High accuracy transfer system for intact filling

Abstract

A transfer system including at least one base structure having at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof. Each of the at least one fixture retaining members is configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon. A transfer carriage is configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining members of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.

1 . A transfer system comprising:
 at least one base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon; and   a transfer carriage configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining member of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure.   
     
     
         2 . The transfer system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one side transfer arm, each side transfer arm being configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of a different base structure. 
     
     
         3 . The transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one fixture retaining member includes at least one peg and wherein each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein the transfer carriage includes at least one recess, each recess configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         5 . The transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein each fixture is configured to retain at least one work piece thereon. 
     
     
         6 . The transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, each gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon. 
     
     
         7 . The transfer system of  claim 6 , wherein each gripper is configured to at least partially surround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece. 
     
     
         8 . A transfer system comprising:
 first and second base structures disposed adjacent each other, each base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon;   a first transfer carriage configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to another fixture retaining member of the first base structure;   a second transfer carriage configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to another fixture retaining member of the second base structure;   a first side transfer arm configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the first base structure to a fixture retaining member of the second base structure; and   a second side transfer arm configured to transfer at least one fixture from a fixture retaining member of the second base structure to a fixture retaining member of the first base structure.   
     
     
         9 . A method of transferring work pieces comprising the steps of:
 providing a transfer system comprising:   
       at least one base structure including at least one fixture retaining member disposed along a length thereof, each of the at least one fixture retaining member being configured to detachably secure a fixture thereon; and
 a transfer carriage configured to transport at least one fixture from a first position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to one of the at least one fixture retaining member of the at least one base structure to a second position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to another fixture retaining member of the same base structure; 
 engaging the transfer carriage with at least one fixture disposed in the first position; 
 lifting the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position; 
 moving the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the second position; 
 lowering the transfer carriage such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the second position; and 
 disengaging the transfer carriage from the at least one fixture. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the transfer system further comprises at least one side transfer arm, each side transfer arm being configured to transport at least one fixture from the first position to a third position wherein each fixture is detachably secured to a fixture retaining member of another base structure. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of:
 engaging at least one side transfer arm with at least one fixture disposed in the first position;   lifting the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lifted from the first position;   moving the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is transported to a location above the third position;   lowering the at least one side transfer arm such that the at least one fixture is lowered into the third position; and   disengaging the at least one side transfer arm from the at least one fixture.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein each of the at least one fixture retaining member comprises at least one peg and wherein each fixture defines at least one aperture therein such that each peg is configured to engage a corresponding aperture and retain the fixture thereon. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the transfer carriage includes at least one recess, each recess configured to retain a fixture therein during transportation from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein each fixture is configured to retain at least one work piece thereon. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein each fixture includes at least one gripper, each gripper being configured to retain a work piece thereon. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein each gripper is configured to at least partially surround a work piece and wherein each gripper secures the work piece by engaging the cap of each work piece.