With Signal, Scale, Illuminator, Or Optical Viewer Patents (Class 29/720)
  • Patent number: 11688531
    Abstract: Provided are a drawing creation method, a wire harness manufacturing method, and a drawing creation device. A drawing showing a wire harness is created by the drawing creation method. The wire harness is configured with wires bundled together. The wire harness includes wire branch points and branch lines. The drawing is created based on information including following (1) to (3) and at least one of following (4) or (5): (1) a path of the wire harness in a movable body, (2) a distance between path branch points where the path branches, (3) a length from each path branch point to a corresponding connection target of the wire harness, (4) identification information of the connection target of the wire harness, (5) identification information of the connection target of each wire. The drawing reflects a distance between the wire branch points and a length of each branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Proterial, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawase, Katsuju Aoki, Raifu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11306854
    Abstract: A tool for installing an assurance cap on a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a connector body including a resilient clip and a tubular member operatively arranged to be connected in the connector body, the tool including an annular groove arranged to engage an end of the assurance cap and a proximity sensor operatively arranged to detect the position of the tool relative to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Oetiker NY, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley C. Fremont
  • Patent number: 11136202
    Abstract: Electronic components are transferred from a source surface for supplying electronic components to a destination surface for receiving electronic components by an ejector device that is locatable at an ejection position for pushing an electronic component mounted on the source surface towards the destination surface. A support device that is locatable at a receiving position supports the electronic component that is pushed onto the destination surface. Further, a pre-transfer imaging device inspects the electronic component before it is transferred from the source surface and a post-transfer imaging device inspects the electronic component after it has been transferred onto the destination surface, wherein the pre-transfer and post-transfer imaging devices are located on opposite sides of the source and destination surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Kui Kam Lam, Kai Siu Lam, Yen Hsi Tang, Hung Kit Chan, Ka Yee Mak
  • Patent number: 10933533
    Abstract: An end-effector may be summarized substantially as described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Isaac, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 10661401
    Abstract: When a workpiece holder holding a workpiece is rocked around a lateral rocking axis by a work stage of a mounter and the workpiece is positioned so that one mounting surface of the workpiece faces a predetermined direction to be worked, a component is mounted on the one mounting surface by a mounting head of the mounter. When a posture of the workpiece in the workpiece holder is changed by a posture changing head of a posture changer and thereafter the workpiece holder in which the posture of the workpiece is changed is rocked around the lateral rocking axis by the work stage of the mounter and the workpiece is positioned so that the other mounting surface of the workpiece faces a predetermined direction to be worked, a component is mounted on the other mounting surface by the mounting head of the mounter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Mizuoka, Takahiro Endo, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Yoichi Makino
  • Patent number: 10622337
    Abstract: A system to transfer an unpackaged die directly from a die holding substrate to a transfer location on a secondary substrate. The system includes a die separation device disposed adjacent to the die holding substrate to initiate separation of the unpackaged die from the die holding substrate. An energy source is disposed adjacent to the secondary substrate to apply energy to the transfer location and affix the unpackaged die directly to the secondary substrate. A sensor detects a position and orientation of the secondary substrate with respect to the unpackaged die on the die holding substrate. A processor is in communication with the die separation device, the energy source, and the sensor. The processor is configured to cause actuation of the die separation device and the energy source according, at least in part, to transfer instructions and data received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rohinni, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Huska, Cody Peterson, Clinton Adams, Sean Kupcow
  • Patent number: 10359757
    Abstract: A control logic diagram analysis device that efficiently creates a control logic diagram, and a method thereof. The control logic diagram analysis device includes a control logic diagram analysis rule application unit, a control logic diagram template component generation unit, and a control logic diagram project-specific part extraction unit. The control logic diagram analysis rule application unit sequentially applies a control logic diagram analysis rule to the control logic diagram from a lower layer level. The control logic diagram template component generation unit acquires the control logic diagram analysis rule having an agreement section within the control logic diagram. The control logic diagram project-specific part extraction unit extracts an element in the control logic diagram corresponding to the control logic diagram analysis rule having the agreement section within the control logic diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Nagata, Koichi Nakagawa, Shinichiro Tsudaka
