Patents Assigned to Amada America, Inc.
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Patent number: 10676277Abstract: A modular system for material storage and conveying having a layered storage section with two or more storage layers having conveyors, the layered storage section being associated with a load section and a delivery section having their own conveyors at each end of the layered storage section, and elevators that can selectively position the load and delivery section at operational heights of the conveyors of the layered storage section.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Mihai Cioclei, Michael Beransky, Karapet Kirishchyan, David Alvin Alfrey
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Patent number: 10618751Abstract: A modular loading and unloading system wherein modular units can be simply added to a base unit, or main unit, in a desired configuration that fulfill capacity and footprint needs of a manufacturer at any moment, for example when the manufacturer's business expands, thus considerably reducing the time and cost of modifying existing manufacturing systems, such as a laser-based parts cutting system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Alexey Volovik, Jonas Gutierrez, Fred Cortez, Karapet Kirishchyan
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Patent number: 10596659Abstract: A conveyor system for rapidly moving and simultaneously processing material sheets through several processing stations, the conveyor system including a chain that moves in an endless loop, and noncontiguous operational and standby skid sections for supporting material sheets and moving with the chain in the endless loop; wherein the conveyor indexes through the processing stations, such that, after each indexing, the conveyor has one skid section that is in operational position associated with each of the processing stations, thus allowing each of the processing stations to operate simultaneously on the associated skid section, during each time period when the conveyor is stopped, after each indexing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Joseph Elkin, Jose Garcia
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Patent number: 10589378Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Joseph Elkin, Jose Garcia
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Publication number: 20200047284Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: February 13, 2020Applicant: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Joseph Elkin, Jose Garcia
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Patent number: 10494177Abstract: A modular system for material storage and conveying having a layered storage section with two or more storage layers having conveyors, the layered storage section being associated with a load section and a delivery section having their own conveyors at each end of the layered storage section, and elevators that can selectively position the load and delivery section at operational heights of the conveyors of the layered storage section.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Mihai Cioclei, Michael Beransky, Karapet Kirishchyan, David Alvin Alfrey
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Publication number: 20180111229Abstract: A basic loading and unloading system comprising a laser, shuttle, and controller, a module being added to the system in a manner whereby neither the laser, shuttle or controller needs to be physically modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Alexey Volovik, Jonas Gutierrez, Fred Cortez, Karapet Kirishchyan
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Publication number: 20170326608Abstract: A press brake system that utilizes a punch holder adapted to be used with punch chips of various radii to achieve the desired bend on a part. The system maintains a common shut height enabling the press brake operator to be able to put different radius tip punches next to each other in a single press brake tooling setup.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Scott Bowerman, Brian Rojas, Hidekatsu Kawasaki, Mamoru Sugimoto
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Publication number: 20170259376Abstract: A laser cutting system wherein a conveyor system indexes sheet material through various processing stations, the processing stations operating simultaneously during the time period when the conveyor is stopped and wherein the conveyor system is in the form of an endless belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Mihai Cioclei, Joseph Elkin, Jose Garcia
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Patent number: 7730816Abstract: A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7031893Abstract: A setup planning technique is provided in which a family of parts to be manufactured is identified, and the setup constraints imposed by the various bending operations in the part family are determined. The setup constraints may define or describe spatial constraints on the sizes and locations of various tooling stages in the setup. After identifying setup constraints, setup plans are generated that satisfy all setup constraints. Any setup plan that satisfies all setup constraints may then be utilized to accommodate every part in the part family. Constraint propagation techniques may be utilized to identify compatible setup constraints and create setup plans. According to the various features and aspects of the invention, dissimilar sheet metal parts can share setups, and the need for extra tooling and fixturing may be minimized. Further, the present invention provides potential savings over state-of-the-art systems, and increases production capability and overall through-put of manufacturing facilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignees: Amada Company, Ltd., Amada America, Inc.Inventors: Satyandra Kumar Gupta, David Alan Bourne
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Patent number: 7027879Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching apertures into a workpiece. A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Amada America, Inc.Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20050126358Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching apertures into a workpiece. A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2005Publication date: June 16, 2005Applicant: Amada America, Inc.Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20040202531Abstract: An automated system for handling material and parts cut therefrom. The system includes means for unloading a material pallet positioned on a shelf within a first storage device and loading the material on a movable cart, transporting the material to an unloading station wherein the material is positioned onto a first shuttle table, the shuttle moving to a laser cutting station, unloading the cut material from the cutting station after parts are cut in the material, and transporting the cut parts on a pallet to a selected shelf in a second storage device using movable carts. The skeleton material remaining after the cutting operation is collected for eventual disposal. A second shuttle table is used to prepare additional material for cutting after the material brought by the first shuttle table is moved to the laser cutting station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: AMADA AMERICA INC.Inventors: Michael Beransky, Roberto J. Tsai, Joseph R. Greeninger
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Publication number: 20040019402Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicants: AMADA AMERICA, INC., AMADA COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: David Alan Bourne, Duane Thomas Williams, Kyoung Hung Kim, Sivaraj Sivarama Krishnan, Kensuke Hazama
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Patent number: 6507767Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignees: Amada America, Inc., Amada Company, Ltd.Inventors: David Alan Bourne, Duane Thomas Williams, Kyoung Hung Kim, Sivaraj Sivarama Krishnan, Kensuke Hazama
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Patent number: 6493607Abstract: A computerized method/system is provided for planning motion of a robot within a free space confined by obstacles, from an initial position to a goal position. In executing the method/system, a plan is generated so that the robot can hold and maneuver a workpiece throughout a sequence of bending operations to be performed by a bending apparatus. A plurality of proposed movements to be made by the robot are proposed for an mth movement within a sequence of movements, and at least a portion of the robot and the obstacles that confine the free space are modeled. A determination is made as to whether a collision will occur between the robot and an obstacle for each proposed movement, and a plan is generated including the sequence of movements by choosing for each movement in the sequence of movements, a proposed movement that will not result in a collision and that will bring the robot closer to the goal position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignees: Amada America, Inc., Amada Company, Ltd.Inventors: David Alan Bourne, Sivaraj Sivarama Krishnan
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Publication number: 20020139229Abstract: Method and apparatus for punching apertures into a workpiece. A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: AMADA AMERICA. INCInventor: Koji Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20020016647Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: AMADA AMERICA, Inc.Inventors: David Alan Bourne, Duane Thomas Williams, Kyoung Hung Kim, Sivaraj Sivarama Krishnan, Kensuke Hazama
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Patent number: 6341243Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backgage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail the bending apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignees: Amada America, Inc., Amada Company, Ltd.Inventors: David Allan Bourne, Duane Thomas Williams, Kyoung Hung Kim, Sivaraj Sivarama Krishnan, Kensuke Hazama