Grab Movable Relative To Its Supporting Arm Patents (Class 414/732)
  • Patent number: 11376739
    Abstract: A workpiece transport robot configured to determine whether a workpiece gripping failure has occurred, the workpiece transport robot including a transport robot main body having a driving mechanism configured to move a held workpiece; a robot hand having a first chuck and a second chuck configured to grip workpieces on both front and back faces of the robot hand; a robot hand rotating mechanism configured to axially support the robot hand and position the robot hand in a rotational direction with a servomotor, the robot hand supported with the transport robot main body via a rotation shaft to which first chuck and second chuck are symmetrically positioned, and a control device configured to compare measurement state information of the robot hand, of which information being based on torque information obtained by measuring and driving the servomotor; with workpiece gripping information obtained from a work program of the robot hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya Furukawa, Kazuyoshi Nagato, Shigefumi Suzuyama
  • Patent number: 11219999
    Abstract: A robot includes a multi-articular arm and a base. The base includes a body and a connector unit. The body has a supporting surface and a space. The supporting surface supports a base end portion of the multi-articular arm. The space is provided in the body and has a base opening on the supporting surface. The connector unit is disposed in the space and includes a cable connector that is connectable to an internal cable disposed in the body and that has a connection opening to be connectable to an external cable. The connection opening faces toward the base opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Hisashi Fujioka
  • Patent number: 11180899
    Abstract: A debris grapple bucket attachment for securement with the loader of a compact tractor, generally used in conjunction with the front end loader of a tractor, the attachment comprising a grapple incorporating a grapple bucket for use in combination with a front rake like member, with the grapple bucket having sidewalls, a formed back wall, all structurally integrated together, with the rake like member being secured with an electrically operated industrial linear actuator, to provide for pivoting of the rake like member from an open to a closed position as when urging debris onto its grapple bucket, and to retain the same, for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Worksaver, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Burenga
  • Patent number: 10532457
    Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm having an nth (n is an integer equal to or more than one) arm and an (n+1)th arm, the nth arm is rotatable about an nth rotation shaft, the (n+1)th arm is provided on the nth arm rotatably about an (n+1)th rotation shaft in a shaft direction different from a shaft direction of the nth rotation shaft, and, while a distal end of the robot arm is moved from a first point to a second point, a first operation such that the nth arm and the (n+1)th arm overlap as seen from the shaft direction of the (n+1)th rotation shaft and a second operation of rotating the nth arm are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Toshimitsu, Kazushige Akaha, Kazuto Yoshimura, Katsuji Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9987650
    Abstract: A spray gun mount, and retrofit kit spray gun mount based thereon, and a method of retrofitting, adjusting and spraying based thereon, are structured that the motion of the spray gun occurs about a point of rotation located at the exact nozzle of the spray gun rather than at a location on the gun mount. An arcuate slot may be provided on a fixed mounting plate and extensions (partially threaded screws) pass through the arcuate slot. The extensions in turn are firmly attached to a movable gun mount plate to which the spray gun is affixed. In adjusting the spray gun, all that may be necessary is to loosen a fastener which holds the gun mount plate and gun from rotating relative to the fixed plate, rotating it relative to the fixed plate and fastening it back into place again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Integrated Packaging Solutions
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Gillest, Michael W. Calahan, Kalvis Jaunarajs, Byron Henze
  • Patent number: 9701027
    Abstract: A robot includes a base and a robot main body. The robot main body includes a plurality of structural members driven by a plurality of actuators. The base includes a housing into which a control cable drawn, a first opening portion provided on a lower surface of the housing, and a second opening portion provided on a side surface of the housing. The first opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a first connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a first lid portion not including the connector. The second opening portion is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a second connector plate including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable can be attached and a second lid portion not including the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Nogami, Nobukazu Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 9233723
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system may include a hydraulic motor and a drive sprocket. The hydraulic drive system may also include a torsional isolation member that is operably connected between the hydraulic motor and the drive sprocket. The torsional isolation member may be configured to operably disconnect the hydraulic motor from the drive sprocket when the drive sprocket reaches a predetermined torque load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rustin Metzger, Justin Speichinger
  • Patent number: 9216479
    Abstract: A robot includes: a stage unit; a rotation base connected to the stage unit in a rotatable manner around a predetermined rotating axis; an arm unit connected to the rotation base and having a base end rotatable around a first rotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the rotating axis; a balancer connected to both the rotation base and the arm unit; and a cable arranged along the arm unit outside the balancer while supported by that balancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Shingi Takahashi, Tomoyuki Shiraki, Masato Ito, Kaori Sakaki, Takahiko Kanamori