  • Patent number: 10322879
    Abstract: A method in an automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse configured to store bins at predetermined positions within said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse, the method comprising receiving a bin at a port of said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse and scanning an identity tag attached to said bin to obtain a bin ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Mycronic AB
    Inventors: Nils Jacobsson, Roger Jonasson
  • Patent number: 10234488
    Abstract: A hand tool for current sensing includes a body (110) and a current sensing module (200). The body (110) includes two clamping handles (120) pivotally connected by a pivot (130), two pliers jaws (140) disposed at respective one ends of the two clamping handles (120) respectively, and a clamping structure (150) disposed at the two pliers jaws (140). The current sensing module (200) is detachably coupled to any of the pliers jaws (140) and is arranged adjacent to the clamping structure (150). The current sensing module (200) includes an alert unit (220) for sending out an alert signal. Accordingly, an operator can sense whether a cable carries a current by means of the hand tool, thus ensuring safety of the operator during work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Chao-Chin Yen
  • Patent number: 10153836
    Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing a workpiece includes: a chuck table that holds the workpiece; a processing unit that processes the workpiece held by the chuck table; a controller that controls the chuck table and the processing unit; an input section that inputs a processing condition to the controller; a storage section that stores the processing condition inputted to the input section; and an infrared transmission/reception unit that transfers apparatus information between the processing apparatus and another processing apparatus by infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuma Sekiya
  • Patent number: 10117369
    Abstract: A component mounter is provided with a single nozzle head and multiple nozzle heads which are automatically exchangeable, a pickup/mounting driving section that connects to a suction nozzle of a single nozzle head held on a head holding section and a selected suction nozzle of a multiple nozzle head held on the head holding section and that raises/lowers the internal pressure of the suction nozzle. The pickup/mounting driving device, when making the suction nozzle of the held single nozzle head mount a component, cuts off the suction nozzle from a negative pressure source and connects the suction nozzle to a positive pressure source and the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 9818179
    Abstract: A method for assembling a wire harness on a display surface, the wire harness comprising bundles, each one of which corresponds to a bundle route selected among possible bundle routes and each one of the possible bundle routes comprising two ends. The method comprises receiving coordinates of a layout of the wire harness; generating at least a portion of all the possible bundle routes by identifying coordinates of portions of each of the two ends from the coordinates of the layout of the wire harness. Then determining which bundle routes among the possible bundle routes correspond to the bundles to be used. Defining, from the coordinates, a sequence in which the bundles are to be routed and generating a plurality of signals. Finally sending each one of the signals for display sequentially on the display surface according to the defined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Luc Philbert
  • Patent number: 9676497
    Abstract: A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip W. Boyd, John W. Hall, Clayton L. Munk, James C. Roberts, Michael J. Fant, Richard D. Fiedler, Barry A. Lewis, Samuel R. Dobbs, Gary E. Mansell
  • Patent number: 9310482
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable a robotic system to detect and determine the location, orientation, surface contours, and features of an object that are not otherwise accurately known in order to allow the robotic system to accurately place a pulse/echo layer thickness-gauge ultrasonic transducer gauge onto the surface of the object. The robotic system uses one or more distance measurement sensors to determine the position, orientation, local contour, and other features of the surface in relation to the robot. Another method calibrates an inaccurate distance sensor. Yet another method maintains overall system functionality in a system with multiple distance sensors in the event that one or more of the distance sensors fails. The robotic system may also determine when maintenance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ascent Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Rosenberg, Todd Jackson
  • Patent number: 9126767
    Abstract: The invention provides for apparatus (10) for lifting a conveyor belt (13) supported on a series of idler rollers (19) on a belt conveyor (11), the apparatus (10) comprising a body (4) selectively movable along the belt conveyor (11) and a belt lifting assembly (50) mounted on the body (41) and operable to engage the conveyor belt (13) to lift the belt from, and subsequently lower said belt onto, an idler roller operatively supporting the belt on the conveyor (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: Sandpit Innovation Pty Ltd, Lewis Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Aaron Leigh Carter
