Joint Between Elements Patents (Class 74/490.05)
  • Patent number: 11727931
    Abstract: Set forth is a motorized computing device that selectively navigates to a user according content of a spoken utterance directed at the motorized computing device. The motorized computing device can modify operations of one or more motors of the motorized computing device according to whether the user provided a spoken utterance while the one or more motors are operating. The motorized computing device can render content according to interactions between the user and an automated assistant. For instance, when automated assistant is requested to provide graphical content for the user, the motorized computing device can navigate to the user in order to present the content the user. However, in some implementations, when the user requests audio content, the motorized computing device can bypass navigating to the user when the motorized computing device is within a distance from the user for audibly rendering the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Scott Stanford, Keun-Young Park, Vitalii Tomkiv, Hideaki Matsui, Angad Sidhu
  • Patent number: 11639005
    Abstract: A robotic finger structure includes a proximal phalanx; a middle phalanx rotatably connected to one end of the proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx rotatably connected to one end of the middle phalanx and defining a distal phalanx opening in a front side thereof and at one end adjacent to the middle phalanx; a connecting rod having opposite ends that are rotatably connected to the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx, and an actuating assembly to drive the middle phalanx to rotate with respect to the proximal phalanx. The connecting rod includes a first angled segment having a first recess facing a back side of the middle phalanx. When the distal phalanx is flush with the middle phalanx, the first angled segment passes through the distal phalanx opening, and a first end of the distal phalanx opening extends into the first recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
    Inventors: Kunlei Zhao, Zheng Xie, Weizhi Shi, Minghua Chen, Zhaohui An, Youjun Xiong
  • Patent number: 11559891
    Abstract: A robot system has first and second joint control units that respectively calculate first and second current values to be supplied to first and second motors based on deviations between first and second operation targets for the motors that are input from a higher device and actual operation of output shafts of the motor, and control operation of the output shafts by supplying current to the motors based on the current values, and an error estimation unit estimating an error in operation of a second joint due to bending and/or twisting of a robot arm based on the first current value and the actual operation of the output shaft of the first motor, in which the second joint control unit calculates the second current value to control the rotation angle of the output shaft of the second motor in a manner compensating for an angle error of the second joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobutaka Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 11511446
    Abstract: A joint structure for a robot includes a first link and a second link, rotatably coupled to each other through a joint part. The joint part has a first rotary member so that an axial center thereof is oriented in a first direction and connected to the first link, and a pair of the second rotary members so that axial centers thereof are oriented in a second direction. A first linear-motion actuator is connected at a base-end part thereof to the second link and connected at a tip-end part thereof to the second rotary member. A second linear-motion actuator is connected at a base-end part thereof to the second link and connected at a tip-end part thereof to the second rotary member. The first rotary member is pivoted relatively to the second rotary members by pivoting the second rotary members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Kamon
  • Patent number: 11358288
    Abstract: A robotic end effector and method for use thereof are provided. The robotic end effector can include a rigid base structure (230), a plurality of rigid proximal phalanges (210) connected to the rigid base structure (230), a plurality of rigid distal phalanges (200) connected to the proximal phalanges (210) respectively, and a plurality of bellows (250), wherein one end of a proximal phalange (210) is connected to one end of the base structure (230) by a bellows (250), wherein one end of a distal phalange (200) is connected to a proximal phalange (210) by a bellows (250), and wherein a portion of the base structure (230), each proximal phalange (210), and each distal phalange (200) are covered in silicone rubber. It can achieve a high output force to input pressure ratio, and cost efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Zheng Wang, Jianshu Zhou
  • Patent number: 11318604
