Grab Has Swinging Movement In Plural Planes Patents (Class 414/735)
  • Patent number: 9694493
    Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement structure capable of properly arranging an umbilical member in a parallel link robot. A first additional actuator is arranged on a passive link part of a parallel link robot. An Umbilical member is withdrawn from an opening formed on a generally circular bottom surface of a base part, while having a margin, approaches the passive link part, while extending in an intersecting direction with respect to a longitudinal direction of the passive link part, and is connected to the first additional actuator. The “intersecting direction” means a direction extending at an angle of 70 to 110 degrees, preferably 80 to 100 degrees, more preferably about 90 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the passive link part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hyunchul Souk
  • Patent number: 9647513
    Abstract: An actuator unit, a robot including the same, and a reducing apparatus, the actuator unit including a driving unit; a sensor unit; a control unit; and a frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-jun Park, Byeong-sang Kim, Kang-min Park, Jae-chul Hwang
  • Patent number: 9636178
    Abstract: An articulating shaft system includes an elongated shaft and first and second articulating components. The elongated shaft extends along a main axis and has a distal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. The first articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the elongated shaft and has a proximal end surface and a distal end surface that are not perpendicular to the main axis. The second articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the first articulating component and has a proximal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. Rotating the first articulating component around the main axis positions the first and second articulating components at an angle relative to the main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Specialty Surgical Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 9550299
    Abstract: A robotic link mechanism comprising a pair of base elements connected by a passive flexible joint, such that flexure of the joint changes the mutual orientation of the base elements. A pair of obliquely truncated cylinders are confined between the base elements such that the obliquely formed end surfaces of the cylinders can rotate in sliding contact with each other, and the other end of each cylinder can rotate in sliding contact with its associated base element. Driving motors are attached to the base elements, each one controlled to rotate the cylinder associated with that base element, such that rotation of at least one of the cylinders causes the base elements to undergo change in their mutual orientation. The mechanism thus has a backbone composed of the passive flexible joint, which is supported and actuated by the oblique truncated cylindrical structure that serves as an active exoskeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Alon Wolf, Oded Salomon
  • Patent number: 9540891
    Abstract: A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO CRAELIUS AB
    Inventors: Misel Milivojevic, Ola Sylván, Mats Idoff, Björn Rundlöf, Johan Broström, Örjan Säker, Martin Ahlström
  • Patent number: 9434077
    Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations. The articulating mechanisms may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc
    Inventors: David J. Danitz, Adam Gold
  • Patent number: 9370866
    Abstract: A wrist unit of an industrial robot including an eccentric rocking-type reduction gear. The eccentric rocking-type reduction gear includes a hollow forming part forming a hollow part along the rotation center axial line; a through shaft supported rotatably at the hollow forming part and passing through the hollow part to transmit a rotation from the third wrist drive motor from a first wrist element side to a second wrist element side; a plurality of crankshafts arranged around the through shaft and having input gears at ends of the side of the first wrist element; and a gear member provided rotatably centered about the rotation center axial line, the gear member having a first gear to which a rotational force from the second wrist drive motor is input and a second gear with which the input gears of the plurality of crankshafts engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Oikawa
  • Patent number: 9346174
    Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement structure capable of being used in a waterproof application, wherein a hollow portion may be independently used for wiring of a work tool, while the motion of an umbilical member for the work tool may be stabilized. A bent hollow member has a first flange attached to a first opening. Between the first flange and a first wrist element, a liquid-tight first seal member is disposed. At a second opening formed on the back side of a forearm base part, a second flange is arranged at a rear end of an I-shaped pipe, and a liquid-tight second seal member, similar to the first seal member 82, is disposed between the second flange and the rear end surface of the base part. The bent hollow member is rotatably connected to the I-shaped pipe via a bearing and an oil seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 9326825
    Abstract: A patient mountable robot includes a four link mechanism, three actuators, and a first robot base. The mechanism includes four links that form a closed loop structure. The four links include a base link that includes a spherical joint. The mechanism provides two rotational degrees of freedom about the spherical joint for a needle that is configured to pass through the spherical joint. A first actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the first of the two rotational degrees of freedom. A second actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the second of the two rotational degrees of freedom. The base link of the mechanism passes through the first robot base. A third actuator is attached to the first robot base and linearly translates the base link so that a translational degree of freedom is provided for the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Children's National Medical Center
