Settable Elements Conformable To Work Contour Patents (Class 269/266)
  • Patent number: 11787000
    Abstract: A method of gripping a substantially planar workpiece while providing compensation for variations in thickness is described. During the process, the workpiece is overdriven into a clamping member before clamping force is applied, and the positions of the clamping member before and after application of the clamping force are measured. These measurements are then used to control a compensating movement of the tooling table and optionally a final lift of the conveyance rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ASMPT SMT SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Milner, Anthony Cheeseman, Michael Westlake
  • Patent number: 11685008
    Abstract: A dodge method of machining path and a machining system is provided. By inserting a flag into an original machining path, an interference between the flag and a suction cup of a support unit is determined. A coding instruction is inserted at the interference to edit the original machining path, thereby generating an edited machining path. Therefore, when a machining equipment executes the edited machining path, the support unit may smoothly dodge a knife of the machining equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Ting Chen, Cheng-Wei Wang, Po-Hsun Wu, Chien-Chih Liao, Jen-Ji Wang
  • Patent number: 11319150
    Abstract: Grippers for a picking device for drug packages and methods for operating the picking device are provided. The gripper has a tray table extending in a first and a second horizontal direction with an end portion with an arcuate front extending in the second direction, the end portion forming the loading and unloading front and wherein the tray table and the end portion define an upper bearing surface. The gripper further includes a transport device arranged above the tray table and movable in the first horizontal direction for moving drug packages from a horizontal storage surface onto the tray table, and at least one sensor coupled to a control device and arranged in the end portion below the bearing surface and capable of determining the presence of a drug package in its detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Hardy Schmidt-Ellinger, Bernd Nellinger, Stephan Brokonier, Dietmar Gross, Jochen Daumen
  • Patent number: 11065732
    Abstract: A machine tool setup changing method includes mounting a master workpiece onto a tool spindle axis, deforming a gripping part by gripping, with the gripping part of a jig, a mock clamped portion of the master workpiece mounted on the tool spindle axis, and removing the master workpiece from the tool spindle axis and mounting a tool supported on a tool support device onto the tool spindle axis, wherein the workpiece gripped at the clamped portion by the gripping part, which was deformed in accordance with the mock clamped portion, can be machined with the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Dohi
  • Patent number: 11007505
    Abstract: Provided is a zeolitic adsorbent material. The material is based on LSX zeolite crystals the particle size distribution of which is characterized by a peak width (2?) in a range from 6.0 to 20.0, limits included, for a number average diameter (d50) in a range from 0.5 ?m to 20.0 ?m. The material has an Si/Al atomic ratio comprised in a range from 1.00 to 1.15, limits included. The lithium content of the material, expressed by weight of Li2O, is in a range from 9% to 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the material. The material has a non-zeolitic phase (NZP) content such that 0<NZP?8% by weight relative to the total weight of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Guillaume Ortiz, Cécile Lutz, Sylvie Szendrovics, Quitterie Persillon
  • Patent number: 10968050
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes first and second holding portions, a hand, a hand moving portion, and fluid pressure driving and control units. The control unit acquires an inter-holding portion distance between the first and second holding portions for holding a workpiece. The control unit makes the hand moving portion move the hand to a predetermined position such that the distance between the first and second holding portions becomes the inter-holding portion distance when the first holding portion moved by the fluid pressure driving unit is brought into contact with a contact portion provided at a work field, the predetermined position being located away from the contact portion. With the hand located at the predetermined position, the control unit makes the fluid pressure driving unit move the first holding portion to contact with the contact portion, and the control unit stops driving of the fluid pressure driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naohiro Otsuki, Masayoshi Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 10960512
    Abstract: A rare earth magnet block is cutoff machined into pieces by rotating cutoff abrasive blades. Improvements are made by setting the blades on one side of the magnet block, rotating the blades, starting machining operation to form cutting grooves in the magnet block from one side, interrupting the machining operation, moving the blades to the other side of the magnet block, and restarting the machining operation to form cutting grooves in the magnet block from the other side, until the cutting grooves formed from the one and other sides merge with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takafumi Jibiki, Kazuhito Akada, Takafumi Ueno, Kennosuke Izumi
  • Patent number: 10934105
