Patents by Inventor Frank Blase

Frank Blase 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).

  • Publication number: 20230404298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding apparatus (1) for a workstation (2), which apparatus consists of a wall (3) at least partially surrounding the workstation (2), is only minimally technically complex, is not visually disruptive, and can be brought into a suitable position independently by the individual worker concerned using minimal effort. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the wall (3) is positioned above the workstation (2) in question and the wall (3) can be lowered in order to shield the workstation (2) if required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Blase
  • Publication number: 20220048150
    Abstract: A telescopic cover comprising several telescopic members for a machine tool. The telescopic members can move back and forth with respect to each other and are arranged so that they can be guided with respect to the direction of movement in an overplapping manner, can extend in two directions of movement and in guide rails that are arranged in parallel and at a distance from each other. In order to provide a telescopic cover that is constructive and easy to produce and light to move, the telescopic members respectively comprise a section with which they bridge over guide rails arranged at a distance therefrom forming a continuous arc-shaped cross-section in a first cross-section perpendicular to the direction of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Frank BLASE, Bilal YILMAZ, Andreas HERMEY
  • Patent number: 11217973
    Abstract: A guide device for a cable, in particular for an energy chain, consisting, at least in one region, of laterally opposing wall elements integrally formed from plastic, wherein at least two directly adjacent wall elements have securing means integrally formed on their facing front-side end regions, which securing means cooperate with one another in such a way that a movement of the two directly adjacent wall elements relative to one another in their longitudinal direction can occur over a predetermined limited path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: IGUS GMBH
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Frank Blase, Jan Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20210033219
    Abstract: An injection-moulded plastic part for a cable carrier, particularly a side part of a chain link produced in an injection moulding process. The injection moulded part has a visible, identifiable marking on a first side, particularly the outside. The at least one marking comprises a data code marking having a 2D code for data encoding which is introduced into the plastic body directly in the injection moulding process so that said marking is provided on the first side to be machine-readable. The invention likewise relates to a corresponding injection moulding tool having a number of first symbol regions and second symbol regions for producing the data code marking in the injection moulding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Frank BLASE
  • Publication number: 20200251889
    Abstract: A guide device for a cable, in particular for an energy chain, consisting, at least in one region, of laterally opposing wall elements integrally formed from plastic, wherein at least two directly adjacent wall elements have securing means integrally formed on their facing front-side end regions, which securing means cooperate with one another in such a way that a movement of the two directly adjacent wall elements relative to one another in their longitudinal direction can occur over a predetermined limited path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander JAEKER, Frank BLASE, Jan HOFFMAN
  • Patent number: 10570993
    Abstract: A chain link for a handling chain and to the handling chain. The handling chain has a body consisting of a plurality of chain links, which adjoin each other in the longitudinal direction of the handling chain, wherein the chain links are connected to each other in the adjoining connection regions thereof in such a way that, in each case, the chain links can be pivoted about a first pivot axis extending in the transverse direction. The chain link is designed to form a hinge-joint connection with the joint partner, wherein the chain link has at least one connection region designed as a first connection region, said connection region being designed in such a way that the hinge-joint connection enables at least one further relative motion of the joint partners in addition to the pivoting about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: IGUS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Georg Theiss
  • Patent number: 9991688
    Abstract: An opening aid for an energy guide chain with chain links. At least some of the chain links at their top side have a respective transverse leg which is arranged pivotably on a side plate and which can be fixed to the other side plate. The opening aid for guidance of the transverse legs upon opening thereof has a body extending in a working direction and a lateral extension having an inclined sliding deflection surface for the transverse legs. To simplify handling and structure of the opening aid it is proposed that the extension is mounted to the body movably relative thereto and is reciprocatingly movable between a working position in which the extension is arranged extending laterally from the body in operative guiding relationship for the transverse legs and a rest position in which the extension is arranged in inoperative guiding relationship of being moved away from the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: IGUS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Joerg Dommnik