    Inventors: Kevin Cleary, Reza Monfaredi, Raymond Sze, Karun Sharma, Nabile Safdar, Reza Seifabadi
  • Patent number: 9321179
    Abstract: A wrist structure of an industrial robot including a second wrist power transmission part transmitting power of a second wrist motor to a second wrist element and a third wrist power transmission part transmitting power of a third wrist motor to a third wrist element. The second wrist power transmission part includes a hypoid gear set, a drive shaft, a first reduction gear part reducing a speed of rotation from the second wrist motor and transmitting the reduced rotation to the drive shaft, and a second reduction gear part reducing a speed of rotation from the drive shaft and transmitting the reduced rotation to the second wrist small gear, and the third wrist power transmission part includes a hypoid gear set and a third reduction gear part reducing a speed of rotation from the third wrist motor and transmitting the reduced rotation to the third wrist small gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 9296113
    Abstract: A linear delta mechanism includes a base platform, a movable platform, and a plurality of guide sets. The base platform includes a base structure and a base stand. The base stand is disposed at a center location of the base structure. The movable platform is movable with respect to the base platform. The plurality of guide sets are connected to the base platform and configured to drive the movable platform. Each of the guide sets includes a linear actuator and an actuating rod. The linear actuators of the guide sets are symmetrically disposed around the base stand. Each of the actuating rods has a first end and a second end. The first end is driven by the linear actuator, and the second end is connected to the movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Peng, Tsao-Hsiang Wang, Hsin-Hsien Wu, Ming-Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 9272414
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm, a second robot arm, a third robot arm, a connecting base, a first driving assembly, a second driving assembly, a third driving assembly, and a cable receiving tube. The connecting base includes a housing and a protection cover. A sidewall of the housing defines an opening. The protection cover covers the opening and is mounted on the housing. An end of the housing defines a cable inlet. The first driving assembly rotates the first robot arm. The second driving assembly rotates the second robot arm. The third driving assembly rotates the third robot arm. The cable receiving tube is received in the first robot arm, the second robot arm, and the third robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Long
  • Patent number: 9180595
    Abstract: A wrist portion of a robot includes: a first movable portion configured to rotate relative to an arm portion around a first wrist axis; a second movable portion configured to rotate relative to the first movable portion around a second wrist axis; a third movable portion configured to rotate relative to the second movable portion around a third wrist axis; and a cable insertion portion through which an effector cable is inserted, the effector cable being used to supply electric power to an end effector attached to the third movable portion. The cable insertion portion is provided at the first movable portion so as to be located on the first wrist axis. Two motors among a plurality of motors configured to drive the wrist portion are attached to the first movable portion so as to sandwich the cable insertion portion in a direction perpendicular to the first wrist axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Inada, Shinji Kitamura, Masato Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9168963
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems including a limbed vehicle having a plurality of controllably movable limbs (e.g., a limbed machine, limbed robot, etc.) and a plurality of spaced posts that the limbed vehicle may travel on using the limbs. As non-limiting examples, such disclosed embodiments of systems may be used to service an agriculture field, to enable travel over an environmentally-sensitive area or an area impassable by a conventional wheeled or tracked vehicle, and may be used in many other different applications. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of operating a limbed vehicle to travel on a plurality of spaced posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9156161
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm, a second robot arm, and a third robot arm. The first robot arm includes a first body and a backlash adjusting assembly received in the first body. The backlash adjusting assembly includes a base plate, a protruding shaft perpendicularly coupled to the base plate, and an adjusting member. The base plate defines a slotted hole. The adjusting member is detachably inserted into the slotted hole and is detachably coupled to first body. The second robot arm includes a second body and a first transmission assembly rotatably coupled to the second body. The first transmission assembly includes a first adjusting gear, a first intermediate gear, and a second adjusting gear. The first intermediate gear meshes the first and second adjusting gear. The second adjusting gear is coupled to the second body. The first intermediate gear is sleeved on the protruding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Long
  • Patent number: 9102065
    Abstract: An industrial robot has a robot arm with a linkage and an arm extension that is pivotable at the linkage. The arm extension has an arm enclosure that is pivotable at the linkage. The arm extension has a primary hand enclosure that can rotate, means of a first actuator that has a first drive shaft, at the arm enclosure around an arm axle extending in the longitudinal dimension of the arm extension. The arm extension has a first hand element that is adjustable around a first hand axle relative to the primary hand enclosure by means of a second actuator that has a second drive shaft, and a second hand element that is adjustable around a second hand axle relative to the first-hand element by means of a third actuator that has a third drive shaft. The first, second and third actuators are arranged in the primary hand enclosure with their respective drive shafts extending essentially parallel to and at a distance from the arm axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Krumbacher