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-degree-of-freedom driving arm and a dual-arm robot using the arm, the multi-degree-of-freedom driving arm comprises a single-degree-of-freedom driving module and a plurality of dual-degree-of-freedom driving modules, and the single-degree-of-freedom driving module and the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module located at the innermost side are coupled to each other; the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module has two orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom, and comprises a first driving mechanism that is configured to drive the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module to rotate in the first rotational degree of freedom, and a second driving mechanism that is configured to drive the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module to rotate in the second rotational degree of freedom; the first driving mechanism of the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module located on outer side is disposed on the second driving mechanism of the dual-degree-of-freedom driving module adjacent thereto and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG INSTITUTE OF INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
    Inventors: Xuefeng Zhou, Zhihao Xu, Hongmin Wu, Shuai Li, Guanrong Tang, Kaige Li, Taobo Cheng, Dan Huang
  • Patent number: 11312005
    Abstract: A two-degree-of-freedom parallel robot with a spatial kinematic chain includes a fixed platform, a movable platform, two driving devices, and two branch chains. Each driving device includes an active arm and a driving unit, and the two active arms are in the same reference plane. An end bracket is hinged on the active arm. Each branch chain includes two shaft rods and two chain rods. One of the two shaft rods is arranged on the active arm or the end bracket, and the other one thereof is arranged on the movable platform. The two chain rods and the two shaft rods form a parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Qizhi Meng, Xinjun Liu, Fugui Xie, Jinsong Wang
  • Patent number: 11224979
    Abstract: A parallel link robot includes: a base part; a movable part including an accessory shaft; arms coupling the base and movable parts in parallel; and actuators that drive the respective arms, where each of the arms includes a driving link driven by each of the actuators, and two parallel passive links coupled to the driving link, between the passive links of at least one of the arms, an additional actuator having a rotating shaft disposed in parallel to the passive links is supported by a first link swingably coupled to each of the passive links, the accessory shaft, and the rotating shaft are coupled by a transmission shaft, and the transmission shaft is supported, at an intermediate position in a direction along a longitudinal axis thereof, on a second link rotatably around the longitudinal axis, the second link being swingably coupled to each of the passive links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kentarou Ta
  • Patent number: 11167431
    Abstract: A mounting bracket includes: a first flange mounted on a wrist leading end surface of a robot allowing a linear object to penetrate therethrough along a rotation center axis of a wrist leading end, the first flange having a first through-hole through which the linear object passes; a second flange that is spaced apart from the first flange in a direction of the rotation center axis and on which an end effector is mounted; and a cylindrical coupling part coupling an outer edge of the first flange and an outer edge of the second flange, the coupling part is provided with opening parts through which the linear object penetrated through the first through-hole passes, and at least at positions of the opening parts, the outer edge of the second flange is disposed in a position closer to the rotation center axis than the outer edge of the first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryouta Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11141866
    Abstract: A grasping apparatus brings a hand unit to a standstill after performing a grasping motion for a target object that deforms when being grasped, performs a determination operation of making an arm unit move and displace the whole hand unit so that a part of the target object that is not grasped by the hand unit may cover a specific spot, and determines that the hand unit has successfully grasped the target object when an observation unit can no longer observe the specific spot after starting the determination operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuya Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11135716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot device comprising a chain comprising a plurality of fixedly connected links and a mobile actuator movable thereon configured to change a position of a link relative to a position of an adjacent link; wherein said mobile actuator comprises at least a first motor to drive it along said chain of connected links; and wherein said mobile actuator is engageable with a position-determining element in said link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: B.G. NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES & APPLICATIONS LTD., AT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: David Zarrouk
  • Patent number: 11130226
    Abstract: The arm structure of a robot includes a first motor and a second motor attached to an arm member, a first bearing attached to the arm member, an arm member supported on the arm member by the first bearing, a first gear rotating together with the first bearing, a first motor transmission gear transmitting rotation force of the first motor to the first gear, a second bearing attached to the arm member and having a center axis perpendicular to a center axis of the first bearing, a rotary member supported on the arm member by the second bearing and rotatable relative to the arm member, a second gear attached to the rotary member, and a second motor transmission gear transmitting rotation force of the second motor to the second gear to make the rotary member rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 11072081