  • Patent number: 9185855
    Abstract: An attachment with a back support frame adaptable for use with a variety of loaders for use in tree removal and field reclamation. The back support frame has a curved front wall serving as a moldboard and a bottom wall with a cutting edge for grading dirt. A stationary lower jaw generally trapezoidal in plan is attached to the back support frame and is made of a plurality of cross braced blades forming a see-through grid through which dirt may be sifted with spade-tipped teeth at a distal end for digging and replaceable strips of saw teeth on the outer blades for ripping tree roots. A movable upper jaw with obliquely mounted grapple arms is mounted on the back support frame and is independently movable towards and away from the stationary lower jaw for applying three-point pressure to a root ball or tree trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: John L. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8855817
    Abstract: A method for operating a system including at least two robots for handling parts and a robot control unit arranged for control of said at least two robots. Each of the robots is arranged with a parts handler device including a rigid arm with one end connected to the end element of an arm of the robot by a first swivel arranged for radial movement of the rigid arm in relation to the end element. Each of the robots is also arranged with a gripper connected to the rigid arm by a second swivel arranged for free, passive rotation of the gripper in relation to the rigid arm. The method includes generating instructions for the at least two robots to pick and/or move and/or place a part and sending the instructions to each robot simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramon Casanelles, Francisco Cortés Grau
  • Publication number: 20140294540
    Abstract: A panel hoist and components of various kits including components of a panel hoist are described herein. A panel hoist can be used to hold any of a variety of panels, such as a door attachable to a semi-tractor trailer, and to maneuver the panel for putting into a position for mounting the panel to a panel mounting point or for removing a panel disconnected from a panel mounting point. Various types of suction cups and supplemental panel holders can be used to hold the panel while the panel is moved or prepared for movement. A panel hoist can allow a single person to maneuver panels in various ways instead of having to rely on multiple people to maneuver the panel. Maneuvering the panel can include raising, lowering, or rotating the panel. Various panel hoist components can be configured as a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Greg W. Shaw, William Kreiner
  • Patent number: 8632292
    Abstract: A hybrid trailer with a built in retractable hydraulic crane to handle different configurations of platform surface bodies. It will raise the platform surface body vertically away from the chassis frame placing the platform surface body in the desired location. Two telescoping arms extend out to lift and retract into a recessed area in the bed of the trailer for storage. It is operated by remote voice control. A solar collector enables operation in remote locations and use of the crane for external lifting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Lynn Brown
  • Patent number: 8615907
    Abstract: A grapple device includes a torque tube, a pivot, a rod and cylinder, a pivot link, and a tooth. The torque tube has first and second torque pivot points and is adapted to be mounted on a bucket. The pivot is rotatably connected to the first torque pivot point at a pivot cross tube located at a second end of the pivot, and the pivot further comprises a pivot collar at a first end, and first and second pivot faces adjacent the pivot collar. The rod and cylinder are operatively connected to the second torque pivot point, includes a rod and a cylinder, and has a rod pivot at a first end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Agile Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy D. Miller, Michael L. Feilmeier
  • Publication number: 20130216346
    Abstract: A load guide for securing a load relative to a boom includes a base secured to the boom and a retractable arm assembly attached to the base. The base presents a front portion that is proximate a load supported by the boom. The arm assembly includes a pair of load-securing arms movably connected to the load guide base, each of the arms being movable between an operative position and a retracted position, wherein moving the arms from the operative position to the retracted position includes rotating each of the arms toward the other arm, and further includes translational movement of each of the arms away from the front portion of the load guide base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: William Baldwin Dodge, IV
  • Publication number: 20130164107
    Abstract: A robot module including a robot drive and a robot body, the robot body having a spacer rod, a robot head and at least one control arm, wherein a drive platform of the robot drive and an attachment group of the robot head are connected to each other via the spacer rod and the control arm, wherein the robot drive is configured to swivel the robot head by means of the spacer rod and the control arm, wherein an attachment surface of the attachment group comprises a first gravity center and an attachment surface of the drive platform comprises a second gravity center, and wherein the spacer rod is arranged in the first and the second gravity center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Beckhoff Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Pehlivan, Michael Jaeger, Thomas Rettig
  • Publication number: 20120275894
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, robotic attacher comprises a supplemental arm comprising a fixed portion and a gripping portion. The fixed portion comprises a pivot assembly and a rotating assembly. The pivot assembly pivots the gripping portion between maximum-left, maximum-right, and centered positions. The rotating assembly rotates the gripping portion between upright and upside down positions. The gripping portion comprises a gripper comprising claw arms operable to open and close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORP.
