Patents Examined by Dean J. Kramer
  • Automated bot with transfer arm
    Patent number: 11078017
    Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle is provided. The autonomous transport vehicle includes a payload bed and a transfer arm configured to extend along a first axis to transfer a pickface to and from the payload bed, the transfer arm including fingers that are independently movable along a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis for picking and placing the pickface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan
  • Suction device
    Patent number: 11078032
    Abstract: A suction device includes an adapter having in the interior thereof a supply passage to which a negative pressure fluid is supplied, a bellows connected to a distal end of the adapter, and a pad member disposed at a distal end of the bellows and to which a workpiece is attracted under suction. In addition, the suction device attracts the workpiece under suction by a negative pressure fluid which is supplied to the pad member through the supply passage and the bellows. An attachment which is capable of being tilted with respect to the axis of the bellows is provided in the interior of the bellows. In the attachment, a main body portion thereof is disposed in facing relation to a suction surface of a skirt, and a shaft portion is inserted into the supply passage at a time that the workpiece is attracted under suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Nakayama, Toru Sugiyama, Noriyuki Miyazaki, Masaru Saitoh, Yukiya Goto
  • Suction powered pick-up stick
    Patent number: 11072079
    Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to provide users with a pick-up stick, that can pick up flat objects from the floor that are difficult to grab or reach. In order to accomplish that, the present invention comprises a battery operated, suction powered pick-up stick that is also retractable. According to the present invention, with the push of a button on the handle, the suction may be turned on and turned off. Further, the retractability and the low weight of the present invention enables a user to collapse and carry the pick-up stick in a small purse/pouch. Additionally, the present invention comprises one or more light at the tip of the pick-up stick for easy visibility. The present invention further comprises a tip that bends and flexes so that suction may be initiated from a desired direction and a grab is made efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ORANGETHERAPY LLC
    Inventors: Roberta Barbara Friedman, Norman David Friedman, Lori Sue Mottlowitz
  • End of arm tools for soft robotic systems
    Patent number: 11072080
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to unique structures for robotic end-of-arm-tools (EOATs). In particular, exemplary embodiments provide structures allowing a displacement fluid to be discharged from a distal end of a robotic finger. The discharge may be used to displace a target object, such as an object that is adjacent to another blocking object or the side of a container. After the target object is displaced, the EOAT may be better able to maneuver into a gripping posture and may be able to secure a better grasp on the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Curhan, Craig Demello, Thomas Womersley, William Gunner
  • Suction gripping device
    Patent number: 11066252
    Abstract: A suction gripping device includes a support arm and a head with at least one suction gripping element mounted translatably along the support arm. The head has an inlet and a channelling system to place the inlet and the gripping element in communication. The device further includes a manifold maintained in depression, a seal along a side of the device to maintain the inside of the manifold in depression, and a fluid distributor group interposed between the inlet in the head and the side and borne by the head so as to be slidable along the side. A spacer is provided for distancing and keeping a portion of the seal distanced from the side so as to maintain the channelling system in depression for activation in suction of the gripping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A
    Inventors: Gianluca Fortini, Massimo Pacifici
  • Apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector
    Patent number: 11059187
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for use with an end effector. Included may be at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element in relation to application of a vacuum to the gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected from the vacuum cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: Jeroen Bosboom, Daniel Bateman, Michael Callahan
  • Additive manufacturing build plates and handling
    Patent number: 11059097
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing build plate system includes a plate body defining a build surface and a rear surface opposite the build surface. A peripheral surface extends between the rear surface and the build surface. At least one gripping feature is defined in the peripheral surface, extending inwardly into the plate body between the build surface and the rear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventors: Lukas Shea, Joseph Samo
  • Apparatus, system and method for providing an end effector
    Patent number: 11059183