  • Publication number: 20180031076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link for a handling chain and to the handling chain. The handling chain has a body consisting of a plurality of chain links, which adjoin each other in the longitudinal direction of the handling chain, wherein the chain links are connected to each other in the adjoining connection regions thereof in such a way that, in each case, the chain links can be pivoted about a first pivot axis extending in the transverse direction. The chain link is designed to form a hinge-joint connection with the joint partner, wherein the chain link has at least one connection region designed as a first connection region, said connection region being designed in such a way that the hinge-joint connection enables at least one further relative motion of the joint partners in addition to the pivoting about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Frank BLASE, Georg THEISS
  • Publication number: 20160064908
    Abstract: The invention concerns an opening aid (1) for an energy guide chain (E) with chain links (K). At least some of the chain links (K) at their top side have a respective transverse leg (Q) which is arranged pivotably on a side plate (L) and which can be fixed to the other side plate (L). The opening aid (1) for guidance of the transverse legs (Q) upon opening thereof has a body (2) extending in a working direction (a) and a lateral extension (4) having an inclined sliding deflection surface (3) for the transverse legs (Q). To simplify handling and structure of the opening aid (1) it is proposed that the extension (4) is mounted to the body (2) movably relative thereto and is reciprocatingly movable between a working position in which the extension (4) is arranged extending laterally from the body (2) in operative guiding relationship for the transverse legs (Q) and a rest position in which the extension (4) is arranged in inoperative guiding relationship of being moved away from the working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Frank BLASE, Thilo-Alexander JAEKER, Joerg Dommnik
  • Patent number: 9163667
    Abstract: A plain bearing 1 comprising a hollow-cylindrical plain bearing body and a first flange arranged at a first end of the plain bearing body and extending radially outwardly, as well as a plain bearing system comprising the plain bearing and a bearing receiving means and a method of assembling the plain bearing system. To provide a plain bearing which for a press fit in a bearing receiving means allows greater dimensional tolerances in respect of the bearing receiving means, a ring of axially extending and peripherally spaced collar portions is provided at the second end of the plain bearing body, which is in opposite relationship to the first end, which collar portions can be bent over outwardly to afford a second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Blase, Frank Blase, Ralf Selzer, Christoph Klingshirn, Gerhard Baus, Markus Feth
  • Patent number: 9132959
    Abstract: An endlessly circulating link conveyor with energy supply from a stationary source comprises a plurality of links (1) that are connected to one another such that they can pivot with respect to one another, jointly form a link conveyor that follows a running path over deflection rollers (6) and can be driven in circulating fashion, an energy guiding chain (30), one end of which travels with the link conveyor and the other end of which is arranged in rotating fashion within the circulatory path, and via which the link conveyor can be connected to supply lines (36), where the links (1) of the link conveyor display a channel (2) for receiving distribution lines (40) and, laterally next to the channel, a guide groove (3) for guiding the energy guiding chain (30), where the upper face of at least one of the links (1) displays a mounting surface for consumers, and one of the links (1) is equipped for connecting the travelling end (32) of the energy guiding chain (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey
  • Publication number: 20140151199
    Abstract: An endlessly circulating link conveyor with energy supply from a stationary source comprises a plurality, of links (1) that are connected to one another such that they can pivot with respect to one another, jointly form a link conveyor that follows a running path over deflection rollers (6) and can be driven in circulating fashion, an energy guiding chain (30), one end of which travels with the link conveyor and the other end of which is arranged in rotating fashion within the circulatory path, and via which the link conveyor can be connected to supply lines (36), where the links (1) of the link conveyor display a channel (2) for receiving distribution lines (40) and, laterally next to the channel, a guide groove (3) for guiding the energy guiding chain (30), where the upper face of at least one of the links (1) displays a mounting surface for consumers, and one of the links (1) is equipped for connecting the travelling end (32) of the energy guiding chain (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey
  • Publication number: 20140126951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-axial joint (1), particularly for robotics. The multiaxial joint comprises a distal joint section (2) and a proximal joint section (4) that are pivotably and swivably connected relative to each other via at least one rotatory pivot joint (26) with a rotational axis (P) and at least one rotatory swivel joint (13) connected in series with the pivot joint (26) and having a swivel axis (R) extending perpendicular to the rotational axis (P). With such a multiaxial joint it is possible to realize two degrees of freedom. To achieve a compact constructional shape, the pivot joint (26) and the swivel joint (13) are united by being slid into each other to form a structural unit. The multiaxial joint (1) is particularly intended to enable an operation via traction means so as to simulate the movement of an animal or human joint. To absorb great forces, a forked (28) structure may be chosen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: igusĀ® GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf BANNASCH, Leif KNIESE, Frank BLASE