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Cor de Ruijter, Menno Koekoek, Peter Willem van der Sluis
  • Publication number: 20120251286
    Abstract: A mobile container manipulator device (3) includes ISO container engagement parts (5, 6) interconnected by a manipulator body (4), each of which container engagement parts (5, 6) is to be coupled to a respective ISO container (2). The manipulator body (4) has an adjustable length and has length adjustment element (12) providing a variable distance between the container engagement parts (5, 6). The respective connections between the manipulator body (4) and each container engagement part (5, 6) each have at least one pivot joint (13, 16, 21) and have angle adjustment elements (15, 18) providing a variable angular orientation of the container engagement part (5, 6) with respect to the manipulator body (4). The container manipulator device (3) is used for lightering a grounded container ship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SMIT NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Robert VAN DER VELDEN, Theodorus Menno HAAK, Geert Jan Jacob VERVER
  • Publication number: 20120063873
    Abstract: A workpiece transporting apparatus includes a hand, a rotating portion for rotatably holding the hand, an arm provided in the hand and having one end provided at the rotating portion, and a holding portion provided in the hand and provided to another end of the arm for holding a workpiece, in which a center portion of the holding portion is disposed with a predetermined interval from an axial line extended from a rotational center of the rotating portion toward another end of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kaneko, Taro Nakamura, Takayuki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8095234
    Abstract: A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeny Polyakov, Edward Garcia, Eric L. Truebenbach, Brian S. Merrow, Brian J. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 8079799
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus is adapted for use in lifting a container having a pair of channels, each of the channels having a pair of open ends. The lifting apparatus includes an elongated support bar and a hook assembly mounted on each end of the support bar. Each of the hook assemblies includes a pair of hooks and a hydraulic cylinder and piston for rotating the hooks between open and closed positions. The container is lifted by lowering the support bar with the hooks in the open position until the hooks can be rotated into the open ends of the two channels. The hooks are then rotated to the closed position so that the hooks extend into the channels. The lifting apparatus is then raised to lift the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Petersen Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Lee F. Rathbun, David H. Osburn
  • Publication number: 20110217154
    Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Kenichi Motonaga
  • Publication number: 20110158779
    Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a printed product including a rotatable first gripper arm having a first gripper pad and a pivot, a rotatable second gripper arm having a second gripper pad and a pivot, a first link connecting the first gripper arm and second gripper arm and a second link having a spring connected to the first link. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Daniel Curley
  • Publication number: 20110103927
    Abstract: A gripping organ for load-moving vehicles comprises a support structure (7), removably engageable to a support arm (4) of a load-moving vehicle (2); at least gripping pliers (8), operatively engaged to the support structure (7) and predisposed to engage at least an object (P) to be moved, the gripping pliers (8) comprising at least a pair of gripping elements (16) which are mobile between an operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) engage the object (P), and a non-operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) are disengaged from the object (P); the pliers (8) being translatable along a translating direction (A) and rotatable about a rotation axis (B) which is perpendicular to the translating direction (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: MANITOU COSTRUZIONI INDUSTRIALI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Magni
  • Publication number: 20110002766
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mechanical arm for dispensing medicines. The mechanical arm includes a seat, a support rod and a bracket. The support rod is extended upward from the seat, rotates freely, is retracted and fixed on the seat. The bracket is pivoted at the support rod, and an end of the bracket is provided with at least one clamp and release mechanism which rotates and is fixed on the bracket, and is used to clamp and release a default vial. By the aforementioned structures, a user can use the clamp and release mechanism to clamp the vials of various sizes, thereby achieving the practical progressiveness to clamp the vials of various sizes, which contain radiopharmaceuticals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Chi-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 7794194
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Murray, John William Rigsby, Sabrina Lynn Murray
  • Publication number: 20100061835
    Abstract: A robot hand, which minimizes the number of actuators and adjusts the bending angles of joints through torque limiters to flexibly and finely control finger units, and a humanoid robot having the robot hand. The robot hand includes a torque limiter disposed on at least any one joint of a plurality of joints to link another joint of the plurality of joints with the any one joint through a power transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun Sik Sim
