US20090185891A1 - Tray handler and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a tray handler for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The tray handler includes a plurality of spaced clamp assemblies defining a stack area along a conveyor, a lift plate, and first and second actuators. The lift plate is operably disposed within the stack area. The first actuator is operably associated with the clamp assemblies, which are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the lift plate, which is vertically moveable within the stack area upon actuation of the second actuator. A controller is in communication with the first and second actuators and controls actuation thereof. A method of handling ophthalmic prescription trays is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to a tray handler for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The tray handler includes a plurality of spaced clamp assemblies defining a stack area along a conveyor, a lift plate, and first and second actuators. The lift plate is operably disposed within the stack area. The first actuator is operably associated with the clamp assemblies, which are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative to the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the lift plate, which is vertically moveable within the stack area upon actuation of the second actuator. A controller is in communication with the first and second actuators and controls actuation thereof. Methods of stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays are also disclosed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Processing of ophthalmic lenses is often performed at high-volume finishing laboratories. Such finishing labs seek to maximize efficiency, increase yields, improve quality and reduce reliance on skilled technicians, often through automation of some or all of the processing steps. Finishing labs generally face a relatively large number of work orders for lens processing. As such, it is desirable that the orders are supplied to the processing equipment at optimal rates.
• Generally, processing of lenses begins when an optical laboratory technician inputs the optical prescription from a work order for a pair of lenses in the laboratory's computer. The computer then provides a printout specifying information necessary for producing the required prescription. Appropriate lens blanks are selected based on this information, and the blanks are placed in a prescription tray along with the customer's eyeglass frames. The prescription tray typically remains with the lenses and frames throughout production. While various types of trays are used in the industry, most trays have a rectangular configuration with sides or corner posts having a standard height, and are stackable. The tray, along with the printout, frames and lens blanks, are then transferred to and from various processing machines, where the lenses are marked, blocked, edged and polished.
• In order to maximize efficiency, it is desirable to have a supply of trays with lenses readily available for processing by a particular machine, such as an edger that cuts the lenses to a desired peripheral contour or shape. In addition, it is often desirable to stack the trays while the lenses therein await processing, or are being transported between processing stations, in order to maximize use of space in the laboratory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a tray handler for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The tray handler includes a plurality of spaced clamp assemblies defining a stack area along a conveyor, a lift plate operably disposed within the stack area, and first and second actuators. The first actuator is operably associated with the clamp assemblies. The clamp assemblies are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative to the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the lift plate. The lift plate is vertically moveable within the stack area upon actuation of the second actuator. A tray handler also includes a controller, which is in communication with the first and second actuators and controls actuation thereof.
• The present invention also relates to a tray handler system for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The system includes a conveyor interconnecting a first location and a second location, and conveys a plurality of trays therebetween. A stacker is disposed along the conveyor. The stacker includes a plurality of clamp assemblies defining a stacking area along the conveyor. The stacker also includes a lift plate operably disposed with the stacking area, a first actuator operably associated with the clamp assemblies, and a second actuator operably associated with the lift plate. The clamp assemblies are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative to the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The lift plate is vertically moveable within the stacking area upon actuation of the second actuator. The system also includes a de-stacker disposed along the conveyor and spaced from the stacker. The de-stacker includes a plurality of clamp assemblies defining a de-stacking area along the conveyor, a lift plate operably disposed with the de-stacking area, and first and second actuators. The first actuator is operably associated with the de-stacker's clamp assemblies, which are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative to the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the de-stacker's lift plate, which is vertically moveable within the de-stacking area upon actuation of the second actuator. The system also includes a controller in communication with the first and second actuators of the stacker, and the first and second actuators of the de-stacker, and controls actuation thereof.
