Patents by Inventor Don Kirby

Don Kirby 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: 11945064
    Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Advanced Machine Works, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Don Kirby
  • Publication number: 20230191545
    Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventor: Larry Don Kirby
  • Publication number: 20230150043
    Abstract: A machining system for controlling and moving work tools during machining and assembly operations. The system has multiple drive-guide systems that allow work tools to be moved along all three perpendicular Cartesian axes. The drive-guide systems have rollers that are designed to fit and move along rails, thus altering the position of the work tools. A plurality of magnets apply axial pre-load to the rollers, keeping them adequately positioned on the rails. Likewise, a preloaded roller may be used to modify the radial force applied to the drive rollers. Both this radial and axial preload can be adjusted to reduce calibration and tolerance errors throughout machining and assembly processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventor: Larry Don Kirby
  • Patent number: 11583965
    Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCED MACHINE WORKS, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Don Kirby
  • Publication number: 20190314940
    Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventor: Larry Don Kirby
  • Patent number: 6283491
    Abstract: A generally inverted “T” shaped, resiliently self locking, integral sportboard fastener is adapted to be received in a countersunk aperture formed in a sportboard such as a snowboard, ski, boogie board, skateboard or any other board which supports a person and has one or more structures attached thereto. The fastener comprises a noncircular base portion to be received within a countersink defined in the sportboard. The base and the countersink comprise two parallel sides and two opposite concentric arcs forming two opposite ends. A generally cylindrical integral ferrule portion extends upwardly from the base, through a bore defined in the sportboard, concentric with the countersink. The ferrule defines internal threads to receive a screw to secure a binding or other fixture to the sportboard. An internal annulus portion is defined at the juncture of the base and ferrule. A generally circular, preferably nylon, resilient insert ring is disposed within the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: MacLean-Esna, L.P.
    Inventors: Duane Bush, Cliff Hufstedler, Don Kirby