  • Patent number: 9091391
    Abstract: A motion platform includes a base, a platform, and a suspension supporting the platform above the base. Strings preload the platform toward the base while the suspension pushes the platform away from the base. Actuators pull and release the strings to manipulate the platform in multiple degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventor: Stefan Jochem Thieme-Marti
  • Patent number: 9073647
    Abstract: A launch system comprises a nose section comprising a nose coupling surface, a tail section comprising a tail coupling surface facing the nose coupling surface and a mast coupling the nose and tail sections. The mast is configured to expand and retract to displace the nose and tail sections within a range of distances from one another. In a retracted state, the nose and tail sections are either structurally coupled to one another at the nose and tail coupling surfaces or structurally coupled to at least one integrated module located between the nose and the tail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Biosphere Aerospace LLC
    Inventor: Elie Helou, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9009940
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, David Hassan Amirehteshami
  • Publication number: 20150016934
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly including a pivot connection defining a pivot axis, a hydraulic element linked to the pivot connection, and a connector for connecting a hydraulic conduit to the hydraulic element. The connector defines a connection axis and the connector is configured such that the connection axis approximately intersects the pivot axis. The hydraulic assembly may be used in various applications, including in forestry equipment, for example, with a rotator link assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Craig COOPER, Jeffrey Paul LOTZ
  • Patent number: 8882437
    Abstract: A non-contact holding device (1) attached to a parallel mechanism robot (100) has a square plate-like base member (10), a Bernoulli chuck (20) attached to the center on a rear surface of the base member (10), and eight pin-like guide members (30) that are disposed facing each other with the Bernoulli chuck (20) therebetween and that are provided on the rear surface of the base member (10) in a protruding manner. The guide members (30) facing each other are configured to be able to move away from each other. These guide members (30) move away from each other along inner surfaces of guide holes (72) of a workpiece mounting tray (70, 71) as the Bernoulli chuck (20) approaches a workpiece mounting surface (75) of the workpiece mounting tray (70, 71).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8857877
    Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Hyunshik Shin, Shinho Kang, Yong-Hyun Ju, Ki-Beom Kim, Sang-Yul Ju
  • Publication number: 20140271080
    Abstract: A crane tool includes: a hook portion for hanging a work, attached to one arm section in a first robot arm having a base, a plurality of arm sections connected to the base in series, and a plurality of joints adapted to swing the arm sections, respectively, the crane tool; a counterweight portion; and a joint portion connecting the hook portion to the counterweight portion. The counterweight portion is located such that a joint swinging the arm section to which the hook portion is attached is interposed between the hook portion and the counterweight portion in substantially a horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Ryosuke TSUTSUMI, Toshiyuki HARADA, Kenji MATSUFUJI, Toshiaki IKEDA
  • Patent number: 8720298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving and positioning an object in space, having at least three actuator arms each connected to a motor/drive unit and pivotable about a motor/drive axis. The free end of each actuator arm is jointedly connected by connecting rods to a support element having at least one gripping device that can be connected to a vacuum source via a vacuum hose. The gripping device is provided with a suction opening for suctionally gripping the object. According to the invention, the vacuum hose is guided by the support element to the motor/drive axis of one of the motor/drive units, and can be connected to the vacuum source by a rotatable hose joint disposed substantially in the motor/drive axis and rotatable about the motor/drive axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8714903
    Abstract: A robot includes a base, a movable platform, a shaft rotatably connecting the movable platform and the base, three kinematic chains rotatably connecting the movable platform and the base, an end effector defining an air orifice, and a rotary member. The rotary member is rotatably connected to the movable platform, and two opposite ends of the rotary member are connected to the shaft and the end effector, respectively. The movable platform defines an air hole, and the rotary member defines an airflow passage communicating between the air hole and the air orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Feng
  • Patent number: 8695190
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece is provided. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, David Hassan Amirehteshami
  • Patent number: 8686680
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of a system for reducing backlash include a member geared for rotation in first and second directions. In various implementations, a first motor causes rotation in the first direction with an output biased to preclude space between mating gear components in the first direction, and a second motor, which is mechanically independent of the first motor, causes rotation in the second direction with an output biased to preclude space between mating gear components in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rethink Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Deegan
  • Patent number: 8479607
    Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a work carrying mechanism, a driving source that drives the work carrying mechanism, a sealed box that accommodates the driving source in a hermetically sealed state, and a coolant circulation path provided in the sealed box for cooling the driving source. The sealed box includes a box body with an opening, and a partition lid for closing the opening. The partition lid includes an outer plate member and an inner plate member superposed on the outer plate member. The coolant circulation path is disposed at the interface between the outer plate member and the inner plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: DAIHEN Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Fukuma, Hideki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8413539
    Abstract: A parallel-type displacement device having at least three arms each pivoting about a pivot axis, the pivot axes defining a polygon as seen from a point above the device, wherein each of the arms is actuated by an actuator and each of the arms is further connected to a head defining a small base through linking members respectively articulated on the head and the arm, each said arm and its respective head forming a hinge having two degrees of freedom such that the head always maintains its position and orientation, and in which in a neutral position, each arm is arranged so that, if drawing from the geometrical center of the polygon a straight line that is parallel to the pivot axis of any one of the arms, the straight line intersects that arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Marel Food Systems HF
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Chenu
  • Patent number: 8414247
    Abstract: A method for reloading workpieces includes providing a manipulator having a connecting base and a plurality of grasping assemblies arranged on the connecting base, providing a plurality of original workpieces and a plurality of machined workpieces positioned in a plurality of machining positions, grasping the original workpieces by at least one grasping assembly, with at least one grasping assembly vacant, grasping one machined workpiece by one vacant grasping assembly, rotating the connecting base, so that one original workpiece is placed in one machining position by one grasping assembly, further rotating the connecting base until another vacant grasping assembly is opposite to another machining position, and repeating grasping the machined workpieces from the machining positions and placing the original workpieces on the machining positions until a last original workpiece is placed on one machining position. The manipulator used in the present method for reloading workpieces is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Hsien Yeh, Zhong Qin, Zheng-Jie Han
  • Publication number: 20130078060
    Abstract: A transfer robot includes an arm unit having a hand capable of holding one of transferred objects, a base unit mounted to an installation frame and horizontally rotatably supporting the arm unit, an attachment member for attaching the base unit to the installation frame, and an elevation mechanism arranged within the base unit and provided with an elevation member linked to the arm unit. The elevation mechanism is configured to move the arm unit up and down within an arm-unit up/down movement range defined above the base unit by moving the elevation member up and down along a vertical shaft. The base unit is fixed to the installation frame in a state that a portion of the base unit extending by a specified height from a bottom wall of the base unit to the attachment member is embedded in the base receiving recess of the installation frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Masatoshi FURUICHI
  • Patent number: 8381566
    Abstract: Attachments for power assisted lifting devices capable of rigidly positioning an object in three-dimensional space, for example pneumatically assisted manually operated mechanical arm manipulators, wherein the attachment is capable of securing an object for remote positioning thereof. More particularly, an end effector for a pneumatic manipulator that is capable of both passively following the motion of a secured object and actively adjusting the position of the secured object in an arcuate direction relative to the attachment of the end effector to the manipulator. The end effector is able to rotate the object about an axis passing through the end effector that also moves arcuately with the end effector. The end effector is particularly useful in the bending of metallic sheets or plates using a conventional sheet metal brake, as the end effector is capable of both positioning heavy sheets in the brake and following the movement of the sheet as it is being bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Givens Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond David Givens, Christopher William Garland, David Chivers
  • Patent number: 8308419
    Abstract: A robot includes a base member, which is installed at a position offset from the front of a door of a machine tool to the side, as viewed in a direction vertical to the surface where the door is provided and is fixed to a surface of a base slanted so as to face the door side. A rotary member is coupled to the base member so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending vertical to the slanted surface. A first arm member is coupled to the rotary member so as to be able to swivel about a second axis vertical to the first axis, and a second arm member is coupled to the first arm member so as to be able to swivel about a third axis parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Ryo Nihei, Satoshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8303238
    Abstract: The invention concerns a kinematic device for supporting and programmably moving a terminal element. The platform (11) bearing the terminal element (12) is linked by four swivel joints (9) and (10) with two legs each consisting of two support rods (7) or (8) forming deformable parallelograms mounted each on slides (3) or (4) mobile in the x direction. The pivot plate (29) articulated on the platform (11) about the hinge pin (30) is controlled by the control rods (27), controlling pivoting (14) and lateral displacement (18) connected respectively by the swivel joints (26, 13 and 17) to the slides (3, 12 and 26). It consists in a parallel kinematics with four degrees of freedom, namely three translational and one rotational whereof the angle can be greater than 120°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Willemin Machines S.A.