• A method of handling ophthalmic prescription trays is also disclosed. A plurality of trays is conveyed on a conveyor from a first location to a first tray handler. A stack of trays is formed in the first tray handler. The stack of trays is discharged from the first tray handler onto the conveyor. The discharged stack of trays is conveyed on the conveyor from the first tray handler to a second tray handler disposed along the conveyor. The stack of trays is de-stacked in the second tray handler. Each de-stacked tray is discharged from the second tray handler onto the conveyor. The discharged, de-stacked trays are conveyed from the second tray handler to a second location. The second location may include an edger apparatus.
• A method of stacking ophthalmic prescription trays is disclosed. A first tray is conveyed on a conveyor into a stacking area. The first tray is raised upwardly and off the conveyor to a predetermined height. The first tray is clamped by closing a plurality of grippers against the first tray, thereby maintaining the first tray at the predetermined height above the conveyor. A second tray is conveyed into the stacking area. The second tray is raised upwardly and off the conveyor until the second tray contacts the first tray. The first tray is unclamped by opening the plurality of grippers. The second tray is raised to the predetermined height. The second tray is clamped by closing the plurality of grippers against the second tray, thereby maintaining the first and second trays in a stack above the conveyor.
• A method of de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays is also disclosed. A stack of trays is conveyed on a conveyor into a de-stacking area. The stack of trays is raised upwardly and off the conveyor to a predetermined height. A second to lowest tray in the stack is clamped by closing a plurality of grippers against the second to lowest tray, thereby maintaining the second to lowest tray at the predetermined height while maintaining the stack above the conveyor. The lowest tray in the stack is lowered onto the conveyor, thereby de-stacking the lowest tray from the stack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a tray handler according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the tray handler;
• FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a stacker/de-stacker portion of the tray handler;
• FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of a gimbaled gripper assembly on the tray handler;
• FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the stacker/de-stacker showing an actuator plate in a first position;
• FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the stacker/de-stacker showing an actuator plate in a second position;
• FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a stacker/de-stacker;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prescription tray having a job ticket therein;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support beam and air nozzles associated with the stacker;
• FIG. 10A is a schematic of a tray handler configured as a stacker in a first orientation;
• FIG. 10B is a schematic of the stacker in a second orientation;
• FIG. 10C is a schematic of the stacker in a third orientation;
• FIG. 10D is schematic of the stacker in a fourth orientation;
• FIG. 11A is a schematic of a tray handler configured as a de-stacker in a first orientation;
• FIG. 11B is a schematic of the de-stacker in a second orientation;
• FIG. 11C is schematic of the de-stacker in a third orientation;
• FIG. 11D is a schematic of the de-stacker in a fourth orientation;
• FIG. 12 is a schematic of a tray handler system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 13 is a schematic of a tray handler system according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Prescription trays used in an ophthalmic lens processing centers are known in the art. As shown inFIG. 8, a prescription tray T typically has a rectangular base B with sides S and corner portions C having a standardized height. Sides S may have a height less than the height of the corner portions C. Trays T typically are made from a plastic material. The trays T may have a metal insert to allow the presence of a tray T to be detected by an inductive sensor.
• As best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is directed to a tray handler H for stacking and de-stacking a plurality of trays, such as trays T. Tray handler H preferably includes aconveyor10 that interconnects afirst location12 and asecond location14 for conveying trays T therebetween.Conveyor10 preferably includes first and second parallel drivenbelts11 sufficiently spaced so that base B of tray T rests on and is conveyed by bothbelts11.
• Astacker16 is operably associated withconveyor10, and is intermediate first andsecond locations12,14.Stacker16 includes anentry end18 proximatefirst location12 in which trays T are fed intostacker16 viaconveyor10, and anexit end20 proximatesecond location14 from which a stack of trays T are discharged fromstacker16 ontoconveyor10. As explained below, tray handler H may be configured so thatstacker16 either forms stacks of trays T or un-stacks stack of trays T. For purposes of explanation,stacker16 will first be described with tray handler H configured for stacking trays T.
• Stacker16 preferably includes first and second spacedclamp assemblies22,24 connected to and disposed along a first side26 ofconveyor10. Third and fourth spacedclamp assemblies28,30 are connected to and disposed along asecond side32 ofconveyor10 opposite first side26. First andthird clamp assemblies22,28 are proximatestacker exit end20, and second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 are proximatestacker entry end18.Clamp assemblies22,24,28,30 define therebetween a stacking area alongconveyor10.
• As best shown inFIG. 3, eachclamp assembly22,24,28,30 includes abracket34 having first and second opposite ends36,38. Bracket first end36 is connected to acorresponding side26 or32 ofconveyor10. Agimbaled gripper assembly40 is connected to bracketsecond end38.