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes first and second holding portions, a hand, a hand moving portion, and fluid pressure driving and control units. The control unit acquires an inter-holding portion distance between the first and second holding portions for holding a workpiece. The control unit makes the hand moving portion move the hand to a predetermined position such that the distance between the first and second holding portions becomes the inter-holding portion distance when the first holding portion moved by the fluid pressure driving unit is brought into contact with a contact portion provided at a work field, the predetermined position being located away from the contact portion. With the hand located at the predetermined position, the control unit makes the fluid pressure driving unit move the first holding portion to contact with the contact portion, and the control unit stops driving of the fluid pressure driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naohiro Otsuki, Masayoshi Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 10843820
    Abstract: An object is to simplify a structure of a holding fixture which holds the shape of an aircraft panel, and to hold the aircraft panel in an appropriate shape. A holding fixture includes: a plurality of gripping units configured to grip edge portions on two opposite sides of a fuselage panel including a skin; and a support body configured to integrally support the plurality of gripping units, the support body being provided corresponding to the fuselage panel to be gripped by the plurality of gripping units, wherein the plurality of gripping units hold the fuselage panel such that the gripping units grip the edge portions of the fuselage panel, and the fuselage panel has a curved shape in cross section taken in a direction perpendicular to a one axis direction, and the holding fixture is configured to be conveyable in a state of holding the fuselage panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Hirai, Hiroki Azuma, Takuya Goto, Sachio Takeyama
  • Patent number: 10792809
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes controlling a robotic gripping device to cause a plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device to move towards each other in an attempt to grasp an object. The method also includes receiving, from at least one non-contact sensor on the robotic gripping device, first sensor data indicative of a region between the plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device. The method further includes receiving, from the at least one non-contact sensor on the robotic gripping device, second sensor data indicative of the region between the plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device, where the second sensor data is based on a different sensing modality than the first sensor data. The method additionally includes determining, using an object-in-hand classifier that takes as input the first sensor data and the second sensor data, a result of the attempt to grasp the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bingham, Taylor Alexander, Bianca Homberg, Joseph DelPreto
  • Patent number: 10634225
    Abstract: A finger of a robotic hand includes a phalanx portion including at least two phalanxes rotatably coupled to each other, a driving device including a rotating member, a connection assembly including a housing defining a sliding groove that includes a first end and a second end defining a through hole that is in communication with the sliding groove, a cap connected to the housing at the first end, a sliding rod comprising a base slidably received in the sliding groove and a rod protruding from the base, and an elastic member received in the sliding groove and having opposite ends that respectively abut against the base and an inner surface of the second end, and a rope including two opposite ends respectively connected to the cap and one of the at least two phalanxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Kunlei Zhao, Wenhua Yu, Qi Zhao, Jiawen Hu, Yangyu Pi, Jianxin Pang
  • Patent number: 10611035
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece having high versatility that can address a plurality of types of workpieces is achieved. An apparatus for supporting a workpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a resin part configured to support the workpiece, the resin part being softened when it is heated to a predetermined first temperature or higher in an initial shape, cured when it is cooled down to a temperature lower than a predetermined second temperature from the state in which it is softened, and softened while it is restored to the initial shape when it is heated again to the first temperature or higher; a temperature adjustment part configured to adjust the temperature of the resin part; and a controller configured to control the temperature adjustment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shun Sato
  • Patent number: 10589403
    Abstract: A tool socket contains: a body and an elastic operation assembly accommodated in the body. The body includes an accommodation groove and a fitting orifice. The elastic operation assembly includes a locking seat having multiple apertures. The accommodation groove has a hexagonal wall, six toothed spaces, any two inverted isosceles-trapezoid projections on each of six sides of a hexagonally wall thereof, and an isosceles trapezoid space for separating said any two inverted isosceles-trapezoid projections. The locking seat is formed in a toothed hexagon shape and has six toothed bulges corresponding to the six toothed spaces of the body individually, any two inverted isosceles-trapezoid recesses on each of six sides thereof, and an isosceles trapezoid projection configured to separate said any two inverted isosceles-trapezoid recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 10576625