    Inventors: Markus Thurneysen, Reymond Clavel
  • Patent number: 8245594
    Abstract: A roll joint utilizes at least one tendon guide surface to guide actuator tendons for distal roll off and on their respective drums on a central shaft of the roll joint. The tendon guide surface turns the actuator tendon in an axial direction in a more compact space than might be required for a pair of pulleys, while using fewer parts with larger features more easily formed on a small scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Matthew R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8197469
    Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a manipulable support, and a plurality of hinged doubled pivoting links rotatably coupled to the base support and rotatably coupled to the manipulable support. A plurality of force imparting members has at least one coupled to one of the plurality of doubled pivoting links so as to be able to cause it to rotate. Also, at least one is coupled to the base support so as to be able to cause that base support to move toward or away. This joint can be used with a similar control joint, coupled thereto by coupling shafts held apart by a slidable separator, to form an extended length inserter for inserting an object positionable by the insertion joint in an obstructed location reached along a constricted passageway. These structures, positioned within a barrel, can rotate together but an activator slider, positioned at least partially about that barrel though not rotatable therewith, is coupled to the separator to cause sliding thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ross-Hime Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim
  • Patent number: 8186925
    Abstract: An elongate item handling means comprising a base (11) adapted to be fixed to a fixture, an elongate member support (13) having a first axis, the elongate member support comprising an engagement means (19) adapted to engage an elongate item and support the elongate item such that it is parallel to the first axis and to move the elongate item into engagement with the elongate member support, wherein the elongate member support is supported from the base to be rotatable about a second axis which is transverse to the first axis whereby the elongate item when supported from the elongate member support can be moved between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position, the base being movable on the fixture between a first position located at a desired erect position of the elongate item and one or more positions clear of the first position, said elongate member support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith William Littlely
  • Patent number: 8182197
    Abstract: In a gripping device, a displacement-type force sensor is provided on a side of a driving mechanism opposite fingers to which the driving mechanism is connected to form a grip section. The driving mechanism is supported on a housing with an elastic member being disposed therebetween at a position closer to the fingers than the center of gravity of the grip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Meisho
  • Patent number: 8132481
    Abstract: A parallel mechanism includes a base, actuators attached to the base, a plurality of arms coupled together in parallel, and a sensing device. Each of the arms has a first link, one end of which is coupled to the actuator, a second link through which the other end of the first link and a bracket are coupled together, a ball joint through which one end of the second link and the other end of the first link are swingably coupled together, and a ball joint through which the other end of the second link and the bracket are swingably coupled together. Each of the ball joints includes a ball stud including a ball-shaped head, a socket swingably holding the ball-shaped head of the ball stud, and a conductive member interposed between the ball-shaped head and the socket. The sensing device senses when at least one of the plurality of ball joints is loose, based on whether or not the ball stud and the socket are electrically continuous with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Nishida, Hideaki Nakanishi, Takashi Nakao, Manabu Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20110185556
    Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a controller, a workbench, and a workpiece component supplier. The robot includes a body, a first arm, a second arm, a first hand, and a second hand. The robot is configured to transfer at least one of a plurality of types of workpiece components from the workpiece component supplier to the workbench by simultaneously holding each of the plurality of types of workpiece components with the first hand of the first arm and the second hand of the second arm. The robot is configured to transfer remaining types of workpiece components among the plurality of types of workpiece components from the workpiece component supplier to the workbench by holding each of the remaining types of workpiece components with only one of the first hand of the first arm and the second hand of the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yusuke HIRANO, Tomoki Kawano
  • Publication number: 20110064554
    Abstract: A robot manipulator includes a plurality of joint shafts including at least first and second joint shafts. If the robot manipulator extends vertically with respect to a rotation center of the first joint shaft that rotates in a horizontal plane, a rotation center of the second joint shaft that rotates in another horizontal plane is offset from the rotation center of the first joint shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Masato ITO, Manabu OKAHISA
  • Patent number: 7904198
    Abstract: Tooling is described for securing to the movable end of a computer-controlled robotic arm, by which articles can be picked up, optionally rotated and lowered into a new position. The tooling comprises two blades each having a leading edge and trailing edge, movable between a first position in which their leading edges are separated by a large gap and a second position in which the leading edges overlap, or are in contact or are separated by a smaller gap. A movement restraining mechanism is included which comprises at least one resiliency deformable member located above the plane containing the two blades and spaced therefrom by a distance which is less than the thickness of each article to be picked up by the tooling. In use, as the tooling is lowered onto an article. the underside of the deformable member engages the upper surface of the article and becomes deformed in order to accommodate the thickness of the article before the blades make contact with a surface on which the article rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: AEW Delford Systems Limited
