Patents Assigned to KUKA Systems Corporation North America
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Patent number: 9132873Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: KUKA Systems Corporation North AmericaInventors: Kevin J. Laurence, Michael P. LaRose
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Patent number: 9045183Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: KUKA Systems Corporation North AmericaInventors: Kevin J. Laurence, Michael P. LaRose
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Publication number: 20140262681Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: KUKA SYSTEMS CORPORATION NORTH AMERICAInventors: Kevin J. Laurence, Michael P. LaRose, Scott J. Hoder, Kenneth V. DeYonker, Joseph P. Peet, Walter J. Jakubiec
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Publication number: 20140262680Abstract: A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments each having an upwardly facing channel and a friction drive member disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the feed-forward track segments by frictional engagement between the carrier and the friction drive member. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments disposed above the feed-forward track segments. A catwalk may be positioned between the feed-forward track segments and the return track segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: KUKA SYSTEMS CORPORATION NORTH AMERICAInventors: Kevin J. Laurence, William R. Cremont, Walter J. Jakubiec, Michael Carter, Rodney E. Bereznicki
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Patent number: 8360408Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: KUKA Systems Corporation North AmericaInventors: Rodney E. Bereznicki, Scott M. Alore, James L. Pacyga, Alfred E. Ruppel, Kenneth W. Taylor, Leonard A. Zanger
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Publication number: 20120163946Abstract: A case handling apparatus receives cases on a conveyor, picks cases therefrom and stores them, via a robot, in a bookcase storage system. The robot retrieves cases from storage and drops them on a discharge conveyor. Alternately, the robot does not pick cases, which then transfer or pass directly through respective pick-point and drop-point stations to discharge. Preferably cases are introduced and discharged from the apparatus on a single conveyor whether picked or passed through. A variety of bookcase storage systems are disclosed as are related and other methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Kuka Systems Corporation North AmericaInventors: Robert HOFFMAN, Christian WURLL
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Patent number: 7866445Abstract: A lift machine comprises a base, a support for supporting a load above the base, a lift actuator operatively connected between the base and the support for raising and lowering the support relative to the base, and a support stabilization mechanism operatively connected between the base and the support for stabilizing the support relative to the base during raising and lowering of the support by the lift actuator. The support stabilization mechanism comprises a pair of opposed linkages, with each of the pair of opposed linkages having a lower torque tube link and an upper torque tube link. The lower torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the base. The upper torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., KUKA Systems Corporation North AmericaInventors: Larry Bukowski, Andrew Griesser, Vincent Sisti, Detlev Ziesel
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Publication number: 20100065999Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: KUKA SYSTEMS CORPORATION NORTH AMERICAInventors: Rodney E. Bereznicki, Scott M. Alore, James L. Pacyga, Alfred E. Ruppel, Kenneth W. Taylor, Leonard A. Zanger