    Abstract: A grasp management system and corresponding methods are described. In some examples, information about a set of grasps of a robotic manipulator is accessed. The information is used by the robotic manipulator to attempt to grasp an item using the set of grasps associated with a first grasping orientation. An orientation of the robotic manipulator can be adjusted into a second grasping orientation and the robotic manipulator can attempt to grasp the item using the set of grasps associated with the second grasping orientation. Information about the attempts can be recorded and used to determine a richness measure that may represent a richness of the set of grasps for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Stubbs, Andrew D. Marchese, John Gregory Longtine, Sarath Krishnaswamy, Moses Theodore Ort, Russell Charles Toris, Jacob Taylor Wachlin
  • Patent number: 10457069
    Abstract: A universal staging platen for many types of objects in Direct to Object printing has a datum surface which is configured to represent the plane of optimal print head distance. The universal staging platen has an array of small pins protruding from it that conform under spring load to an object placed on the datum surface. Once in a conformed state, an operator can lock the pin position so that the object is precisely positioned for acquisition by a gripper mechanism. An added benefit of locking the pin position is that subsequent copies of the object may be loaded without any additional alignment or setup. The distance the contour pins protrude through the datum surface may be adjusted so that the pin ends are sufficiently far away from the gripper mechanism being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Bradway, Erwin Ruiz, Paul M Fromm, Linn C Hoover
  • Patent number: 10406685
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for achieving stable tracking and/or manipulation by robots of objects. In various implementations, it may be detected, based on force signal(s) from force sensor(s), that an end effector of the robot has made physical contact with an environmental object. Based on the force signal(s), end effector constraint(s) may be identified. These constraint(s) may include a position constraint associated with position control of the end effector and/or a grasp force constraint associated with grasp force control of the end effector. Error measure(s) may be determined based on a measured position/force of the end effector. The error measure(s) may include a position control and/or grasp control error. The measured position and/or force may be compared with the end effector constraint(s) to reduce an impact of the error measure(s) on operation of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 10322455
    Abstract: An engaging member, a female member and a tool changer that can be downsized are provided, and the engaging member is an engaging member including: an engaging surface that allows a cam provided in a male member to engage therewith; and a dispersing surface that transmits a force provided from the cam via the engaging surface, to a female member body, wherein the dispersing surface includes a first dispersing surface and a second dispersing surface perpendicular to each other, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to a longitudinal direction is formed in a substantially triangular shape by the dispersing surface and the engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NITTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryosuke Matsumoto, Nobuhiro Omote
  • Patent number: 10286557
    Abstract: A workpiece position/posture calculation system which is able to efficiently calculate a position and posture of a workpiece utilizing 3D matching. The workpiece position/posture calculation system includes a workpiece position/posture calculation part comparing measurement data including 3D position information of a workpiece obtained by a 3D measuring device against a 3D model of the workpiece to calculate the position and posture of the workpiece. Further, the workpiece position/posture calculation system further includes a measurement data excluding part excluding part of the measurement data to be used in subsequent calculation by the workpiece position/posture calculation part based on the calculated position and posture of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 10201900
    Abstract: A control device is capable of controlling each of a robot having a robot arm, and an imaging portion which is capable of capturing a first reference marker, a second reference marker, and a third reference marker, any one of the imaging portion, the first reference marker, the second reference marker, and the third reference marker is provided in the robot, and a posture of a reference surface parallel to a plane which passes through the first reference marker, the second reference marker, and the third reference marker, is acquired based on a first image in which the first reference marker is captured by the imaging portion, a second image in which the second reference marker is captured by the imaging portion, and a third image which captures the third reference marker by the imaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Taro Ishige, Atsushi Harada, Yukihiro Yamaguchi, Hiromitsu Abe
  • Patent number: 10099375
    Abstract: A method of assembling a component includes gripping a first subcomponent with a first end-of-arm tool and grasping a second subcomponent with a second end-of-arm tool. The first tool is attached to a first robot arm and the first subcomponent defines a first plurality of locating holes. The second tool is attached to a second robot arm and the second subcomponent defines a second plurality of locating holes. After grasping, the method includes aligning at least one of the first locating holes adjacent to at least one of the second locating holes to set an initial position of the second subcomponent with respect to the first subcomponent without releasing the first and second subcomponents. After aligning, the method includes forming a joint between the first and second subcomponents with a joining tool attached to a joining robot arm to thereby assemble the component. A component assembly system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jianying Shi, Scott A. McLeod