  • Publication number: 20150135524
    Abstract: In a component mounting system, a portable operation terminal is wirelessly connectable to mounting machines. The portable operation terminal includes: a processing portion which displays a screen allowing a worker to select one of the mounting machines to be connected to the portable operation terminal; and a terminal-side connection processing portion which issues a connection request to the selected mounting machine and which connects the portable operation terminal to the mounting machine upon reception of an acknowledgement from the mounting machine. The mounting machine includes: an equipment-side connection processing portion which connects the mounting machine to the portable operation terminal in response to the connection request, and a notification unit which notifies the worker of the fact that the mounting machine has been connected to the portable operation terminal, directly by at least one of sound and light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Takahiro YOKOMAE, Nobuya MATSUO, Teruaki NISHINAKA
  • Patent number: 9027231
    Abstract: To enable positioning a robot arm and a workpiece with high accuracy while reducing vibrations of a camera. According to the claimed invention for this purpose, a robot station 100 includes a pedestal 103 to which robot arms 101 and 102 are fixed, a camera 106 which images an area including a working area 209 of the pedestal 103, and a booth 104 to which the camera 106 is fixed. The pedestal 103 is fixed to a floor surface, and the booth 104 is fixed to the floor surface without contacting the pedestal 103. The booth 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a short side parallel to a workpiece conveying direction T and a long side perpendicular to the workpiece conveying direction T in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mimura, Yuichi Someya, Yuji Matsuo, Mikio Nakasugi, Ken Meisho, Masaichi Sato, Mahito Negishi
  • Patent number: 9009952
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a lens module and an image sensor to form a camera module. The apparatus comprises i) a positioning system for adjusting a relative arrangement between the lens module and the image sensor; and ii) an inspection system operative to view fiducials of the lens modules and the image sensor. In particular, the positioning system is configured to align the lens module and the image sensor based on a relative alignment of the respective fiducials of the lens module and the image sensor as viewed by the inspection system. A method of assembling a lens module and an image sensor to form a camera module is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Po Lam Au, Ming Lok Yeung, Tung Yeung Tsoi, Yu Luen Suen
  • Publication number: 20150101165
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Dale C. Arstein, Kennan Joseph Malec, William J. Menz, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Raymond Scott Milhoan, Michael Mussig
  • Patent number: 9003645
    Abstract: A system for determining the quality of an electrical wire crimp between a wire and ferrule includes an ultrasonically equipped crimp tool (UECT) configured to transmit an ultrasonic acoustic wave through a wire and ferrule, and a signal processor in communication with the UECT. The signal processor includes a signal transmitting module configured to transmit the ultrasonic acoustic wave via an ultrasonic transducer, signal receiving module configured to receive the ultrasonic acoustic wave after it passes through the wire and ferrule, and a signal analysis module configured to identify signal differences between the ultrasonic waves. The signal analysis module is then configured to compare the signal differences attributable to the wire crimp to a baseline, and to provide an output signal if the signal differences deviate from the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William T. Yost, Daniel F. Perey, Karl E. Cramer
  • Patent number: 8943678
    Abstract: A wedge connector assembly including an installation tool having a tool body and a frame connected to the tool body. A sleeve is received by the frame and a wedge is received by the sleeve. A firing mechanism is movably connected to the tool body. A movable ram extends from the tool body into the frame such that movement of the ram drives the wedge into the sleeve when the installation tool is fired. A piston is movably disposed in the tool body between the ram and the firing mechanism. The piston is moved when the firing mechanism is activated, thereby driving the wedge into the sleeve. An indicator disposed on the ram indicates when the installation tool is in a proper firing position to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Lawrence Norman Brown, Henry Arnold Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20150013154