    Abstract: Robot sealing structure includes a shaft end face of a shaft of a reducer, an attachment surface of an arm member, bolts for fixing the shaft and the arm member to each other, and a seal member arranged between the shaft end face and the attachment surface, a hollow hole including a center axis line of the shaft is provided in the shaft end face, an input gear housing portion for housing an input gear, and a gear housing portion for housing a gear driven by the input gear are provided in a periphery of the hollow hole, the periphery of the hollow hole is provided with a protruding portion formed between the input gear housing portion and the gear housing portion, and a hole for temporarily attaching or fixing the seal member in the protruding portion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouhei Hanatani
  • Patent number: 11000946
    Abstract: In the link operating device, a distal-end-side link hub is connected to a proximal-end-side link hub so as to be changeable in position relative thereto via at least three link mechanisms. Each link mechanism includes a proximal-side end link member, a distal-side end link member, and a center link member. Position-controlling actuators and speed reduction mechanisms are provided to two or more of the link mechanisms. The proximal-side end link member includes a bent portion and a pair of rotational connection bodies disposed at one end of the bent portion. The speed reduction mechanism is disposed between the pair of rotational connection bodies, and includes an output shaft fixed to one of the rotational connection bodies, and an input shaft rotatably supported by the other one of the rotational connection bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenzou Nose, Hiroshi Isobe, Seigo Sakata
  • Patent number: 10959798
    Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulated instruments extending out of its distal end. A controller is configured to command manipulation an articulated instrument in response to operator manipulation of an associated input device while generating a force command to the input device that nudges the operator to command the instrument to a preferred pose. When a transition is to occur between first and second preferred poses, one is phased in while the other is phased out. Virtual barriers may be imposed to prevent the articulated instrument from being commanded to an undesirable pose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicola Diolaiti, Paul E. Lilagan
  • Patent number: 10940588
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved robotic arm apparatus and associated method which improves a robot configured in a “delta” arrangement. The robotic arm apparatus is arranged with three substantially identical movable arm assemblies connected together with three linear actuators in a triangular configuration such that each end of each linear actuator has at least one translational degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Neil Ludban
  • Patent number: 10933540
    Abstract: To simplify production, a hollow-structure robot link-constituting member is obtained by joining two or more formed members obtained by press-forming steel sheets. Compared to when the robot link-constituting member is formed of castings, the thickness can be easily reduced and high strength can be maintained by forming a hollow structure by joining at least two formed members obtained by press-forming steel sheets. In this manner, significant weight reduction can be achieved compared to iron castings, and occurrence of defects can be reduced compared to aluminum alloy castings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazutaka Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10926402
    Abstract: A robotic arm system is provided. The system includes a one or more roll and/or angle actuators driven by a unidirectional drive. One or more clutches allow the actuators to engage and disengage with a drive shaft or a reverser assembly or angle drive coupled to the drive shaft, thereby permitting changes in rotational direction for the actuators without a change in the rotational direction of the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Alex Shafer, Bruce Schena, Mitchell Barham
  • Patent number: 10766134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a back module (2) for an exoskeleton structure, comprising a spinal column segment (21) designed to extend along a spinal column of a user, the spinal column segment (21) comprising a plurality of vertebral elements (211), stacked on one another, and a flexible connecting element (212) connecting the vertebral elements (211) to one another, the spinal column segment (21) having a stable equilibrium position in which the flexible connecting element (212) holds the vertebral elements (211) supported against one another, and the flexible connecting element (212) being elastic so that, during a movement of the back of the user, the flexible connecting element (212) allows a movement of the vertebral elements (211) with respect to one another, while exerting a return force tending to return the spinal column segment (21) the stable equilibrium position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE, B-TEMIA INC.