• As best shown inFIG. 4, eachgripper assembly40 has abody portion42 with abore44 extending therethrough, and agripper surface45.Gripper surface45 is configured for gripping a corner portion C or side S of a trayT. Gripper surface45 may be integrally formed withbody portion42. Alternatively,gripper surface45 may be secured tobody portion42. In addition,gripper surface45 may be L-shaped for gripping two surfaces of corner portion C of tray T.A support post46 is connected to bracketsecond end38.Support post46 is disposed inbore44, andbody portion42 is secured thereon using a fastener such as a washer andscrew48.Support post46 includes a central flange50 that acts as a fulcrum, so thatbody portion42 is gimbaled thereon. First and secondelastomeric flanges52, such as O-rings, are also preferably disposed onsupport post46, with central flange50 being intermediateelastomeric flanges52.Elastomeric flanges52 act as cushions against whichbody portion42 pivots against. In this way,gripper surface45 may conform to the side portion S or corner portion P of tray T. Many prescription trays are formed from plastic, and their sides sometimes include a slight inward or outward bend or draft. The gimbaled connection ofbody portion42 onsupport post46 ensures thatgripper surface45 will properly contact the side S or corner C whengripper assemblies40 are actuated. In addition,elastomeric flanges52 tend to re-aligngripper assemblies40 back to a neutral or ‘straight’ position onsupport post46 after pressure is no longer being applied togripper surface45.
• Referring toFIGS. 1-3,stacker16 includes alift plate54 operably associated withconveyor10 and disposed within the stacking area. Alift cylinder56, preferably pneumatically powered is operably associated withlift plate54 for raising and loweringlift plate54 relative toconveyor10. Preferably,lift plate54 is moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement ofbelts11 ofconveyor10. As best shown inFIG. 3,lift plate54 is not secured to liftcylinder56.Lift cylinder56 has a piston that raiseslift plate54. However, aslift cylinder56 and its cooperating piston is retracted,lift plate54 is lowered by gravity. Safety is enhanced becauselift plate54 is not driven downward bylift cylinder56 as it is being lowered. Thus, if a user's hand or other object is accidentally left in the path oflift plate54 as it is being lowered, no injury to the user or to tray handler H will result. A user may easily pull his or her hand out from underlift plate54 even afterlift cylinder56 is fully retracted. Preferably, lift bearings58 are provided on the underside oflift plate54, which cooperate with lift guide rods60 to guidelift plate54 along its path of movement as its is being either raise or lowered.Lift cylinder56 is preferably a three position pneumatic cylinder, so thatlift plate54 may be raised and stopped at first and second heights abovebelts11 ofconveyor10, as well as the retracted position. Movement oflift plate54 for stacking and de-stacking trays T will be described in detail below.
• As best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, tray handler H preferably includes anactuator plate62 having first and second opposite ends64,66.Actuator plate62 is disposed underlift plate54 and within the stacking area. First andthird clamp assemblies22,28 are coupled to actuator platefirst end64. Preferably, first andthird clamp assemblies22,28 each include apivot clamp arm68 having a first end70 pivotally connected to supportpost46 and a secondopposite end72 connected to apivot rod78, as best shown inFIGS. 4,5 and6.Pivot rod78 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the correspondingpivot clamp arm68. First end64 ofactuator plate62 includes first andsecond actuator arms74,76 pivotally connected to and extending outwardly fromactuator plate62, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. The free ends of first andsecond actuator arms74,76 are connected to pivotrods78, thereby pivotally connectinggripper assemblies40 tofirst end64 ofactuator plate62.
• Actuator plate62 is moveable between a first position A, as shown inFIG. 5, and a second position B, as shown inFIG. 6. Anactuator63, such as a pneumatic cylinder, is provided, which is connected toactuator plate62 via a rod65. Rod65 is extended or retracted via actuation ofactuator63, thereby causing movement ofactuator plate62. The path of movement between positions A and B is preferably substantially perpendicular to the path of movement oflift plate54. When actuatorplate62 is in first position A, first andthird clamp assemblies22,28 are in an ‘open’ position, whereby the correspondinggimbaled gripper assemblies40 are pivoted outwardly and away from the stacking area.Gripper assemblies40 do not hinder the movement of a stack of trays T exiting tray handler H when first andthird assemblies22,28 are in the open position andactuator plate62 is in first position A.
• Asactuator plate62 moves from first position A to second position B,actuator arms74,76 pivot, causingpivot rods78 to rotate. The rotation ofpivot rods78, in turn, cause pivot clamparms68 to pivot, thereby forcingbody portions40 ofgripper assemblies40 to move inwardly toward the stacking area in a ‘closed’ position. When moved into the closed position,body portions42 and gripper surfaces45 are sufficiently spaced and configured to grip the comers C and/or sidewalls S of a tray T disposed within the stacking area.
• Second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 may be coupled toactuator plate62 as described above for first andthird clamp assemblies22,28. Alternatively, each of second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 may be connected to correspondingbrackets34 vialever arms80. Eachlever arm80 has first and second opposite ends82,84.Lever arm80 is pivotally connected tobracket34 at point intermediate ends82,84, so that ends82,84 may be pivoted inwardly and outwardly relative to the stacking area. In addition, asend82 is pivoted inwardly, end84 is pivoted outwardly, and vice versa, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.