    Abstract: A mid-operation instruction action mode is set when an operation for producing a printed circuit board starts, an offset value with respect to the center of rotation of a mounting head is determined in an interval according to the set mid-operation instruction action mode, and an instruction for saving the offset value in a memory of a control microcomputer is made. If the requisite accuracy is delivered as a result of the instructions being performed a plurality of times in continuation, the control microcomputer performs a control so that the instructions are performed over a greater interval than the interval according to the mid-operation instruction action mode. If the requisite accuracy is not delivered even if the instructions are performed over an interval greater than the interval, the control microcomputer performs a control so that the instructions are performed over an interval according to the set mid-operation instruction action mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Takuya Imoto, Tetsuji Ono, Yoshinori Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8925186
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a chip die 2 manipulator apparatus arranged for picking and placing of a chip die 2 in a chip manufacturing process, wherein an imaging system 11 comprising an arc form convex spherical mirror 13 arranged at a second off-axis position B and centered relative to the center position 5; a folding mirror 4 arranged in a light path between the convex spherical mirror 13 and the center position 5 for folding the light path to a third off-axis position C; and an arc form concave spherical mirror 15 arranged at the third off-axis position C having a curvature to image from at least one of the center position 5 and the component 2 on the image detection system 9. The imaging system 11 corrects for the angled image detection of the center position 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Erwin John Van Zwet, Léon Van Dooren, Adrianus Johannes Petrus Maria Vermeer, Kees Moddemeijer
  • Patent number: 8918984
    Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, a dispensed product moves from a product dispensing location to a product retrieval location. To detect movement of the dispensed product to the dispensing location, the intensity of light at an array of pixels is monitored. The monitored array of pixels forms a portion of a larger group of pixels. A change in the intensity of light at pixels in the array of pixels is detected upon movement of a dispensed product to a product retrieval location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Brent D. Garson, Aviel Dafna, Alessandro Ratti, Ezio Cesare Ratti
  • Publication number: 20140345121
    Abstract: An elevator shaft door sill installation apparatus includes first and second assembly jig parts mounted at gage guide rails and a laser arranged at one of the parts for aligning the sill in the vertical direction. The alignment of the sill in the horizontal direction is undertaken with a line set including at least two lines, a first line having a first run extending from the first part to a first sill corner and from there by a second run to the second part, and a second line extending from the second part to a second sill corner. If the lines are tightened and a marking between the first and second runs is at the first corner of the sill, the sill is aligned in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Karl Erny, Hans Kocher
  • Patent number: 8881380
    Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hatase Takayuki
  • Patent number: 8857029
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a substrate; an optical component having a first surface on which light from the substrate is incident and a second surface from which the incident light goes out after the incident light is refracted; an adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the substrate and a position of the optical component by moving the substrate and the optical component relatively with the first surface of the optical component and the substrate being opposed to each other; an imaging unit that is arranged in an optical path of the light that goes out from the second surface; and a control unit that controls an amount by which the adjustment unit moves the substrate and the optical component relatively according to image data which is captured by the imaging unit, and that mounts the optical component on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Motohara
  • Publication number: 20140259596
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of assembly of an aircraft. A current state of assembly of the aircraft is identified. Parts present in the aircraft for the current state of assembly of the aircraft are identified. The parts present in the aircraft for the current state of assembly of the aircraft are displayed in a graphical user interface on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8782878
    Abstract: A fastener automation system for assembly of fasteners to a substrate, includes a projection system for projecting an image on a substrate of a predetermined location of a correct fastener to be installed in the substrate and data relating to the correct fastener and the substrate, and a computer operably associated with the projection system storing data regarding the correct fastener and the predetermined location on the substrate where the correct fastener is to be installed. An automated method of installing a fastener in a substrate at a predetermined location includes using a projector system to identify a predetermined location for installation of a correct fastener to the substrate, collecting data regarding the correct fastener installation at the predetermined location and storing the data in a computer, and installing the correct fastener in the substrate at the predetermined location based upon the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Metrology NV
    Inventors: Jarrad V. Morden, Robert S. Underhill, Charles S. Campbell, Christopher J. Cartile
  • Publication number: 20140173872