  • Patent number: 10099310
    Abstract: A welding tool has a handle with a base end and an exit end. A bottom plate is affixed to the base end and preferably encloses the base end of the handle. A washer is affixed to the exit end of the handle. The washer defines an orifice and provides a surface for preventing a user's hand from slipping during use of the welding tool. A plurality of rods extends outwardly from the handle through the orifice. The rods are preferably affixed to the bottom plate at a base end and have a surface contacting end. The rods are sized to permit limited flexure, but to still be substantially rigid to effectively remove slag from a weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Edwards
  • Patent number: 9981382
    Abstract: An example system includes a robotic device having a robotic manipulator and a support stand. The support stand may receive an object placed thereon in a given orientation and maintain the given orientation. The robotic manipulator may pick up an object in a first orientation with respect to the robotic manipulator and determine a target pose for the object. Based on the determined target pose, a control system may determine to reorient the object with respect to the robotic manipulator using the support stand. The robotic manipulator may place the object on the support stand in a particular orientation and pick up the object, disposed on the support stand in the particular orientation, in a second orientation with respect to the robotic manipulator. While the object is held in the second orientation with respect to the robotic manipulator, the robotic device may move the object to the target pose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Marc Strauss, David Youmans
  • Patent number: 9975242
    Abstract: A grasp management system and corresponding methods are described. In some examples, information about a grasp by which an end of arm tool of a robotic manipulator successfully grasped an item is accessed. The grasp may be associated with contact points on the item. Other contact points may be simulated based on the contact points in order to define a grasping surface that includes at least a portion of the other contact points. Information about the grasping surface may be accessed to determine a primitive shape that represents a feature of the item. The primitive shape may be used determine other features on the item or other features on other items that may also be graspable by the end of arm tool or other end of arm tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Stubbs, Andrew D. Marchese, John Gregory Longtine, Sarath Krishnaswamy, Moses Theodore Ort, Russell Charles Toris, Jacob Taylor Wachlin
  • Patent number: 9694494
    Abstract: A grasp management system and corresponding methods are described. In some examples, information about a grasp by which an end of arm tool of a robotic manipulator successfully grasped an item is accessed. The grasp may be associated with contact points on the item. Other contact points may be simulated based on the contact points in order to define a set of grasping surfaces that include at least a portion of the other contact points. Information about the grasping surfaces may be accessed to determine a primitive shape that represents a feature of the item. The primitive shape may be used determine other features on the item or other features on other items that may also be graspable by the end of arm tool or other end of arm tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Stubbs, Andrew D. Marchese, John Gregory Longtine, Sarath Krishnaswamy, Moses Theodore Ort, Russell Charles Toris, Jacob Taylor Wachlin
  • Patent number: 9662794
    Abstract: A robotic finger is provided. The robotic finger includes a first member that has a plurality of rigid sections that are rotatably connected end-to-end through respective first joints. The robotic finger also includes a second member that has a plurality of flexible sections that are connected end-to-end at respective second joints. The robotic finger also includes a plurality of linkages connecting the first member and the second member so as to align the plurality of flexible sections with the plurality of rigid sections side-by-side, and a respective linkage connects a respective first joint of the first member to a respective second joint of the second member. The robotic finger further includes a fingertip section that connects a distal end the first member to a distal end of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Strauss, Michael Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 9657897
    Abstract: A connecting device includes a connecting member, a slider, and a blocking assembly. The connecting member includes a first sliding slot and a limiting slot formed at one end of the connecting member. The slider includes a second sliding slot and an accommodating hole formed at one end of the slider. The second sliding slot is configured to slidably engage with the first sliding slot. The slider further includes a through hole formed on a side wall of the slider and configured to communicate with the accommodating hole. The blocking assembly includes a limiting button and a limiting column. The limiting button includes a transmission portion configured to be received in the through hole. The limiting column is configured to be accommodated in the limiting slot and the accommodating hole. The limiting column includes a receiving hole configured to receive the transmission portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Pan, Yanchong Zhao