  • Publication number: 20090317222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gripping a CD from the top of a stack for automated processing, by putting actuated deflectable fingers in the central opening of the CD. Axial displacement is used to force the fingers radially outward. The axial displacement is advantageously provided by abutting a relatively axially displaceable part of the gripper against a fixed object and continue axial displacement of the gripper. Use is made of an arrangement similar to the actuating mechanism of a ball-point to extend and retract the writing tip or the mechanical arrangement used in electrical micro switches operated by a push button (e.g. the Short Stroke Key Switches of ITT Industries). This arrangement is combined with an electrical switch to detect the extended or retracted position of the fingers to provide a corresponding electrical signal to a control means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred Kramp
  • Publication number: 20090269181
    Abstract: Adjustable gripping arms for a lifting machine are provided. The adjustable gripping arms are removably attached to a lifting machine, such as a loader or a forklift, for example. The adjustable gripping arms allow the machine to releasably grasp and move objects such as posts, poles, bales, barrels and the like. The adjustable gripping arms include a support frame adapted for releasable mounting on the lifting machine. A pair of hydraulic pistons are further provided, with each hydraulic piston being pivotally secured to a respective side end of the support frame. Interchangeable pairs of gripping arms are provided, with each gripping arm having an upper end, a lower end and a central portion. The hydraulic pistons are each pivotally secured to a respective central portion of a respective one of the pair of gripping arms. Each gripping arm is adjustably secured to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: James A. Moffitt
  • Publication number: 20090148263
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable-driven manipulator comprising an operating unit having a drive motor, and a pulley rotated by the drive motor. An upper arm is coupled, through a joint, to one side of the operating unit. A forearm coupled, through a joint, to the other side of the upper arm by the cable. A gripper of an end effector operably coupled to the forearm, a cable compensation device is installed between the upper arm and the forearm so as to maintain constant the length of the cable that transmits the power of the operating unit to the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm. It is thus possible to prevent the variation of tensile force due to the variation of the length of the cable for operating the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm or the unintended malfunction of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Jong Kwang Lee, Chang Hwan Choi, Kwang Ho Yoon, Hyo Jik Lee, Byung Suk Park, Ji Sup Yoon
  • Publication number: 20090116947
    Abstract: A system for remote object handling including a public safety vehicle having a front portion. An articulated arm has a first end and a second end distinct from the first end, the arm being coupled to the front portion at the first end, and has at least one pivot disposed between the first end and the second end. A gripping element is removably coupled to the second end, wherein the gripping element is one of a pincer device, a hand device having at least three fingers or a shovel. A video camera is also coupled to the second end. An arm control is disposed within the vehicle and is operable to control the operation of the arm, the manipulator and the video camera, and a video interface is coupled to the video camera which is operable to display output from the video camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Piccioni, Matthew B. Talpis
  • Patent number: 7500702
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat holding apparatus for manufacturing vehicles which is able to easily and reliably hold seats having various specifications so as to enable the seats to be installed into vehicle bodies. Preferred vehicle seat holding apparatus may comprise a back push unit; back push drive to rotate the back push unit; a cushion push unit; and cushion push drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hoon Son
  • Publication number: 20080286083
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a container between stations, for example, from a rotary machine to a conveyor is provided having a rotary apparatus having a plurality of grippers constructed and arranged to receive and retain containers, a mechanism for rotating the grippers by about 90°. For example, the containers can be in a vertical position when received by the grippers and in a horizontal position when released by the grippers. A method for transporting a container between stations is provided. For example, the method can include receiving and retaining containers proximate a rotary machine and rotating the container to by about 90° proximate a conveyor and releasing the container to fall by gravity onto the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Filippo FURLOTTI, Renato LE BRUN
  • Publication number: 20080226436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulation device (3) for manipulating a workpiece (4) on a bending press (2), comprising multiple successive moving elements (17), in particular articulated arms (18), connected to one another via articulated joints (19), wherein one moving element (22) has a rotary head (23) which is rotatable about a rotational axis (24) which at least approximately coincides with a center axis (25) of the moving element (22), and comprising a gripping device (27) connected thereto having a gripping zone (34), formed by one or more gripping elements (32), by means of which the workpiece (4) may be held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Denkmeier, Bernhard Fischereder
  • Patent number: 7273343
    Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a first planetary member connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an offset cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least two apexes, with one apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion and another apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in a non-identical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6837664
