Patents by Inventor Ernest M. Otani

Ernest M. Otani 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: 10639655
    Abstract: A robotic electrostatic painting system includes a barrier formed from an electrical insulating material and disposed between adjacent reservoirs for holding a conductive paint used in an electrostatic painting operation. The barrier is shaped and dimensioned with a central plate and upper and lower flanges to block every straight line path between the reservoirs to electrostatically separate the reservoirs and prevent the formation of a ground path or short circuit when there is a voltage difference between the reservoirs. The electrostatic separation of the reservoirs further prevents deterioration of conductive components of the robotic electrostatic painting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas B. Waineo, Ernest M. Otani
  • Publication number: 20150118439
    Abstract: A robotic electrostatic painting system includes a barrier formed from an electrical insulating material and disposed between adjacent reservoirs for holding a conductive paint used in an electrostatic painting operation. The barrier is shaped and dimensioned with a central plate and upper and lower flanges to block every straight line path between the reservoirs to electrostatically separate the reservoirs and prevent the formation of a ground path or short circuit when there is a voltage difference between the reservoirs. The electrostatic separation of the reservoirs further prevents deterioration of conductive components of the robotic electrostatic painting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas B. Waineo, Ernest M. Otani
  • Patent number: 6945483
    Abstract: A waterborne paint bell applicator is movable to and from a docking position and includes a paint receptacle connected to a paint canister. A paint filling station has a plurality of paint injectors each connected to a different color paint supply and being movable to the docking position for engagement with the paint receptacle for filling the paint canister with paint. A servomotor drives a piston in the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Stan H. McClosky, James S. Hager, Ernest M. Otani, Gary J. Rutledge, John C. Reinicke, Robert C. Foti
  • Patent number: 6612449
    Abstract: An intelligent power assisted manual manipulator controllable by operator inputs from an operator for moving an object is provided. The manipulator includes a movable base supporting a lift mechanism for moving the object. The manipulator also includes at least one servomotor for actuating at least one of the movable base and the lift mechanism for moving the object. An operator control mechanism for receiving the operator inputs is supported on the lift mechanism. A plurality of force sensors are disposed between the operator control mechanism and the lift mechanism for sensing said operator inputs and actuating at least one of the at least one servomotor. The movable base includes an overhead rail defining a generally horizontal first axis and a carriage supported on the overhead rail and movable along the first axis. The lift mechanism includes a turret assembly supported on the carriage having a generally vertical second axis, and a generally horizontal third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest M. Otani, Donald S. Bartlett, Hadi A. Akeel, H. Dean McGee, Lupcho Najdovski, James C. Hobson, Stan H. McClosky, Robert V. Bauer, Jr., Robert Frease
  • Publication number: 20030042340
    Abstract: A waterborne paint bell applicator is movable to and from a docking position and includes a paint receptacle connected to a paint canister. A paint filling station has a plurality of paint injectors each connected to a different color paint supply and being movable to the docking position for engagement with the paint receptacle for filling the paint canister with paint. A servomotor drives a piston in the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Stan H. McClosky, James S. Hager, Ernest M. Otani, Gary J. Rutledge, John A. Reinicke, Robert C. Foti