  • Patent number: 9272793
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a wing assembly at a wing assembly support height. Base sections are provided, each having a different predetermined height with respect to one another. A movable platform carries a plurality of base sections, and a plurality of wing assembly support sections rest on base sections and include wing assembly connectors, which are movable in a first plane and a second plane generally perpendicular relative to the first plane. A differential height is defined between the wing assembly support height and the combined heights of the platform and the height of wing assembly connector, relative to the bottom of the wing assembly support section. At least one of the base sections is of a predetermined height approximating the differential height and is carried on the platform. The wing assembly support section is carried on such base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kim Marie Larson, Raymond Cho Eng, Clayton Lynn Munk, Dan Dresskell Day, Gordon Dale Davis
  • Patent number: 9266623
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a wing assembly at a wing assembly support height. Base sections are provided, each having a different predetermined height with respect to one another. A movable platform carries a base section, and a wing assembly support section rests on a selected base section and includes a wing assembly connector, which is movable in a first plane and a second plane generally perpendicular relative to the first plane. A differential height is defined between the wing assembly support height and the combined heights of the platform and the height of wing assembly connector, relative to the bottom of the wing assembly support section. At least one of the base sections is of a predetermined height approximating the differential height and is carried on the platform. The wing assembly support section is carried on such base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kim Marie Larson, Raymond Cho Eng, Clayton Munk, Dan Dresskell Day
  • Patent number: 9033328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for clamping along a work piece. In one embodiment, a clamping system includes one or more force applying units each including a plunger or force applying member adapted to apply clamping force to the work piece, and one or more coupling units linked with the force applying units forming a chain of force applying units and coupling units. The coupling units may include a lockable pivot adapted to pivot to conform the chain to the surface of the work piece when unlocked, and adapted to be locked when at least one of the plurality of force applying units applies clamping force to the work piece. In another embodiment, a clamping system may include multi-axis pivot units. In a further embodiment, a clamping system may include length adjusting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John A. Baumann
  • Patent number: 9022376
    Abstract: A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mike P. Matlack, Kurt A. Burton, John A. Baumann
  • Patent number: 8966763
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an object. A plurality of elements may be positioned to substantially conform to a surface on a first side of a workpiece. The plurality of elements may be heated, while the plurality of elements is substantially conformed to the surface on the first side of the workpiece. A material may be deposited on the workpiece while heating the plurality of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David P. Heck
  • Patent number: 8931770
    Abstract: An electronic device holder includes a base with at least three adjustable-position retaining posts extending upwardly from the base to permit an electronic device to be secured at a position above the base by the retaining posts. A test lead restraint assembly may be used to capture and thereby stabilize a test lead extending from the electronic device during testing of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 8777205
    Abstract: A pipe vise stand and system for increasing the size capacity of the pipe vise stand are described. Upon incorporation of the system in a pipe vise stand, the stand can accommodate pipes of significantly larger diameter. The system includes a pipe support member which is configured to be positioned on a vise base of the stand. The system also includes a jackscrew extender that provides or relocates a jackscrew associated with the stand to a lateral position alongside the stand. Related provisions and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Christopher R. Miller, Robert Skrjanc
  • Patent number: 8770567
    Abstract: A work piece supporting device is disclosed for limiting vibrations caused by work piece processing. The device comprises a base portion having a plurality of openings therein. Each opening forms a well with an inner boundary and a peripheral surface extends therefrom. A plurality of elongate supports are each arranged to be located in a corresponding well for supporting the work piece when positioned above the base portion. A resilient support is positioned in the well between the inner boundary and the elongate support. The elongate support is movable between a first position in which the resilient support is in a relatively less compressed configuration to a second position in which the resilient support is in a relatively more compressed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Quickmill Inc.