    Abstract: A method for inspecting the quality of an alignment between the elements of an assembly, and an associated device, the method of which comprises tasks consisting of measuring a first parameter with a first measuring means, said first parameter being selected from a movement parameter of at least one part of the double-access fastening means, an assembly force parameter or a torque, measuring a second parameter with a second measuring means, said second parameter being selected from the same parameters and being different from the first parameter, calculating a value of a first derivative of a function representing a change in the second parameter relative to the first parameter by suitable information processing means, and analyzing the value of the first derivative to check the alignment between the elements to be assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Sartor, Patricia Morgue, Manuel Paredes
  • Publication number: 20140173870
    Abstract: In a laser-based alignment system, a laser sensor tool, comprising a laser emitter and detector element can be gripped by a gripper unit of a robotic arm and used to automatically align the robotic arm with a work surface. A landmark on the work surface can be identified by scanning the work surface with the laser sensor in an X-Y plane. A center point of the landmark in the X-Y plane can be determined to align the gripper unit with the work surface in the X-Y plane. The robotic arm can be calibrated on a Z-axis by moving the gripper downward in a z-direction until the gripper unit contacts the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Otts
  • Patent number: 8752281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clamping a tool or a workpiece, using an electric actuator (1) having a housing (2) attached to a work spindle of a machine tool and in which a threaded spindle (3) for moving jaws of a chuck is axially displaceable, and an electric servomotor (4) having a rotor connected with a drive wheel (6) that moves a nut (7) on the threaded spindle (3), a first sensor being associated with the threaded spindle (3) for detecting the axial position thereof, and a second sensor being associated with the spindle nut (7) for detecting the axial position thereof, and including the method step of determining the position of the threaded spindle (3) by the first sensor when a slight axial force occurs due to contact of the clamping jaws with the tool or the workpiece, and continued movement of the spindle nut (7) until a specified sensor difference (12) between the first sensor and the second sensor is determined by the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Hangleiter, Peter Schenk
  • Patent number: 8707548
    Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus includes a head unit, component supply device, camera unit, and controller controlling the head unit and component supply device. The component supply device has a holder holding electronic component accommodating tapes, each having storage cells arranged in a row, the storage cells storing electronic components, and a feeder forwarding the electronic component accommodating tapes and moving the storage cells to a suction area where the electronic component can be suctioned by the nozzle. The camera unit is fixed to a head support, and captures an image of the suction area. The controller analyzes the image of the suction area obtained by the camera unit. When the controller determines that a portion of the electronic component accommodating tape in the suction area is a spliced portion based on a result of the analysis, the controller determines that the electronic component accommodating tape is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Juki Corporation
    Inventor: Tomotaka Abe
  • Publication number: 20140068910
    Abstract: Machines for fitting cable bushings on a cable have a hollow mandrel (11) for receiving cable bushing (12) and a cable in a fitting region (A). Rotatably mounted stripping jaws (8a, 8b) arranged in the fitting region (A) fit the cable bushing (12) on the cable. A camera (9a, 9b) is directed towards the fitting region (A). A rotation axis of at least one of the stripping jaws (8a, 8b) is at a lateral distance from ray-of-view (D) originating from the camera (9a,9b) and running through the fitting region (A). The stripping jaws (8a, 8b) may be opened to an extent that makes it possible for the camera (9a, 9b) to have an unimpeded view of the fitted cable bushing (12). Related methods for operating such machines (1) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Eugen Wosinski, Ivo Meierhans, Ruedi Imfeld
  • Patent number: 8667671
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle control apparatus includes a nozzle module having a vacuum hole, a vacuum providing module configured to provide a vacuum to the vacuum hole through a vacuum line, and a vacuum control module configured to selectively form the vacuum in the vacuum hole through the vacuum line, or release the vacuum formed in the vacuum hole through a release line branched off from the vacuum line to expose the vacuum hole to air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Ju Kim
  • Patent number: 8601677
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning one or more components while attaching the component to a substrate. The component is positioned over the substrate. An alignment tool is attachable to the component. The alignment tool includes a tool alignment element, an optical tool, and a substrate alignment element attached to the substrate. The tool alignment element aligns with the substrate alignment element such that the components are positioned at specified locations on the substrate for attachment to the substrate. Further, in the method according to the disclosure, the tool alignment element aligns with the substrate alignment element to position one or more components at a specified location on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fuad E. Doany, Andrew D. Perez, Niranjana Ruiz, Lavanya Turlapati