• Eachgripper assembly40 of second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 is connected tofirst end82 oflever arm80, as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. Preferably,body portion42 is directly connected tofirst end82 so that there is no pivotal movement betweengripper assembly40 andfirst end82.Second end84 of lever arm cooperates withsecond end66 ofactuator plate62, such thatsecond end84 is pushed outwardly bysecond end66 whenactuator plate62 is moved from first position A to second position B, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.
• Preferably,actuator plate62 includes first andsecond cams86,88 secured to anunderside90 ofsecond end66 ofactuator plate62. Eachcam86,88 engages acam follower92 connected tosecond end84 of acorresponding lever arm80. Eachcam86,88 preferably has anglededge94 extending outwardly fromactuator plate62 and aligned withcam follower92 whenactuator plate62 is in first position A, as best shown inFIG. 5.Cam follower92 preferably has a cylindrical configuration, with the circularsides engaging cams86,88 asactuator plate62 is moved from first position A to second position B, as shown inFIG. 6.Angled edges94 are pushed intocam followers92, thereby forcingcam followers92 outwardly and away fromactuator plate62.Second end84 oflever arm80 is thereby moved outwardly and away from the stacking area, whilefirst end82 oflever arm80 is moved inwardly and toward the stacking area. In this way,gripper assemblies40 of second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 are moved inwardly whenactuator plate62 is moved into second position B, thereby forcing gripper surfaces45 against trayT. Second end84 oflever arm80 is preferably sufficiently weighted and/orlever arm80 is pivotally secured tobracket34 at a central position that permitslever arm80 to easily return to its initial ‘open’ position whenactuator plate62 is moved back to position A from positionB. Lever arms80 may also be biased to the initial open position, shown inFIG. 5, using springs, for example.
• First andsecond cams86,88 may be slideably secured tounderside90 ofactuator plate62, so that the distance betweenangled edges94 ofcams86,88, respectively, may be adjusted. In this way, the amount of inward and outward movement ofgripper assemblies40 may be adjusted. Such adjustment may be desirable in order to account for trays of varying width. Thus, handler H may be ‘tuned’ to account for the particular dimensions of trays T to be stacked or de-stacked.
• As best shown inFIGS. 1,2,3 and7, tray handler H may include paper guides96 extending outwardly from and connected tobrackets34 of first andsecond clamp assemblies22,24. Typically, a printed sheet of paper having information necessary for processing lenses, or ‘job ticket’ J, is provided in each prescription tray T, along with the lenses and frames, as best shown inFIG. 8. The job ticket J is sometimes slipped into a slot provided on the tray T, or placed upright such that the paper sheet extends upwardly beyond the height of sides S and/or corners C. The job ticket J may flop or be folded outwardly such that it would catch onbracket34 as it enters the stacking area. Paper guides96 ensure that job ticket J and tray T are properly guided into the stacking area without catching on bracket(s)34 as tray T either enters or exits the stacking area.
• Paper guides96 preferably include aside edge98 that is fastened ontobrackets34 using bolts, screws, pins or the like, as best shown inFIG. 7. A majorplanar portion100 extends outwardly fromside edge98 away frombrackets34. Majorplanar portion100 is preferably angularly disposed relative toside edge98, extending outwardly away from the stacking area. The angle of majorplanar portion100 relative toside edge98 and/or first side26 ofconveyor10 may be adjusted by simply bending majorplanar portion100. Paper guides96 should extend outwardly from first side26 ofconveyor10 at an angle sufficient to engage and guide any portion of job ticket J that may be extending outwardly from sidewalls S of tray T into the stacking area.
• Tray handler H may include afirst sensor102 disposed within or proximate the stacking area, as best shown inFIGS. 1,3 and6, which senses when a tray T is disposed at a predetermined position within the stacking area.First sensor102 may be a photovoltaic sensor. Alternatively, an inductive position sensor may be provided, which is disposed adjacent a cut-outportion104 oflift plate54, as best shown inFIG. 7. Trays T may be fitted with a metal piece on their base B, which is detected by the inductive position sensor when tray T is disposed at the predetermined position within the stacking area. It should be understood that various types of position sensors may be used, so long asfirst sensor102 is able to detect the position of tray T at the predetermined position within the stacking area.
• First sensor102 is in communication withlift cylinder56 via a CPU or other control mechanism (not shown). As described above,lift cylinder56 is operably associated withlift plate54, which is raised or lowered aslift cylinder56 is extended or retracted.
• Asecond sensor103 may be provided at a position proximatesecond location14, as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.Second sensor103 may be an optical sensor.Second sensor103 also detects the position of tray T at the predetermined position within the stacking area.Second sensor103 is in communication withconveyor10 via CPU or other control mechanism. Optical sensor105 transmits a beam of light toretro reflector107. The passage of tray T causes the beam to be blocked, thereby indicating the presence of a tray T. After the tray continues its transit, the reflected beam is detected by sensor105, thereby indicating that another tray T may commence its transit. Activation of first andsecond sensors102,103 will be described more fully below.
