Patents by Inventor Robert H. Sturgas, Jr.

Robert H. Sturgas, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods and apparatus for backgaging and sensor-based control of bending operation
    Patent number: 5987958
    Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: Amada Company, Ltd., Amada America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Moore, Jr., David Alan Bourne, Kerry L. Elkins, Anne Marie Murray, Robert H. Sturgas, Jr., Kensuke Hazama