  • Publication number: 20130298369
    Abstract: A fixture and method for adjusting a workpiece are disclosed. The fixture includes a holding device engageable to a workpiece to secure the workpiece, and an adjustment device engageable to a projecting member of the workpiece and movable along a first axis and a second axis. Movement of the adjustment device along the first axis when engaged to the projecting member adjusts the projecting member along the first axis, and movement of the adjustment device along the second axis when engaged to the projecting member adjusts the projecting member along the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eunice D. Reyes, Javier Garza, Charles Van Buchan, Blake Allen Fulton, Steven Charles Woods, Mark Carmine Bellino
  • Publication number: 20130276281
    Abstract: A lower supporting pin module 22 is given a shape having a contact surface 26a. On the occasion of position recognition for determining a position of a pin on the lower supporting pin module 22, an image of the lower supporting pin module 22 is captured, and the image is subjected to recognition processing, to thus detect an outer shape of an upper shaft 24B. Even when an extraneous matter on a downside surface of a substrate adheres to the contact surface 26a, the position of the lower supporting pin module 22 can be stably recognized with superior recognition precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shirou Yamashita, Tadashi Endo, Yasuichi Okada, Makoto Nakashima, Yuki Minamide
  • Publication number: 20130232775
    Abstract: A die bonding system for bonding a die on a substrate is provided. The die bonding system includes a supporting base for the substrate, a die pickup device for picking up the die, and an alerting device. The supporting base includes a number of conductive and height-adjustable upper portions. The upper portions are spaced from each other. The alerting device includes a power source and an alerting element electrically connected to the power source. Two electrodes of the power source are electrically connected to the die pickup device and the upper portions, and the alerting element generates different alerts according to different contacting status of the upper portions and the die pickup device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-CHEN LAI
  • Publication number: 20130199019
    Abstract: A catheter is provided for medical ultrasound imaging that can be effectively used in combination with other imaging modalities to detect medical structures of interest as well as the catheter. Markers are added to the catheter with precision, which provides a means to merge the images from different modalities. Using a template, apertures for marker placement are formed in the catheter after creating the catheter housing. The ultrasound array may be used for accurate positioning of the template. Alternatively or additionally, a rigid insert with markers connects with the array. The insert holds the markers in place and may reduce artifacts in ultrasound scanning due to flexing of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex J. Garbini, Wilko Gerwin Wilkening, Ricardo Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20130185932
    Abstract: A fastening and loosening device includes transport devices capable of moving along the array direction of a plurality of stud bolts, control panels that independently control the transport devices, a plurality of bolt tensioners, control panels that independently control the bolt tensioners, and a transport operating device having a control panel that controls the control panels and the control panels, and a fault diagnosis device is provided by connecting the control panels to the transport operation device through power cables, whereby the reliability of the device can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Katsumi Imi
  • Publication number: 20130145615
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting leaks in a fluid cooling system. One aspect of the present invention concerns an apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid cooling system that includes a pressure exerting device for applying a pressure on a supply hose and a return hose of the cooling system, and a pressure gauge coupled to the pressure exerting device for detecting a drop of fluid pressure in the cooling system while the pressure is applied. The drop of fluid pressure indicates that there may be a leak in the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Fitzsimmons, Thomas A. Kline, Patrick F. White
  • Patent number: 8448331
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: two heads equipped with plural nozzles for suctioning and mounting a component; a memory holding at least one of information on maximum speed and maximum acceleration; an operation determining unit determining whether an operation after a suctioning operation of any one of heads is a suctioning operation or not; a speed/acceleration calculating unit calculating at least one of speed and acceleration at the time of axial movement by using at least one of the maximum speed and the maximum acceleration for the suction, if it is determined that the operation after the suctioning operation is the suctioning operation; a control signal generating unit generating a control signal; and a driving unit performing movement from the suction operation to a component suction position of the subsequent nozzle in accordance with the control signal when the suctioning operation by the subsequent nozzle is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Baba