• Tray handler may also include a tray stop106 disposed betweenbelts11 andadjacent entry end18 ofstacker16 outside of the stacking area. Tray stop106 is upwardly moveable into the path of trays T being conveyed onconveyor10. Whenlift cylinder56 is activated, tray stop106 is also caused to move upwardly and into the path of trays T being conveyed, thereby preventing any other trays onconveyor10 from entering the stacking area afterlift plate54 has been raised. A separate actuator is provided for actuating tray stop106. Tray stop106 may be lowered out of the path of trays T when the stacking area is ready to receive another tray T. Tray stop106 may be in communication with the control mechanism, which controls movement thereof.
• As best shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, tray handler H may include at least oneair nozzle108, which may be connected tosecond side32 ofconveyor10 intermediate third andfourth clamp assemblies28,30.Air nozzle108 is connected to a source of high pressure air (not shown) so that an air stream is expelled fromnozzle108 into the stacking area, preferably toward first side26 ofconveyor10 intermediate first andsecond clamp assemblies22,24. Tray handler H may include more than oneair nozzle108, such as threeair nozzles108 as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9.
• Asupport beam110 may be connected to and extending betweenbrackets34 of third andfourth clamp assemblies28,30.Air nozzles108 are connected to supportbeam110. Preferably,air nozzles108 are pivotally connected to supportbeam110, as best shown inFIG. 9. In this way, the direction of the air stream expelled fromair nozzles108 may be adjusted and directed toward a specific location in the stacking area, as shown by arrows X and Y.
• As noted above, tray handler H may be configured for either stacking or de-stacking trays T. Referring toFIGS. 10A through 10D, operation of tray handler H configured as a stacker will be described. As shown inFIG. 10A, a first tray T1 is already secured betweengripper assemblies40 of first, second, third andfourth clamp assemblies22,24,28,30, which are in the ‘closed’ position as shown inFIG. 6.Actuator plate62 is therefore in second position B. A second tray T2 has entered the stacking area onconveyor10 throughentry end18, and is disposed abovelift plate54 in a first predetermined position, as shown inFIG. 10A. The base B of tray T2 rests onbelts11 ofconveyor10 in the first predetermined position.
• Tray T2 is aligned with tray Ti in the first predetermined position. Tray T2 is detected bysensors102 and103 in the first predetermined position.Sensors102,103 send a signal to a corresponding control mechanism, which then causesconveyor10 to stop moving. Tray stop106 is also raised to stop any other trays from entering the stacking area.Lift cylinder56 is actuated so thatlift plate54 is raised to a first height, as best shown inFIG. 10B. Tray T2 is thereby raised upwardly toward tray T1 to a second predetermined position whenlift plate54 reaches the first height, wherein the upper edges of the sides S or corners C of tray T2 contacts the base B of tray T1. Trays T1, T2 are preferably configured so that the upper edges of the sides S or corners C of one tray are nested into the corresponding base B of the other tray.
• As tray T2 is lifted offconveyor belts11 from the first to second predetermined positions,air nozzles108 are activated so that the air streams being expelled therefrom moves the upper edge of job ticket J extending above sides S of tray T2 outwardly. The direction of the air streams may be adjusted by pivotally adjustingnozzles108, as described above. In this way, job ticket J does not hamper tray T2 from nesting into tray T1.
• Whenlift plate54 reaches the first height, rod65 is retracted byactuator63 causingactuator plate62 to move to first position A, as shown inFIG. 5. Thus, the control mechanism is in communication withactuator63 andlift cylinder56 via sensors or position detectors. Asactuator plate62 moves into first position A,gripper assemblies40 of first, second, third andfourth clamp assemblies22,24,28,30 are ‘opened’, thereby releasing tray T1. However, trays T1 and T2 are supported bylift plate54 as shown inFIG. 10B.
• Lift cylinder56 is then actuated so thatlift plate54 is raised to a second height, as best shown inFIG. 10C. Trays T1 and T2 are thereby raised upwardly to a third predetermined position whenlift plate54 reaches the second height, wherein the sides S or corners C of tray T2 are aligned withgripper assemblies40 of first, second, third andfourth clamp assemblies22,24,28,30. Uponlift plate54 reaching the second height,actuator63 is again actuated so that rod65 is extended causingactuator plate62 to move back to second position B, as shown inFIG. 6. Asactuator plate62 moves back to first position B,gripper assemblies40 are ‘closed’ thereby clamping the sides S and/or corners C of tray T2.Lift cylinder56 is then retracted so thatlift plate54 is lowered to a point belowbelts11 ofconveyor10, as shown inFIG. 10D. As noted above,lift plate54 is preferably decoupled fromlift cylinder56, and is lowered by gravity. Whenlift plate54 is completely lowered,conveyor10 is re-started. Tray stop106 is also lowered so that the stacking area is ready to receive another tray.
• The cycle shown inFIGS. 10A-10D therefore may be repeated until a desired number of trays are stacked. The associated controller or CPU may be programmed so that a desired number of trays are stacked by tray handler H. A stack of trays is then released fromstacker16 ontoconveyor10 fromexit end20. The cycle is slightly different when the last tray to be stacked reaches the stacking area. The final tray in a stack (which will be the bottom tray of the stack) is moved from the first predetermined position, as shown inFIG. 10A, to the second predetermined position, as shown inFIG. 10B as described above. As such,lift plate54 is moved upwardly to the first height, andclamp assemblies40 are opened. Then, liftplate54 is re-lowered to its initial position belowbelts11, as shown inFIG. 10A. Therefore,lift plate54 does not proceed to the second height when stacking the final tray in a stack. As such, thegripper assemblies40 remain open. Therefore, the entire stack of trays is lowered down ontobelts11.Conveyor10 is re-started, and the stack is discharged fromexit end20 towardsecond location14.
