Patents by Inventor Dean Ehnes

Dean Ehnes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8317241
    Abstract: A harsh environment robot end effector includes an end effector frame connectable to a material handling robot, one or more pickup arms rotatingly coupled to the frame, and pickup arm airbag actuator air bags for opening and closing the pickup arms. One or more positioning palms may be provided, which are rotatingly coupled to the end effector frame and provided with actuator air bags for opening and closing. One or more adjustable pushdowns having airbags attached to their heads are provided to grip a load between the pushdown and pickup arm. A mechanical synchronizer may be provided to couple the pickup arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Dean Ehnes, Theodore Vanderheyden, Travis White, Jason Brewer, Bill Polly
  • Publication number: 20100206119
    Abstract: An embodiment is a robotic arm end effector. The end effector generally comprises an actuator assembly, a positioning palm assembly, a claw assembly, a tamp assembly, and an end plate. The end effector of an embodiment may grasp and move bulk items. More specifically, the end effector of an embodiment may grasp bulk items and/or products contained in bags or sacks, move them, and deposit and/or stack the bags or sacks. For example, the end effector of an embodiment may grasp products such as grass or other agricultural seed contained in a synthetic (e.g., poly-weave) or natural fiber bags and stack them on a pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Columbia/Okura LLC
    Inventors: Dean Ehnes, Theodore Vanderheyden, Richard Sampson, Adrian Berg
  • Publication number: 20100201143
    Abstract: A harsh environment robot end effector includes an end effector frame connectable to a material handling robot, one or more pickup arms rotatingly coupled to the frame, and pickup arm airbag actuator air bags for opening and closing the pickup arms. One or more positioning palms may be provided, which are rotatingly coupled to the end effector frame and provided with actuator air bags for opening and closing. One or more adjustable pushdowns having airbags attached to their heads are provided to grip a load between the pushdown and pickup arm. A mechanical synchronizer may be provided to couple the pickup arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: COLUMBIA-OKURA LLC
    Inventors: DEAN EHNES, THEODORE VANDERHEYDEN, TRAVIS WHITE, JASON BREWER, BILL POLLY