    Inventors: Jordane Grenier, Jonathan Baptista, Roland Thieffry, Alexandre Vaure
  • Patent number: 10744656
    Abstract: Provided is a line-shaped-item securing method including an elastic-body disposing step of disposing an elastic body so as to surround the periphery of one or more line-shaped items; a compressing step of compressing the elastic body, disposed around the periphery of the line-shaped items in the elastic-body disposing step, in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the line-shaped items to dimensions smaller than a gap in a robot, through which the line-shaped items are to be passed; a line-shaped-item inserting step of inserting a portion of the line-shaped items, surrounded by the elastic body compressed in the compressing step, into the gap; and an expanding step of releasing the elastic body from compression, with the line-shaped items inserted into the gap in the line-shaped-item inserting step, thereby expanding the elastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutaka Nakayama, Yasuyoshi Tanaka, Satoshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 10737379
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes first and second kinematic chains configured to transmit the movements of corresponding first and second actuators to respective movements of an end effector. The first kinematic chain includes a first rod which is stiff. The second kinematic chain includes elements between the second actuator and the first rod such that the actuation of the second actuator causes bending forces on the first rod. The first and second kinematic chains thereby have the first rod as a common element, which improves compactness and accessibility of the robot. This improvement assumes that the robot is provided with one or more stiff rods that can bear the bending forces resulting from the actuation of the corresponding actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Torgny Brogardh
  • Patent number: 10676170
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Loon LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Brookes, John Cromie, Raymond Louis Gradwohl
  • Patent number: 10578197
    Abstract: A robot includes a support, a movable member coupled to the support to permit gimbal rotation about a pitch axis and a yaw axis, and first and second linear actuators connected to each of the support and the movable member and operable to rotate the movable member about the pitch axis and the yaw axis. The first linear actuator is pivotally attached to the movable member at a first pivot point. The second linear actuator is pivotally attached to the movable member at a second pivot point. The first and second pivot points are each angularly offset from the pitch axis and the yaw axis by about 45 degrees and are located on the same side of the pitch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Claffee, Timothy R. Ohm, Erik Amaral, Annan M. Mozeika
  • Patent number: 10493630
    Abstract: An industrial robot apparatus comprises an apparatus main body, a handling device, a moving device. The moving device comprises a first groove, a first motor in one inner wall of the first groove, a first lead screw on one end of the first motor. The first motor is turned on to drive the first lead screw to rotate to move the slide block on the first lead screw and a clamp block to the same side. The upper end of the slide block is fixedly connected with a first working block. A second motor in the upper end of the first working block is turned on to drive a revolving shaft to rotate, so a second working block rotates to drive the clamp block to rotate to the designated position so as to intelligently and automatically carry out handling works to multi-directional designated positions in industrial production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Xiong Wang
  • Patent number: 10327849
    Abstract: A robotic surgical systems and methods of operating the same are provided. The system comprises a surgical tool, a manipulator having a plurality of joints and supporting the surgical tool, and a controller. A virtual simulation represents the surgical tool as a virtual rigid body having a virtual mass including an inertia about at least one of the joints. The controller determines an expected joint torque for the joint. The expected joint torque is compared to an actual joint torque of the joint to determine a joint torque difference. The inertia of the virtual mass about the joint is determined. An angular acceleration about the joint is computed using the joint torque difference and the inertia. The angular acceleration is projected to the virtual mass to determine an external force. The controller simulates dynamics of the surgical tool in the virtual simulation in response to the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventor: Nicholas Jon Post
  • Patent number: 10315316
    Abstract: A space-saving floating joint including a locking mechanism that locks a swing of a movable base with respect to a fixed base is provided. A floating joint includes: a fixed base; a movable base; a floating mechanism that floatingly supports the movable base swingably with respect to the fixed base; and a locking mechanism that fixes the movable base in a state of not being swingable with respect to the fixed base. The floating mechanism includes a spherical bearing having a spherical surface, and a spherical washer part that supports the spherical surface slidably. The locking mechanism is provided in an inner part of the spherical bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Motoki Uchikawa
  • Patent number: 10259125
    Abstract: A mobile robot comprises a trunk and several limbs removably linked to the trunk. Each of the limbs are configured for prepositioning the limb on the trunk, and a single flange is linked to the trunk and configured to removably fix all the limbs to the trunk. Each of the limbs comprises a motorized articulation, via which the limb is positioned and fixed onto the trunk, and can be driven in movement relative to the trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Ludovic Houchu, Fabien Mugnier, Vincent Clerc