• First andthird clamp assemblies22,28, which areproximate exit end20 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, pivot outwardly from the stacking area a sufficient distance to permit a stack of trays to pass therebetween. First andthird clamp assemblies22,28 are able to pivot outwardly due to their pivotal connection viaclamp pivot arms68. Second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 need not pivot outwardly given a full stack of trays does not pass throughentry end18 when tray handler H is configured for stacking trays. As such, second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 simply move in and out vialever arms80.
• Tray handler H may also be configured for de-stacking previously stacked sets of trays T, as best shown inFIGS. 11A-11D. When configured as a de-stacker, tray handler H is virtually identical to the configuration described for stacking trays. However, there are several differences withstacker16. When configured as a de-stacker, pivoting first andthird clamp assemblies22,28 ofstacker16 are preferably disposedproximate entry end18, given a full stack of trays enters the de-stacking area, instead of exiting when trays T are being stacked. As such,clamp assemblies40 of first andthird clamp assemblies22,28 may pivot out of the way of the stack of trays entering the de-stacking area. Accordingly, second andfourth clamp assemblies24,30 are disposedproximate exit end20. In addition, tray handler H need not includeair nozzles108 when configured as a de-stacker, given job tickets J will not hamper the trays T from being de-stacked.
• In addition, the movement ofclamp assemblies40 andlift plate54 is slightly different when tray handler H is configured for de-stacking a stack of trays, as shown inFIGS. 11A-11D. A stack of trays T1, T2 enters the de-stacking area throughentry end18. When the stack is disposed abovelift plate54 in the first predetermined position, as best shown inFIGS. 11A, the stack is detected bysensors102 and/or103, or by an inductive position sensor as described above.Lift plate54 is in an initial position just belowbelts11 ofconveyor10. In this initial position,clamp assemblies22,24,28,30 are in the ‘open’ position, as shown inFIG. 5. Thus,actuator plate62 is in first position A.
• After the stack has been detected in the de-stacking area, the associated control mechanism causesconveyor10 to stop moving. Tray stop106 may also be raised to prevent any other stacks from entering the de-stacking area.Lift cylinder56 is actuated so thatlift plate54 is raised to the first height, as best shown inFIG. 11B. The stack is thereby raised upwardly to the second predetermined position whenlift plate54 reaches the first height. Rod65 is extended byactuator63 causingactuator plate62 to move to second position B, as shown inFIG. 6. Asactuator plate62 moves from first position A to second position B,gripper assemblies40 of first, second, third andfourth clamp assemblies22,24,28,30 are ‘closed’. Whenlift plate54 is at the first height,gripper assemblies40 are aligned with tray T1, or the second to lowest tray in the stack. Thus, the second to lowest tray T1 is grasped bygripper assemblies40. Tray T2 remains supported bylift plate54.
• Lift cylinder56 is then retracted so thatlift plate54 is lowered to a point belowbelts11 ofconveyor10, as shown inFIG. 11C.Lift plate54 de-stacks tray T2 from the stack, which is thereby lowered ontoconveyor10.Conveyor10 is re-started, and un-stacked tray T2 is discharged from the de-stacking area.
• Lift plate54 is then raised to the second height which is just beneath tray T1, as shown inFIG. 11D. If tray T1 is the last tray in the stack, as shown inFIG. 11D,lift plate54 is lowered to a point belowbelts11 ofconveyor10, as shown inFIG. 11C. Tray T1 is thereby lowered ontoconveyor10, and discharged from the de-stacking area.
• However, if tray T1 is not the last tray in the stack, lift plate is moved from the second height, shown inFIG. 11D, to the first height, shown inFIG. 11B.Grippers assemblies40 are then closed, thereby gripping the tray stacked above tray T1 (not shown). The process shown inFIGS. 11B-11D is repeated until all trays are de-stacked. The de-stacker may be controlled to account for the last two trays T1, T2 in a stack, in which case the step shown inFIG. 10B is not necessary when only two trays T1, T2 remain in the stack.
• The CPU and/or control mechanism may be programmed so that tray handler H stacks or de-stacks a predetermined number of trays T per stack. As noted above, movement oflift plate54 is adjusted to account for the final tray being stacked or de-stacked. For example, each stack may include five trays T. Thus, the cycles shown inFIGS. 10A-D and11A-D are modified to account for the final tray being stacked or de-stacked.
• As best shown inFIG. 12, a tray handler system H′ is disclosed which stacks and de-stacks trays T. System H′ includes astacker16A and a de-stacker16B, each of which are configured as described above.Stacker16A includesentry end18 into which trays T are conveyed byconveyor10 fromfirst location12, and anexit end20 from which a stack of trays are discharged. Thus,stacker16A is configured and controlled for stacking trays T, as described above with reference toFIGS. 10A-10D. De-stacker includes anentry end18′ into which the stack of trays T are conveyed byconveyor10 fromstacker16A, and anexit end20′ from which de-stacked trays T are discharged.De-stacker16B is configured and controlled for de-stacking trays T, as described with reference toFIGS. 11A-11D.
• Conveyor10 interconnects afirst location12 and asecond location14, conveying a plurality of trays T therebetween. Processing equipment, such as an edger, surfacer, blocker, coating machine, etc., may be provided at first and/orsecond locations12,14. For example, a lens blocker LB may be provided atfirst location12, and an edger E or edgers F may be provided atsecond location14.Stacker16A receives trays T fromfirst location12, and discharges stacks of trays T back ontoconveyor10 towardde-stacker16B. A controller C is preferably in communication withlift cylinder56 andactuator63 associated withstacker16A, as well aslift cylinder56 andactuator63 associated with de-stacker16B. Controller C is also preferably in communication withconveyor10. Controller may also be in control of blocker LB and edger E.