    Inventors: David C Piggott, Gordon Buchholz
  • Patent number: 8727327
    Abstract: A work table having elevated support members is disclosed. The work table includes a plurality of generally parallel support arrangements. Each of the plurality of generally parallel support arrangements including a plurality of raised portions, wherein the plurality of raised portions are distributed substantially evenly along each of the plurality of generally parallel support arrangements. Each of the plurality of raised blocks defines an opening configured for receiving an attachment. The work table also includes an adaptor plate. The adapter plate may include a base member and a plurality of inserts, wherein the plurality of inserts are spaced apart for insertion into a plurality of raised block openings to removably attach the adaptor plate to the work table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Mark T. Miller
  • Patent number: 8640327
    Abstract: A pressure-loss adjusting-member installation tool having pressure-loss adjusting-member grippers that are configured to freely grip or release a pressure-loss adjusting member which is arranged at a position between a lower nozzle arranged at one end of a fuel assembly having a relatively small pressure-loss when a primary coolant flows and a lower core support plate, and which can cause the primary coolant to pass therethrough in a state with a pressure-loss being increased more than that of when the primary coolant passes through only core support plate flow holes formed on the lower core support plate; and a holding unit that holds the pressure-loss adjusting-member grippers in a same positional relationship as a relative positional relationship between the fuel assemblies arranged in plural on the lower core support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsumoto, Noboru Kubo, Ryo Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8602404
    Abstract: A support device includes a supporting portion touching and resisting on workpieces, a holding portion and a driving portion. The supporting portion elastically connects with the holding portion to adjust a relative position with the holding portion according to size of the workpieces. The supporting portion includes a supporting part and a first spring. The holding portion is driven by the driving portion to fasten the supporting portion to the holding portion when the relative position is determined. The holding portion includes a driving plate, a lid portion, a plurality of fixing blocks, a plurality of second springs, a first cover and a connecting part. The driving portion is used to drive the holding portion to engage with the supporting portion by the means of air pressure or hydraulic pressure, and includes a driving portion, a piston and a motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Zheng Li, Al-Jia Tang
  • Patent number: 8584335
    Abstract: A convenient-used securing clamp comprises a pair of clamp hands, two distance-fixing clamps, two groups of throat pipe moulds and a mould base, wherein the distance-fixing clamp is a split structure that consists of two pieces which can be closed together or released; the throat pipe moulds are set inside the distance-fixing clamps with the same split structure, so as to be closed and released along with the distance-fixing clamps; the mould base is also the split structure, with its upper part connected with the distance-fixing clamps and the lower part connected with the pair of clamp hands, so that as the pair of clamp hands releases and closes, the mould base releases and closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen Qichuangmei Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwai Yin Tsang, Tak Ming Chick
  • Patent number: 8534728
    Abstract: A method for grasping an object includes moving a first and second gripping pad (116) respectively to first and second locations in which a first face (117) of the first gripping pad is opposed from a second face (117) of the second gripping pad and spaced apart a distance. Two or more of pins (118) included in each gripping pad are extended from at least the first face in a direction toward the second face. Thereafter, an extension distance for each of the pins is independently determined responsive to a resistance encountered by each of the pins as a result of the extending. As a result of the independently determining step, an object-defined gripping contour is provided as formed by distal ends of the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer
  • Patent number: 8505178
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing that provides for adjustable support of work pieces such as printed circuit boards includes an edge rail system having first and second edge rails, with at least one of the edge rails being adjustable, allowing the width of the system to be adjusted to accommodate various widths of work pieces. It also includes a set of support strips for supporting a lower side of the work pieces and a means for dynamically adjusting spacing of support strips to adjust to the width of the edge rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Production Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Farlow, Thomas A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8499433
    Abstract: A clamping system can be reconfigured to clamp any of multiple workpieces having differing shapes. The system includes a retention assembly for retaining an inflatable bladder that applies a clamping force to the workpiece. The retention assembly includes a flexible chain of pivotally connected links that can be locked in place to form a rigid assembly that conforms to the shape of the workpiece. The links can be unlocked to allow reconfiguration of the retention assembly into shapes matching other workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mike P. Matlack, Kurt A. Burton, John A. Baumann
  • Patent number: 8474124
    Abstract: A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another, characterized in that the tooling system further comprises means for retaining the elements of the array in a plurality of different relative vertical alignments. A method of operating the tooling system is also described, which method of operating includes at least the steps of moving the elements of the array into a first vertical alignment, machining the free ends of the elements according to a predetermined pattern and moving the elements of the array into a second vertical alignment in which the machined ends of the elements produce a desired surface contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Surface Generation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Patent number: 8469344