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for providing an end effector. The end effector may be capable of accommodating semiconductor wafers of varying sizes, and may include: a wafer support; a bearing arm capable of interfacing with at least one robotic element, and at least partially bearing the wafer support at one end thereof; a plurality of support pads on the wafer support for physically interfacing with a one of the semiconductor wafers; and a low friction moving clamp driven bi-directionally along a plane at least partially provided by the bearing arm, wherein the low friction moving clamp retractably applies force to a proximal edge of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: Jeroen Bosboom, Babak Naderi, Richard Munro, Tatiana Pankova Major
  • Grapple
    Patent number: 11059708
    Abstract: A grapple for mounting to a boom of a boom crane includes a body member for mounting to the end of a boom of a boom crane including a first wing member and a second wing member and opposing first and second jaw members. Each jaw is hingably coupled to the body member, and hinges with respect to the body member by the action of a hydraulic cylinder. A first end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the jaw member and a second end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a portion of one of the wing members. The first and second wing members extend to position the second end of each hydraulic cylinder rearward of an end of the boom of the boom crane or a coupling between the body member and the boom of the boom crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: S E C Engineering and Design Limited
    Inventors: Grant Dyson Colbran, Murray Graeme Wright, Huu Nam Le
  • End of arm tools for soft robotic systems
    Patent number: 11045959
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to unique structures for robotic end-of-arm-tools (EOATs). According to some embodiments, two or more fingers or actuators may be present on an EOAT, and the actuators may be configured to move (together or separately) to adjust the spacing between the actuators. Some aspects involve techniques for extending and/or retracting a vacuum cup present on the EOAT. Further embodiments, which may be used separately or in conjunction with the previously-described embodiments, apply a secondary inner grip pad to provide a secondary gripping mode for the EOAT. These embodiments may be particularly advantageous when the actuators are soft robotic actuators and the inner grip pad is a relatively more rigid structure than the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Curhan, Craig Demello, Thomas Womersley
  • Micro LED transfer head
    Patent number: 11049759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro LED transfer head transferring micro LEDs from a first substrate to a second substrate. According to the present invention, vacuum pressure of a grip region where the micro LEDs are gripped is uniformized, so that the micro LED transfer head transfers the micro LEDs efficiently. In addition, the vacuum pressure is distributed over a grip surface where the micro LEDs are gripped, thereby improving efficiency of transferring the micro LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: POINT ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bum Mo Ahn, Seung Ho Park, Sung Hyun Byun
  • Drape management assemblies for robotic surgical systems
    Patent number: 11039897
    Abstract: A drape management assembly for a robotic surgical system includes a base portion and a grasping portion. The base portion is configured for connection to the robotic surgical system. The grasping portion extends from the base portion and defines a cavity therebetween. The cavity is configured to locate an excess portion of a drape which sheaths at least a robotic arm of the robotic surgical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Raymond Pennoyer, Eric Meade
  • Buffet serving apparatus for preventing and substantially reducing spread of airborne viral contaminants, including COVID-19 virus
    Patent number: 11033122
    Abstract: Buffet serving apparatus including box-like structure having slots. The box-like structure receives a container holding a food product. The buffet serving apparatus includes a serving unit having an axle. The axle presents a food holder. The slots receive the axle. The axle moves/slides along the slots. The axle rotates in one direction to pick up food product from the container using the food holder and rotates in opposite direction to dispense the food product from the food holder. The serving unit includes a wheel/handle that connects to the axle. The wheel/handle helps move and rotate the axle to pick up and dispense the food product. The serving unit includes a motor configured to move and rotate the axle to pick up and dispense the food product. The buffet serving apparatus provides required hygiene and prevents contamination of food products and/or food holder, as may occur with the COVID-19 virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Guillermo Enrique Sulbaran
  • Rail-guided lifting device
    Patent number: 11034557
    Abstract: A lifting device is provided, the lifting device providing a cable and a powered winch which winds and unwinds the cable. Each end of the cable provides a slack-adjustable point of attachment to a load. The points of attachment may each be attached to an opposing end of a load, such that each point of attachment provides a counterweight to the other point of attachment. Slack between the points of attachment may be tensed by a bridging connector. The lifting device may lift a load by two lateral points of attachment such that the load may be elevated off a floor with minimal vertical clearance, and may be laterally actuated by casters hanging on a suspended rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher Hartke