• System H′ transports a plurality of prescription trays fromfirst location12, such as blocker LB or other processing equipment, to thestacker16A. The prescription trays are stacked, thereby efficiently moving the trays T along to another processing station, which also saving space by automatically stacking the trays T. The stacks may then be transported to another processing area, such as an edging apparatus E, viaconveyor10. Prior to reaching edger E, however, the stacks are de-stacked. In this way, a supply of de-stacked prescription trays are ready for processing by edger E, thereby maximizing space and efficiency.
• As best shown inFIG. 13, a tray handler system H″ is disclosed which stacks and de-stacks trays T. System H″ is similar to system H′. As such, system H″ includesstacker16A and de-stacker16B.Stacker16A is configured and controlled for stacking trays T, and de-stacker16B is configured and controlled for de-stacking trays T, as described above. System H″ also includesconveyor10, which interconnectsfirst location12 andsecond location14, for conveying a plurality of trays T therebetween. System H″ may include a processing machine atfirst location12 as well as another processing machine atsecond location14. For example, an edger, surfacing machine, blocking machine, or coating machine may be provided atfirst location12 and/orsecond location14.
• System H″ also includes anindexing station120intermediate stacker16A and de-stacker16B.Indexing station120 is an extending length ofconveyor10, which includes a plurality of tray stops122. Tray stops122 are moveable upwardly from a position belowconveyor10 to a position aboveconveyor10, so that stacks of tray T contact tray stops122. Preferably, tray stops122 are air cylinders disposed just belowconveyor10. Upon actuation, an associated cylinder rod extends upwardly into the path of trays T onconveyor10, as shown inFIG. 13, stopping movement of the stacks of trays T alongconveyor10. Eachtray stop122 is in communication with controller C. Alternatively, each tray stop122 may be connected to a support beam, which is actuated by a single air cylinder so that actuation of the single air cylinder causes all tray stops122 to move upwardly and into the path of trays T onconveyor10.
• Any number of tray stops122 may be provided inindexing station120. Tray stops122 are spaced by a predetermined distance, forming a space between adjacent tray stops122 in which a stack of trays T is held. Each stack of trays proceeds alongconveyor10, and is temporarily stopped by eachtray stop122. As such, tray stops122 assure that each stack of trays T will proceed throughindexing station120 in an indexed queue for a predetermined amount of time, even if there is a delay in the stacking or de-stacking process causing a gap between stacks of trays. Such a gap or delay in the process simply results in an empty space between adjacent tray stops122.
• In this way, each tray stop122 (and therefore stack of trays T) proceeds throughindexing station120 at a predetermined rate. This may allow for the lenses in each tray T to be cooled, heated or dried for a predetermined amount of time between processing machines. For example,location12 may include a blocking machine, which affixes blocks to each lens. After being blocked, the lenses are maintained in their respective tray T, and proceed to stacker16A. The trays T containing blocked lenses are stacked, and proceed alongconveyor10. The trays T containing the blocked lenses may then proceed to the de-stacker, and forwarded along to a surfacing machine. Prior to surfacing, however, the adhesive or wax securing the blocks to the lenses should be sufficiently cured. The rate at which each stack of trays T containing blocked lenses passes throughindexing station120 assures that the blocked lenses will be sufficiently cured prior to entering de-stacker16B and/or surfacer.
• Therefore, the length ofconveyor10 inindexing station120, and the rate at which each stack of trays T passes throughindexing station120, may vary depending on the particular blocking adhesive and processing equipment. It should be understood that the configuration ofindexing station120 may vary depending on the particular processing arrangement. For example, a coating machine may be provided atlocation12 which applies a finish to the edged lenses.Indexing station120 would then be configured such that the length ofconveyor10 and the rate at which the coated lenses pass therethrough assures that the finish coat is sufficiently dried prior to de-stacking and further processing atlocation14.
• Indexing station120 may include a refrigerated housing or other cooling mechanism for expediting cooling of the lenses in trays T. Other variations ofindexing station120 may also be provided depending on the processing requirements of the particular system. For example,indexing station120 may include a drying or heating mechanism. Such modifications would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
• The gimbaled clamp design of the tray handler of the present invention allows for a variety of tray designs and configurations to be clamped. In addition, the entire clamping mechanism of thestacker16 may be actuated, i.e. either opening or closing the clamp assemblies, by movement ofactuator plate62. Becauseactuator plate62 is actuated using one air cylinder, the system provides for improved reliability and simplicity of design.
• The present invention has been described herein in terms of various preferred embodiments. Various modifications and additions to the embodiments would be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications be included within the scope of this invention to the extent that they are encompassed by the claims herein.

