranging, the method comprising: (a) sequentially identifying each garment i

A method of sorting and arranging garments in a preselected order each having an identifying marking affixed thereto and suspended from a garment hanger, the garments being in an unordered sequence prior to the sorting and arranging, the method comprising: (a) sequentially identifying each garment in the unordered sequence from the identifying marking and outputting an identification signal in response thereto; (b) inputting each identification signal to a data storage device; (c) sequentially arranging each garment in the identified sequence thereof on a sorting conveyor having a multiplicity of movable carriers each for receiving a respective garment hanger and garment suspended thereon; (d) rearranging the identification signals such that each of the identification signals is positioned between other identifications signals in the preselected order; (e) assigning a plurality of arranged identification signals to each one of a corresponding plurality of pick-off mechanisms positioned along the sorting conveyor: (f) homing the sorting conveyor such that a preselected carrier on the sorting conveyor is at a preselected starting position; (g) calculating bidirectional movement of the sorting conveyor from the starting position thereof to each of a plurality of potential first positions such that in each of the potential first positions a garment representative of a first identification signal in each of the plurality of arranged identification signals will be positioned for pick-off by the respective pick-off mechanism thereof; (h) selecting one of the calculated movements which is preferred over the other calculated movements to efficiently unload the garments from the sorting conveyor; (i) driving the sorting conveyor a fixed distance in a selected direction in response to the selected calculated movement; (j) activating the respective pick-off mechanism to remove the garment positioned for pick-off from the sorting conveyor; and (k) repeating steps (g) through (j) for successive conveyor positions, wherein successive calculated conveyor movements are based upon the position of the sorting conveyor bidirectionally driven as a result of the preceding conveyor movement.