    Inventor: Richard John Hawes
  • Patent number: 7891934
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robot which is compact in structure and may be movable in a large working range, wherein move members 1, 1 may be moved by drive devices 4, 4 respectively along a straight line and in parallel with each other, the drive devices 4, 4 including motors 40, 40 respectively which are individually controlled by a control device 9, so that the move members 1, 1 may be moved at a different speed and may be stopped at different relative positions. The move members 1, 1 are connected to a work holder 3 by means of arms 2, 2, the arms having one end pivotally connected to the move members 1, 1 at the pivots 10, 10 thereof respectively, the arms 2, 2 having the opposite end pivotally connected to the work holder 3 at the pivots 30, 30 thereof respectively. The work holder 3 may hold an optional jig and may be moved in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane enabling the jig to work in the working plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Wakaizumi
  • Patent number: 7753642
    Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cable robot system is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: an end-effector platform adapted to be positioned and maneuvered within a three-dimensional (3D) workspace, three vertical support members adapted to be positioned outside the 3D workspace, and three adjustable cables adapted to be routed from each vertical support member and releasably secured to the end-effector platform to apply upward and downward tension to the end-effector platform. The adjustable cables are adapted to be adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the end-effector platform such that an adjustable portion of each adjustable cable spans from the corresponding vertical support member to the end-effector platform. At least two of the adjustable portions associated with each vertical support member are generally in parallel relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Robert L. Williams, II
  • Publication number: 20100158654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulator, preferably for the assembly of rotor blades of a wind power installation, having a receiving unit for the receiving of a rotor blade and having a connection unit via which the manipulator is connected or connectable to the boom of a crane in a torque-rigid manner so that the position and/or alignment of a rotor blade received in the receiving unit relative to the boom can be fixed by the manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Publication number: 20100107795
    Abstract: A frame walker robot based on two sections connected by a parallel mechanism is described. The walker can step in any direction and can pose its free section in any orientation. Prismatic, rather than revolute, joints are used, leading to a scalable design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Viola
  • Patent number: 7685902
    Abstract: An industrial robot including a parallel kinematic manipulator of an object in space. The manipulator includes a stationary platform, a movable platform for carrying the object, and at least three arms connecting the platforms. Each arm includes a first arm part connected to the stationary platform for manipulating the movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Sönke Kock, Roland Oesterlein, Torgny Brogårdh
  • Patent number: 7673384
    Abstract: A six degree of freedom servo driven robot having a seventh axis servo motor for rotating servo driven nut runners affixed to swing arms about a radius. The robot offering flexibility within high production manufacturing and automotive assembly processes by realizing translational movement of servo driven nut runners about seven degrees of translation for fastening component parts of a work product within a work envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Terry O'Connell, Jack Fisher, Arthur E. Smith, Jr., Satoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7637710
    Abstract: An industrial robot for moving an object in space comprising a stationary platform, a movable platform arranged for supporting the object, and a first, a second and a third arm to which the platforms are joined. The first arm comprises a first actuator, a first supporting arm influenced by the first actuator and being rotatable around a first axis, and a first linkage. The second arm comprises a second actuator, a second supporting arm influenced by the second actuator and being rotatable around a second axis, and a second linkage. The third arm comprises a third actuator, a third supporting arm influenced by the third actuator and being rotatable around a third axis, and a third linkage. The first and third axes are arranged in parallel and the second supporting arm is freely journalled around a transverse axis that is substantially arranged at right angles to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Hans Skutberg, Åsa Vallin, Torgny Brogårdh, Mathilda Andreasson, Ivan Lundberg
  • Patent number: 7603927
    Abstract: An automatic manipulator, such as a multiaxial industrial robot, with a carrying component structure (support structure) for transmitting forces between individual members of the automatic manipulator. The entire support structure is formed from a material that is resistant with respect to external effects, such as moisture or the like. The material of the support structure may be, in particular, a material that is suitable for use in contact with foods, such as stainless steel, so that the automatic manipulator according to the present invention can be used reliably and without additional costly protective measures in environments in which there is a risk for contamination, such as in the food industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Markert, Günther Merk