  • Patent number: 10259115
    Abstract: A work device includes a base unit, a movable unit configured to have an end effector mounted thereto, linking mechanisms linking the base unit to the movable unit, actuators fixed to the base unit for driving the plurality of linking mechanisms, respectively, and a controller that moves the end effector by operating the actuators. A certain linking mechanism out of the plurality of linking mechanisms includes a joint. The controller includes a joint angle determination unit that determines whether or not a bending angle of the linking mechanism at the joint is within an operable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken Takano, Satoru Kimura
  • Patent number: 10166674
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that adapt programming and/or control of a robot. The robot has at least one attachment area that can removably couple with any one of a plurality of end effectors. The programming and/or control is adapted based on received parameters of an end effector attached (or to be attached) to the attachment area of the robot. Some implementations are directed to adapting graphical user interface output of a robot programming application based on one or more parameters of an end effector for a robot being programmed via the robot programming application. Some implementations are directed to adapting control of a robot based on one or more parameters of an end effector attached (or to be attached) to the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Sean Jules, Johan Ulrich Lewin Jessen, Benjamin M. Davis
  • Patent number: 9795445
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a manipulator are provided. A manipulator controller measures an actual torque and calculates an expected torque for at least one joint motor of the manipulator. The manipulator controller computes a backdrive force for the at least one joint motor based on the actual torque and expected torque. A surgical tool of the manipulator is modeled as a virtual rigid body. The manipulator controller computes a total force or torque to apply to the virtual rigid body based on the backdrive force. The manipulator controller determines a target position of the surgical instrument based on the total force or torque and commands positioning of the joint motors to advance the surgical instrument to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Gene Bowling
  • Patent number: 9579218
    Abstract: Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: James Lipsey, Jon Sensinger
  • Patent number: 9533420
    Abstract: A distal end side link hub is connected to a proximal end side link hub via three or more link mechanisms such that alteration in posture of the distal end side link hub is allowed. Each of the link mechanisms includes a proximal side end link member, a distal side end link member, and an intermediate link member. A line member is disposed between the link hubs, two ends of the line member being held at line member holding points which are on link hub central axes, respectively. In a state where the link hubs are parallel to each other, when the distance from a midpoint to each spherical link center is defined as (D) and the distance from each spherical link center to its corresponding line member holding point is defined as (H), the relationship H=0.5×D is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Hiroshi Isobe, Yukihiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 9505126
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a parallel kinematics mechanism that provides three degrees of freedom to a ring structure while maintaining the ring structure substantially in a fixed orientation relative to a reference plane established by a stationary base plate. A pivot sleeve is suspended within the stationary base plate and may pivot on two perpendicular axes of an intermediate gimbal. An elongate boom is mounted within the pivot sleeve and extends from an upper end through the pivot sleeve to a lower end. An end effector is mounted at the lower end of the elongate boom and is arranged for carrying a work element. Gimbal rings are located at the upper and lower ends of the elongate boom and are interconnected by a control linkage to maintain the end effector substantially parallel to the ring structure during movement of the end effector through a three-dimensional work envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Michele D'Egidio
  • Patent number: 9475191
    Abstract: Disclosed are robotic systems, methods, bipedal robot devices, and computer-readable mediums. For example, a robotic system may include a robotic body, a robotic hip connected to the robotic body, and a ball screw connected to the robotic hip. Further, the robotic system may include a robotic leg connected to the robotic hip parallel to the ball screw. Yet further, the robotic hip includes a motor that is linearly movable to one or more positions along the ball screw between one end of the robotic leg and an opposite end of the robotic leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Urata, Yoshito Ito
  • Patent number: 9296114
    Abstract: The articulated multiple-axis robot structure has a frame, an arm and a forearm, a shaft for attaching a tool, an actuator commanding the pivoting of a slide-socket, an actuator commanding the pivoting, a rotatable nut-socket, and a coupling device for securing the sockets in rotation. The coupling device having a coupling washer between the sockets and connected in rotation with one of the slide-socket and the nut-socket. The coupling washer is movable between a coupling configuration, in which the translation of the shaft relative to the forearm is locked, and an operating configuration, in which the translation and rotation of the shaft relative to the forearm are freed by a first electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Vincent Gerat, Joel Conrad, Eric Sallet