    Abstract: A rotary unloader (10) removes articles (26) from a magazine (24) and includes a carriage (12) rotating about a primary axis and a carrier (14), attached to the carriage (12), rotating about a secondary axis. The secondary axis is separated from the primary axis by a first radial spacing. The carrier (14) may have one or more handlers (16) attached at a second radial spacing. Where the carrier (14) includes multiple handlers (16), they may advantageously be equidistantly spaced and circumferentially located around the carrier (14). The first radial spacing is smaller than the second radial spacing to ensure an outward disposition of the handler (16) with regard to the primary axis. Rotation of the carriage (12) about the primary axis may be coupled to the rotation of the carrier (14) about the secondary axis by a gear system. The simultaneous rotation of the carriage (12) and the carrier (14) cooperates to produce a reciprocal motion of the handler (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Douglas Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan R. Blakesley, Paul H. Wagner, Jeremiah D. Rumohr, David L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6757587
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method, the apparatus comprising a controlled element (10), such as a robotic manipulator, and a dynamically updatable control system (11). The control system (11) uses a control system equation (eq. (1)) to determine control signals (dq/dt) for controlling the controlled element (1) given any required inputs (q, V) to the control system equation (eq. (1)). The control system (11) is dynamically updatable in that in response to a script file indicating a code structure (11d) preferably having linked nodes (12a 13a-c) and representing at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)), the control system (11) creates the code structure (11d), at run-time, and does so such that the nodes (12a 13a-c) can be queried (i.e. are executable logic) to provide values for at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: James D. English, Chu-Yin Chang, Bradley L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6712198
    Abstract: An articulated-arm transport system, provided in particular for the automation of press lines and large-component transfer presses, is distinguished by a design which permits components or workpieces to be inserted or removed even when there is a small clearance between an upper and lower tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Müller Weingarten AG
    Inventors: Erich Harsch, Rainer Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20040013508
    Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a first planetary member connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an offset cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least two apexes, with one apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion and another apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in a non-identical motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6612051
    Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: 1994 Weyer Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean R. Weyer, Michael Kevin Kehler
  • Patent number: 6592323
    Abstract: A plate member carrier is constructed to include a suction device adapted to suck and transfer the workpiece, a first four-bar linkage adapted to keep the suction device in horizontal, a second four-bar linkage adapted to prohibit the suction device from transverse displacement, and a cam adapted to control vertical movement of the suction device subject to a simple harmonic motion curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Chang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6508617
    Abstract: Manipulators for safe, 360 degree rotation along at least two axes and horizontal and vertical translation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. Manipulators of the present invention include a support structure or open framework, a carriage, and an inner framework assembly. In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner framework assembly can be oriented substantially horizontally or substantially vertically. The inner framework assembly engages the work piece through the use of a support member that has one or more extension arms attached to its bottom surface which have one of more part grips at its ends. The extension arms further include a pair of rotating shafts that allow the work piece to rotate 360 degrees preferably along the central axis of the part grips. The inner framework assembly is capable of rotating 360 degrees about the axis of the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Charles Gressett
  • Patent number: 6494515
    Abstract: The pole handler attachment includes a base frame that is pivotally attached to an arm of an earth moving machine for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. A trunnion is fixed to the base frame. A sleeve is journaled on the trunnion for pivotal movement about a trunnion axis that is normal to the transverse horizontal axis. A fixed clamp assembly is fixed to the sleeve. A movable clamp assembly is pivotally attached to the sleeve. A clamp cylinder pivots the movable clamp assembly to hold a pole against first and second clamp surfaces on the fixed clamp assembly. The first clamp surface is perpendicular to the second clamp surface. A tilt linear actuator pivots the sleeve on the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Carl D. Kalbfleisch
  • Patent number: 6370801
    Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 1994 Weyer Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean R. Weyer, Michael Kevin Kehler
  • Patent number: 6194859