    Abstract: A tooling system (1) having a number of elements (2) arranged in an array, which elements define a contoured surface, or a section of a contoured surface. The tooling system also including means (7) for mounting an element to a support rail (5) which extends across the array, which means allows adjustment of the height of the element with respect to other elements of the array, and extends through the support rail into a space defined below the support rail. A supporting element (6) formed from a suitable resistant material and including accommodation means (8) for the means for mounting, is located in the space below the support rail and is sized so that it substantially vertically fills the space between the support rail and a base on which the tooling system is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Surface Generation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Patent number: 8469345
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include various different types and sizes of automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting systems used to support and constrain movement of work pieces during manufacture, repair, and maintenance. The automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting systems that represent embodiments of the present invention are implemented from one or more adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system modules. Each adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system module comprises an array of extendable supports with non-circular and non-elliptical cross sections. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the extendable supports are extended and retracted along a direction approximately normal to a substrate or surface of the automated, computer-controlled, adjustable machine-tool work-piece mounting-system module by linear actuators and are maintained at desired positions by compressed-air brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: C D P Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Samac, Richard J. Richings, Kevin A. Hay
  • Patent number: 8356395
    Abstract: An assembling device for assembling an actuator and a lens module. The actuator includes a first top surface for supporting the lens module and a first bottom surface. The lens module includes a top portion for receiving lens and a bottom portion. The diameter of bottom portion is slightly larger than the top portion. The bottom portion further includes a second first bottom surface in contact with the first top surface. The assembling device includes a base, a support set, and a pressing sheet. The base includes a supporting surface for supporting the first bottom surface. The support set is above the base and defines at least three threaded holes therethrough. The pressing sheet is in contact with the second top surface. The at least three pins are movably threaded with the threaded holes correspondingly and configured for pushing the pressing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Shiun Wu, Yu-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 8307689
    Abstract: A discrete die for forming a three-dimensionally curved surface. The discrete die includes a frame and parallel pins which are individually movable in a first longitudinal direction relative to the frame. The pins are arranged in parallel rows and front ends of the pins define the three-dimensionally curved surface. Further included are substantially plate-shaped separating elements and at least one of which is situated between the rows. Also included are pressure elements for pressing against the rows of pins and configured to push off against the frame in the radial direction of the pins. A surface of some of the plate-shaped separating elements extends parallel to the first longitudinal direction, the surface being corrugated in the second longitudinal direction, at least during use of the discrete die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventor: Sebastiaan Henricus Alphons Boers
  • Patent number: 8282066
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for using a universal support consisting of one or more modules having a deformable enclosure (3) connected to a vacuum source (5) through an orifice. Said enclosure is of concave shape forming a chamber (6) provided with a flexible body (7). The method consists in the following series of steps: applying a vacuum to the chamber (6) so that the deformable enclosure (3) collapses; positioning the part which is to be supported; breaking the vacuum in the chamber (6); and applying a vacuum inside the deformable enclosure (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Novatec SA
    Inventors: Francis Bourrieres, Clement Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8267390
    Abstract: A selectively lockable assembly includes a body, a pin, a locking member, and a plunger that is configured to selectively urge the locking member against the pin to lock the pin with respect to the body. The locking member is keyed to the body in a manner to prevent or limit rotation of the locking member and thereby limit movement of the pin under load. A corresponding clamp is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Dellach
  • Patent number: 8253520
    Abstract: The magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device of the present invention relates to a clamping device with sector type prism rotating gripper clamping various shapes desirable targets, in which magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism is installed between rotary sector type prism rotating gripper and flush socket with sector type recessed cylindrical sliding surface of clip jaw for coupling to prevent from detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8231119
    Abstract: A worktable having first and second portions that are removably coupled to one another. When the first and second portions are decoupled from one another they can be arranged into free-standing positions where they can be used as sawhorses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, David J. Timan, Jamie S. Munn