  • Joint structure for robot
    Patent number: 11034029
    Abstract: A joint structure for a robot including a four-link mechanism, in which an elastic member expands and its restoring force increases as a finger is bent, and a distance between a second straight line passing through a center of a second rotation shaft and a fixed point at which the other end of the elastic member is fixed to the third link is equal to or longer than a distance between a fourth straight line passing through a center of a first rotation shaft and a fixed point at which one end of the elastic member is fixed to the second link, the second straight line being perpendicular to a first straight line passing through centers of second and fourth rotation shafts, and the fourth straight line being perpendicular to a third straight line passing through centers of first and third rotation shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kondo
  • Shackle clamp assembly
    Patent number: 11035437
    Abstract: A shackle clamp assembly has one end configured as a cap for insertion on the end of a shackle bolt attached to a U-shaped shackle and second end configured as a loop for attachment around the U-shaped shackle. The cap has an aperture that aligns with a through-bore in the end of the shackle bolt. A pin is inserted through the aperture of the cap and the through-bore of the shackle bolt to retain the cap on the end of the shackle bolt. The cap abuts the nut threaded on the end of the shackle bolt to ensure that the nut does not become disconnected from the shackle bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Anthony Ray Boyd
  • Load-force-independent triggering device
    Patent number: 11027947
    Abstract: A load-force-independent triggering device for a load exerting a force on it that is held in a CLOSED position of the triggering device and released in an OPEN position of the triggering device includes: a housing; a triggering lever, which is connected to a triggering gear via a steering lever, the triggering lever being swivel-mounted on a first housing axis, the triggering gear being swivel-mounted on a second housing axis and the steering lever being swivel-mounted on a steering-lever axis on the triggering lever and on a second steering-lever axis on the triggering gear; a spring device acting on the triggering lever; and a locking device, by which the triggering device is fixed in the CLOSED position. The steering lever has an angular design, and, in the CLOSED position of the triggering device, contacts a first contact surface in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: ALFRED-WEGENER-INSTITUT, HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUER POLAR- UND MEERESFORSCHUNG
    Inventor: Johannes Lemburg
  • Utensils, including forks with movable components, and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 11019949
    Abstract: Utensils, including forks, with movable components, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative utensil includes a first tool carried by and movable relative to a first arm portion, a second tool carried by and movable relative to a second arm portion, and a hinge coupling the first and second arm portions. A guide structure is coupled to the first and second arm portions to guide motion of at least one of the first and second tools relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Clifford Kwan-Gett
  • Woven webbing combining edge and body weave design features for improved overall durability in lifting and restraint applications
    Patent number: 11021346
    Abstract: A woven webbing for use in a tiedown or sling for lifting, restraint or other material handling functions. The woven webbing includes a central portion and tubular edges. The central portion has a top surface and an oppositely facing bottom surface. The top surface and bottom surface may be woven in a first pattern for strength and abrasion resistance while remaining flexible. The tubular edges extend from either side of the central portion. The tubular edges may be woven in a second pattern to improve the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges have interior cavities which may include twisted floating yarn extending therethrough to enhance the cut resistance of the tubular edges. The tubular edges may include a high modulus yarn material which changes the orientation of the yarn material away from the axial direction of tension when a load is applied to the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Lift-All Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Babinchak, Steven Pacilio, Andreas Oppermann, Falk Oppermann
  • Method for transferring pre-incubated eggs to a poultry house and transfer machine used therewith
    Patent number: 11021283
    Abstract: A method is provided, wherein the eggs which are pre-incubated in setter trays are transferred to the poultry house in these setter trays. In the poultry house, a layer of insulating covering material is provided on the floor of the poultry house, in one or more strips. The covering material comprises, in particular, litter which is applied in a layer thickness of at least 2 cm. By a set of egg pickup members of a transfer machine, the pre-incubated eggs are removed in the poultry house from the setter trays, after which they are positioned on the covering material by the transfer machine. In this way, the eggs can be placed in the poultry house efficiently, with a minimal risk of damage to the eggs a high hatching rate being ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: VERVAEKE-BELAVI
    Inventor: Steven Vervaeke