Operator position adjustable production line machine

Abstract

An operator position adjustable production line assembly includes a main unit having a product path and an interior including a product cavity. An operable top is attached to the main unit with a plurality of support posts enabling equal or near equal access to the interior and product cavity from either side and the ends of the main unit. Optional side covers are selectively movable to increase product cavity and interior height of the main unit. A pair of control stations are provided, one on each side of the main unit, to enable operation from either side or both sides. An optional view screen is rotatably attached to the main unit to permit viewing from either of the control stations.

Description

[0001]This is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,786, and is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12 / 470,935, now abandoned, which is also an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,786.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to production line machines and more particularly pertains to a new operator position adjustable production line machine for permitting a single machine to be adjusted such that the production line moves in a selectable direction relative to the operator of the machine.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]The use of production line machines is known in the prior art. Typically, production line machines are constructed with a set operator station on one side of the machine. In many machines the direction of the production line is not adjustable either due to expense of a reversible conveyor or product path or multiple processes or actions may take place in a single machine and thos...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new machine for a production line that can be easily adjusted for different operators and positions. This allows for the machine to be integrated into existing production lines and ensures that operators can work on both sides of the machine. The goal is to provide versatility and economics to improve efficiency and flexibility in production.

Problems solved by technology

In many machines the direction of the production line is not adjustable either due to expense of a reversible conveyor or product path or multiple processes or actions may take place in a single machine and those processes or actions must occur in a particular order.

Additionally, the structure of the machine may prevent access for maintenance from either side of the machine.

Forcing a worker to be in a set position may be particularly problematic for production lines requiring direct operator interaction with the product as it moves along the line because the direction of movement can tend to favor right-handed or left-handed operation.

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