Claims (13)

1-31. (canceled)

32. A tray handler system for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays, the system comprising:

a conveyor interconnecting a first location and a second location and conveying a plurality of trays therebetween;

a stacker disposed along said conveyor, said stacker having a plurality of clamp assemblies defining a stacking area along said conveyor, a lift plate operably disposed within the stacking area, a first actuator operably associated with said clamp assemblies, said clamp assemblies inwardly and outwardly moveable relative said lift plate upon actuation of said first actuator, and a second actuator operably associated with said lift plate, said lift plate vertically moveable within the stacking area upon actuation of said second actuator;

a de-stacker disposed along said conveyor and spaced from said stacker, said de-stacker having a plurality of clamp assemblies defining a de-stacking area along said conveyor, a lift plate operably disposed with the de-stacking area, a first actuator operably associated with said clamp assemblies, said clamp assemblies inwardly and outwardly moveable relative said lift plate upon actuation of said first actuator, and a second actuator operably associated with said lift plate, said lift plate vertically moveable within the de-stacking area upon actuation of said second actuator;

a controller in communication with said first and second actuators of said stacker and said first and second actuators of said de-stacker for controlling actuation thereof.

33. The system ofclaim 32, further comprising a processing machine disposed at at least one of said first location and said second location.

34. The system ofclaim 33, wherein said processing machine is selected from the group consisting of an edging machine, a surfacing machine, a blocking machine, and a coating machine.

35. The system ofclaim 32, further comprising an indexing station disposed along said conveyor intermediate said stacker and said de-stacker, said indexing station comprising a plurality of spaced tray stops, each of said tray stops upwardly moveable for preventing a stack of trays from proceeding along said conveyor.

36. The system ofclaim 35, wherein said tray stops are in communication with said controller, said controller causing actuation of said tray stops so that each stack of trays proceeds through said indexing station at a predetermined rate.

37. A method of handling ophthalmic prescription trays, comprising the steps of:

conveying a plurality of trays on a conveyor from a first location to a first tray handler;

forming a stack of trays in the first tray handler;

discharging the stack of trays from the first tray handler onto the conveyor;

conveying the discharged stack of trays on the conveyor from the first tray handler to a second tray handler disposed along the conveyor;

de-stacking the stack of trays in the second tray handler;

discharging each de-stacked tray from the second tray handler onto the conveyor; and

conveying each discharged, de-stacked tray from the second tray handler to a second location.

38. The method ofclaim 37, including the further step of conveying each discharged, de-stacked tray from the second tray handler to a processing machine.

39. A method of stacking ophthalmic prescription trays, comprising the steps of:

a) conveying a first tray on a conveyor into a stacking area;

b) raising the first tray upwardly and off the conveyor to a predetermined height;

c) clamping the first tray by closing a plurality of grippers against the first tray, thereby maintaining the first tray at the predetermined height above the conveyor;

d) conveying a second tray into the stacking area;

e) raising the second tray upwardly and off the conveyor until the second tray contacts the first tray;

f) unclamping the first tray by opening the plurality of grippers;

g) raising the second tray to the predetermined height;

h) clamping the second tray by closing the plurality of grippers against the second tray, thereby maintaining the first and second trays in a stack above the conveyor.

40. The method ofclaim 39, comprising the further steps of:

repeating steps a) through h) until the stack includes a desired number of trays; and

unclamping a bottom tray in the stack by opening the plurality of grippers;

lowering the stack onto the conveyor; and

discharging the stack from the tray handler to a second location.

41. A method of de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays, comprising the steps of:

a) conveying a stack of trays on a conveyor into a de-stacking area;

b) raising the stack of trays upwardly and off the conveyor to a predetermined height;

c) clamping a second to lowest tray in the stack by closing a plurality of grippers against the second to lowest tray, thereby maintaining the second to lowest tray at the predetermined height while maintaining the stack above the conveyor;

d) lowering the lowest tray in the stack onto the conveyor, thereby de-stacking the lowest tray from the stack.

42. The method ofclaim 41, comprising the further steps of:

e) unclamping a next lowest tray in the stack by opening the plurality of grippers;

f) clamping a second to next lowest tray in the stack by closing the plurality of grippers against the second to next lowest tray, thereby maintaining the second to next lowest tray at the predetermined height while maintaining the stack above the conveyor;

g) lowering the next lowest tray in the stack onto the conveyor;

h) discharging the next lowest tray from the de-stacking area.

43. The method ofclaim 42, comprising the further steps of repeating steps e) through h) until all trays in the stack of trays are discharged from the de-stacking area.

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