  • Patent number: 9243696
    Abstract: A distal side link hub is connected with a proximal end side link hub through three sets of link mechanisms for alteration in posture. At least two sets of the link mechanisms include an actuator for arbitrarily changing the posture of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end side link hub by rotating a proximal side end link member and a reduction gear unit for reducing the speed of and transmitting the operation amount of the actuator to the proximal side end link member. The reduction gear unit includes a geared speed reducing section having a small gear rotated by the actuator and a large gear provided in the proximal side end link member. The radius of pitch circle of the large gear is chosen to be equal to or greater than the arm length of the proximal side end link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Hiroyuki Yamada, Yukihiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 9211157
    Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument via a probe driver, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient. The probe driver allows for precise positioning, stabilization and manipulation of a probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: MONTERIS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Tyc, Salman Qureshi, Mark Andrew Grant, Luis Filipe Silva Fernandes, Daniel Prazeres Carreira, John Schellhorn
  • Patent number: 9214314
    Abstract: An ion beam manipulator including a suppression electrode, a ground electrode connected to the suppression electrode in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship therewith by three electrically insulating connectors, the connectors being spaced 120 degrees apart from one another around a circumference of the suppression electrode and the ground electrode, a plurality of linkages extending from the electrically insulating connectors, at least one of the linkages including a pair of parallel support arms connected at a first end to a corresponding one of the electrically insulating connecters by a first pair of universal joints and connected at a second end to a bracket by a second pair of universal joints, and a drive shaft extending from the bracket, the drive shaft coupled to an actuator configured to extend and retract the drive shaft along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan B. Tye, Jeffrey D. Susser, Sergio Alonso Gonzalez-Palavicini
  • Patent number: 9206024
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods control the velocity of the extension arm of a reach carriage. In particular, the extension arm is allowed to operate at full velocity when it is not approaching its extension or retraction limits. At the limits, the extension arm is gradually slowed to a stop. A sensing apparatus includes a sensor and a marker that moves with the movement of the extension arm. The marker moves into and out of the sensor's range, causing the sensor to generate a position signal. If the extension arm is nearing its limit, the marker is outside the sensor range. A control unit detects changes in the position signal and slows the extension arm accordingly. The control unit may apply a deceleration profile to cushion the extension arm at its limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Yahner, Lans Erik Centerwall
  • Patent number: 9194725
    Abstract: A sensor mounting for a distance sensor includes a fixing part for attaching to a vehicle, and a receiving part attached to the fixing part in an adjustable manner in order to receive the distance sensor. The receiving part is adjustable into at least two different angular positions on the fixing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kaufmann, Rainer Risse, Udo Ronnenberg, Axel Stender, Arne Stephan
  • Patent number: 9133864
    Abstract: A small, flexible fluidic actuator is presented which may be of millimeter scale in size and made of suitable flexible materials such as silicone. A manufacturing method and two analytical models for the device along with experimental test results are also disclosed. The flexible fluidic actuator devices disclosed include multidirectional fluidic actuator joints providing independently controllable multi-directional actuation movement. The dynamic behavior of the joints for various pressure loads was also characterized and described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Carlo Menon, John Berring
  • Patent number: 9044865
    Abstract: A two joint module includes a module housing, a first joint and a second joint. The module housing has a structural support portion. The first joint has a first motor and a first motor axis and a first joint axis. The second joint has a second motor and a second motor axis and a second joint axis. The second joint axis is not parallel to the first joint axis. The first joint is attached to the structural support portion and the second joint is attached to the structural support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: ENGINEERING SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Goldenberg, Brent Bailey, Matthew Gryniewski, Xiaojia He, Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 9032831
    Abstract: A modified delta linkage robot uses a reverse orientation arm linkage that includes an inwardly direct lower arm. This reverse arm orientation provides a number of advantages with respect to access over an extending surface such as may occur in a home, office or other environments shared with people. The delta linkage may also have application in certain factory environments, particularly when combined with an omni wheeled base. The linkage and the preferred linkage and omni wheeled base provide a stable movable platform. In addition this combination can advantageously include a number of sensors to take active steps to discourage and/or reduce the effect of sudden forces applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CrossWing Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20150128750