  • Patent number: 8434214
    Abstract: Vehicle body assembly apparatus (10) includes a sensor assembly (11) having a lateral Y axis slide assembly (20), a longitudinal X axis assembly (22) and a vertical Z axis assembly (24) that respectively include magnetostrictive type linear sensors for sensing X, Y and Z locations of a vehicle body to control vehicle body assembly. Signals of the X, Y and Z locations are sent to a controller (12) that operates a robot (14r) that supports an end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Marx
  • Publication number: 20130107171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a back light unit including a bottom case; a first light source unit comprising first light sources and a first board, wherein the first light sources are placed above the first board; a second light source unit comprising second light sources and a second board, wherein the second light sources are placed below the second board; a light guide plate disposed between the first and second light sources; and a support main disposed above the light guide plate. The present invention also relates to an LCD device including the same and a method of making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Dal Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20130091679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling sets of instruments, having a data processing installation and a fine identification unit. The data processing installation has a display unit, a database, a first interface and an evaluation unit. The fine identification unit has a first support for placing the instruments of a set of instruments thereon and a first camera. The first camera is arranged and oriented such that it can capture image data from instruments to be identified and arranged on the first support from at least one perspective, and the data processing installation is designed such that it uses the first interface to receive image data from the first camera and can store the received image data in the database. It can further visually identify a respective instrument by use of the evaluation unit. The invention also relates to an according method for assembling sets of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Oliver Gloger, Omid Abri
  • Publication number: 20130086801
    Abstract: To enable positioning a robot arm and a workpiece with high accuracy while reducing vibrations of a camera. According to the claimed invention for this purpose, a robot station 100 includes a pedestal 103 to which robot arms 101 and 102 are fixed, a camera 106 which images an area including a working area 209 of the pedestal 103, and a booth 104 to which the camera 106 is fixed. The pedestal 103 is fixed to a floor surface, and the booth 104 is fixed to the floor surface without contacting the pedestal 103. The booth 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a short side parallel to a workpiece conveying direction T and a long side perpendicular to the workpiece conveying direction T in a plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mimura, Yuichi Someya, Yuji Matsuo, Mikio Nakasugi, Ken Meisho, Masaichi Sato, Mahito Negishi
  • Publication number: 20130061471
    Abstract: A wedge connector assembly including an installation tool having a tool body and a frame connected to the tool body. A sleeve is received by the frame and a wedge is received by the sleeve. A firing mechanism is movably connected to the tool body. A movable ram extends from the tool body into the frame such that movement of the ram drives the wedge into the sleeve when the installation tool is fired. A piston is movably disposed in the tool body between the ram and the firing mechanism. The piston is moved when the firing mechanism is activated, thereby driving the wedge into the sleeve. An indicator disposed on the ram indicates when the installation tool is in a proper firing position to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lawrence Norman Brown, Henry Arnold Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20130047394
    Abstract: A system and method for refurbishing forged components. The system includes an identification subsystem for identifying a forged component for refurbishment, a removal subsystem for removing portions of the forged component, and a rebuilding subsystem for rebuilding the forged component, the rebuilding subsystem including an assembly for adding a non-molten material to the forged component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Laurent Cretegny, William Thomas Carter, Leonardo Ajdelsztajn
  • Publication number: 20130027671
    Abstract: There is provided a circular disc-shaped rotary wheel comprising a luminescent light emitting area in which a luminescent material is provided along a circumferential edge of the circular disc shape, an annular step portion which is formed at a different level from a reference plane which is a surface where the luminescent light emitting area is formed, and a balance correction material which is placed at the annular step portion, wherein the balance correction material is placed at the annular step portion so as to even a rotational balance when the rotary wheel is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi MIYAZAKI