    Abstract: Positioning apparatus to place a reference point at selected locations in a plane. Two carriages are independently mounted to a carriage rail. The rail bears location references and the carriage carry sensors responsive to them to learn their positions along the carriage rail. Guideways and guide rails are mounted in pairs to a respective carriage and to an interface member bearing the reference point. They form an angle between them such that the interface member moves in the plane as a function of the locations of the carriages along the axis and relative to each other. Drivers drive the carriages in response to commands related to the location of the carriages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Michael R. Everman, Michael S. Bell
  • Patent number: 5865492
    Abstract: A hydraulic grapple assembly couples to a link pivot and to a dipper pivot of an arm of an equipment. The assembly includes a grapple having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw extends in a direction substantially parallel to an imaginary line drawn between the link pivot and the dipper pivot when the grapple assembly is coupled to the arm. A distal end of the fixed jaw is positioned closer to the link pivot than to the dipper pivot when the grapple is coupled to the arm. The movable jaw has a proximal end coupled to a proximal end of the fixed jaw by an articulation. A hydraulic grapple actuator moves a distal end of the movable jaw between open and closed positions relative to a distal end of the fixed jaw. The grapple assembly can include a hydraulic swinger mechanism that rotates the grapple about an axis that is approximately aligned with the imaginary line through the dipper pivot and the link pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: WEC Company
    Inventor: Lee A. Horton
  • Patent number: 5833432
    Abstract: The robot hand has a holding unit with front and rear clamp claws and the holding unit can be inserted into a gap formed between the seat back and the seat cushion from the side of a front space existing ahead of the seat back and over the seat cushion. After the holding unit is inserted into the gap therebetween, the cylinder disposed in the holding unit is elongated to allow each of the clamp claws to assume its upright position, thereby holding the seat in three positions, i.e. at the bottom portion and the lower front and rear portions of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Fujii, Hideki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5733101
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and unstacking substantially rectangular articles, such as, for instance, crates or baking pans for bread, the apparatus having at least one guide extending in the longitudinal direction of an article storage area, a lifting trolley mobile over the guide and a lifting arm connected with the lifting trolley. The lifting arm carries a lifting member extending in the width direction of the article storage area and movable upward and downward above the article storage area by means of the lifting arm, at least two guides being provided. Each guide comprises a lifting trolley with a swivellable lifting arm hingedly connected with the lifting trolley. The swivellable lifting arms can each be swivelled in a vertical plane, the swivellable lifting arms being connected, at the end remote from the lifting trolley, with the lifting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Gebr. van Capelleveen B.V.
    Inventor: Augustinus Cornelis Antonius van der Hijden
  • Patent number: 5632590
    Abstract: A robotic end effector adapted to be mounted at the end of an arm of a program-controlled robot is capable of providing compliance within a vertical plane as well as alignment along a horizontal axis. A method and system utilizing the end effector to pick up flat or curved glass panels from glass racks and place the glass panels into irregularly-shaped wooden crates. Due to the compliance and horizontal alignment provided by the end effector, the system allows essentially perfect piece-to-piece vertical edge-of-glass alignment and side-edge to side-edge alignment during the packaging process so as to eliminate glass etching/scratching and breakage. The end effector includes a base frame on which compliance devices and side-shift alignment devices in the form of linear bearing systems support a number of material handling devices in the form of suction devices. The handling devices are typically material holding/gripping devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Pearson, James R. Panyard
  • Patent number: 5562398
    Abstract: A tiltable attachment is provided for a Skid Steer Loader. The tiltable attachment is secured to the loader arms of the Skid Steer Loader and receives and fastens the utility attachment of the Skid Steer Loader. The tiltable attachment including a mounting base member and a pivotal attachment member. These members being rotated by a power cylinder. The pivotal attachment member has a demountable cover plate. The pivotal attachment member will receive the commonly known utility attachments. The tiltable attachment maintains the ability of the Skid Steer Loader to move the utility attachments in the vertical and horizontal plains while further providing the ability to rotate the utility attachment around the longitudinal axis of the Skid Steer Loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth Knutson
  • Patent number: 5556253
    Abstract: An automatic pipe loading device includes a magazine containing a plurality of pipes which are gravity fed through a discharge opening at a discharge end of the magazine. A pipe transfer member is mounted beneath the magazine and rotates between load and unload positions. In a load position, the pipe transfer mechanism presents a pocket in alignment with a discharge opening of the magazine. In all other positions, the pipe transfer mechanism presents a blocking surface preventing pipes from being discharged from the magazine. The pipe transfer member includes a pipe grip for grasping a pipe received within the receiving pocket and releasing the grasped pipe at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Rozendaal, David P. Langenfeld