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism includes a first joint, a second joint, a first linkage and a second linkage. The two ends of the first linkage are respectively connected to the first joint and the second joint and the two ends of the second linkage are respectively connected to the first joint and the second joint, wherein when the linkage mechanism is subjected to an external force, the vibration phase of the first linkage is different from the vibration phase of the second linkage by ?. In addition, a robot working platform and a design method for robot working platform are disclosed as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Po-Yi Li, Tsung-Liang Wu, Cheng-Chen Yang, Jwu-Sheng Hu
  • Publication number: 20150122073
    Abstract: A spinal column for a humanoid robot comprises a lower base to be fixed to a pelvis of the robot and an upper base to be fixed to a neck of the robot, the spinal column allowing two rotations of the upper base with respect to the lower base, a first being about a sagittal axis and a second being about a transverse axis. The column comprises a flexible rod and linear actuators, the rod being inset at a first of its ends at a point in a first of the bases and at least guided at a point in a second of the bases, the actuators both being anchored between the two bases at anchor points. For each of the bases, the anchor points of the two actuators and the point of insetting or guidance of the rod are distant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Bruno Maisonnier
  • Publication number: 20150122071
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator including a wire driving actuator to bend base and terminal sections of a joint assembly in multiple directions by a base section wire and a terminal section wire. The terminal section driving wire is operatively connected to the base section driving wire such that the terminal section driving wire is moved by a distance equal to a movement distance of the base section driving wire. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent bending of the terminal section upon bending the base section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Youn Baek LEE, Yong Jae KIM, Jeong Hun KIM, Kyung Shik ROH, Se Gon ROH, Jong Won LEE, Byung June CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150122559
    Abstract: Provided is a lower limb structure for a legged robot with which a load on an actuator for driving a knee joint can be reduced. The lower limb structure for the legged robot comprises: a hip joint main body; a thigh portion; a hip joint coupling for connecting the thigh portion to the hip joint main body; and a knee joint main body joined to the thigh portion. The lower limb structure for the legged robot provides a thigh portion auxiliary link having one end portion joined to the hip joint main body or the hip joint coupling to be rotatable about a pitch axis and the other end portion joined to the knee joint main body to be rotatable about the pitch axis. A knee joint actuator increases and decreases a length from the one end portion to the other end portion of the thigh portion auxiliary link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaki Nagatsuka
  • Publication number: 20150122072
    Abstract: A twin rotation driving apparatus is provided, including a base body, an axle unit pivotally connected to the base body for carrying a workpiece, a first driving unit disposed on the base body and having a first gear set connected to the axle unit and a first motor coaxially connected to the first gear set, and a second driving unit disposed on the base body and having a second gear set connected to the axle unit and a second motor coaxially connected to the second gear set. The twin rotation driving apparatus includes two motors and two gear sets. Therefore, smaller motors can be included in the twin rotation driving apparatus, and the twin rotation driving apparatus is compact and can still generate great enough torques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Fa WU, Chin-Mou HSU, Hsi-Hung HSIAO, Chiu-Hung LI
  • Patent number: 9021916
    Abstract: A robotic arm includes a driving unit, a first arm assembly connected to the driving unit, and a second arm assembly. The first arm includes two balls. The second arm assembly includes two arms and two intermediate members. Each intermediate member is secured to an end of one of the two arms. Each intermediate member defines a receiving recess. Each receiving recess has a spherical inner circumferential surface. Each ball is partially received in one of the two receiving recesses and abuts against the spherical inner circumferential surface. The two arms and the two intermediate members are capable of rotating about the balls. The driving unit drives the balls to move. The balls force the arms to move in a direction as a moving orientation of the balls, at the same time the arms rotating about the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Jie Gao, Jian-Ping Jin, Bing Yu
  • Patent number: 9021915
    Abstract: A gear transmission mechanism includes a housing, a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, and a gear clearance adjustment assembly. The first transmission assembly includes an input shaft, and the second transmission assembly includes an output shaft. The gear clearance adjustment assembly includes an adjustment base mounted on the housing, fasteners, bearings, a washer, a fixing member, and a pair of freely rotatable adjusting gears for the transmission of rotative force. The adjusting gears mesh with the first and second transmission gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo Long