Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Petronis

Thomas J. Petronis 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).

  • Patent number: 5454775
    Abstract: An automated exchangeable parts feeding system which permits rapid exchange of parts presentation devices so that different size and shape parts can be handled on the parts feeding system. The automated exchangeable parts feeding system includes a parts presentation device having a tool exchange unit attached thereto, and a base exchange unit. The exchange units are mutually adapted to be coupled and decoupled to and from one another. At least one of the exchange units is controllably operable for coupling and decoupling. A robot arm or a pick and place device grasps and places the presentation device on the base exchange unit. The robot arm or pick and place device also functions to grasp and remove the presentation device from the base exchange unit. A control source coordinates the operation of at least one of the exchange units and the robot or pick and place device. The automated exchangeable parts feeding system further includes an optical detector, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignees: Applied Robotics, Inc., Robotic Production Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Paul Cullen, Thomas J. Petronis, Clifford C. Annis, E. M. Ross
  • Patent number: 5086901
    Abstract: An overload detection device (100) adapted for mounting between the end of a robot arm (104) and tooling (106) employs an interlocking pneumatic chamber subassembly (1) and a stemmed plate (2) pneumatically secured in a unique "engaging registration" relationship under normal loading conditions. An annular metal bearing member (16) fixed to the chamber subassembly (1) has an elevated sealing surace (56) which provides an airtight seal only when the components are in engaging registration. An excessive load upsets the engaging registration relationship allowing air to immediately escape and the normally rigid coupling provided by the overload detection device (100) to become compliant. The reduction in pressure is concurrently sensed by a specially designed, externally mounted removable pressure sensor (3). The pressure sensor (3) includes a small snap-acting electrical switch (24) which is actuated by a loose fitting unsealed piston (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Applied Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Petronis, Clifford C. Annis
  • Patent number: 4664588
    Abstract: An exchange system is provided for connecting a remote, manipulable element, such as a robot arm tool gripper, to a central control source, such as a robot arm and its associated programmable control. An upper exchange unit attaches to the robot arm and receives control signals which pass through the body of the upper unit to a matable lower exchange unit. A plurality of lower exchange units are provided, each attached to an individual tool gripper and relaying control signals to the gripper. The mating upper and lower exchange units provide for serial connection of the robot arm to any desired one of an array of tool grippers and for communication of control signals through the mated units to each tool gripper without the need for separate control umbilicals between each tool gripper and the control signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Applied Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Newell, Thomas J. Petronis, Lawrence R. Krause