  • Patent number: 8266882
    Abstract: A cable guide (10), having articulated links (12), capable of angling in two directions, and open on an face end, and arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction and forming a guide channel (16) by means of external guide elements; joints absorbing tensile forces are located between two connected links, and the links (12) each display corresponding connecting elements (18) with two connecting components (20, 22). The first component (20) of the connecting element (18) is fork-shaped, where the second connecting component displays a first seat (32) with a spherical boundary, in which a joint element (34), having an opening (36) and a spherical outer boundary (35) adapted to the first seat, is moveable, and the second component with a joint element (34) can be positioned between the two legs of the first component in a way that the opening (36) in the joint element with a spherical outer boundary is aligned with an opening (27, 28) provided in each of the two legs (24, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Frank Blase, Ralf Steeger
  • Publication number: 20120134739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transverse web for connecting two side parts of an element of a line guiding device, comprising a toggle lever closure (2) having an actuating part (3) and a locking part (4), wherein the actuating part (3) can be swiveled from the locking position completely to the unlocking position in one step by means of a tool (B), and wherein in an engagement area (10) at a distance to the free end (8) of the actuating part (3) and to the swivel axis (axes), a lateral recess (11) for engaging the tool (W) in the transverse web (1) and for applying a force by means of the tool (W) with at least one force component in the direction of the swivel motion of the actuating part (3) to the unlocking position thereof is provided, wherein the recess (11) is laterally delimited by the opening edge (12) of the opening (9) and the actuating part (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: IGUS GMBH
    Inventors: Gunter Blase, Georg Theiss, Andreas Hermey, Frank Blase, Harald Nehring
  • Patent number: 7882690
    Abstract: A transverse limb (5, 6) for connecting two side portions (3, 4) of a member of a line guide device, wherein the transverse limb (5, 6) is lockable at least at one of its ends (9) to the side portion (5, 6) to be connected there. For improved locking of the transverse limb to the side portion it is proposed that it has an actuating portion (7) and a locking portion (8) which is displaceable by way of the actuating portion (7) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the transverse limb (5, 6) towards the end (9) with which the transverse limb (5, 6) can be connected to the side portion (3, 4), into a locking position in which the transverse limb (5, 6) is lockable to the side portion (3, 4), and is displaceable away from said end (9) into an unlocking position in which the transverse limb (5, 6) is releasable from the side portion (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Nehring, Andreas Hermey, Gunter Blase, Frank Blase
  • Patent number: 7849667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable drag device (1) for guiding power supply cables. Said cable drag device is constituted of a plurality of members (2) that are hinged to each other and that comprise two respective side bars (3) inter-linked by a cross connection. The aim of the invention is to provide a cable drag device (1) whose upper strand is suitably supported in a suitable retaining device for the upper strand. For this purpose, the side bars (3) of at least some members (2) comprise supporting elements (9) that project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when having a substantially linear relative position to an adjacent member. These supporting elements do not project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when offset relative to the adjacent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey
  • Publication number: 20100275570
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable guide (10), consisting of links (12), connected to each other in articulated fashion, capable of angling in at least two directions relative to each other, and open on the face end, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and form at least one guide channel (16) by means of their external guide elements, where joints absorbing tensile forces are located between two connected links within the cable guide, and the links (12) each display corresponding connecting elements (18) with two connecting components (20, 22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: IGUS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Frank Blase, Ralf Steeger
  • Publication number: 20100263470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-axial joint (1), particularly for robotics. The multiaxial joint comprises a distal joint section (2) and a proximal joint section (4) that are pivotably and swivably connected relative to each other via at least one rotatory pivot joint (26) with a rotational axis (P) and at least one rotatory swivel joint (13) connected in series with the pivot joint (26) and having a swivel axis (R) extending perpendicular to the rotational axis (P). With such a multiaxial joint it is possible to realize two degrees of freedom. To achieve a compact constructional shape, the pivot joint (26) and the swivel joint (13) are united by being slid into each other to form a structural unit. The multiaxial joint (1) is particularly intended to enable an operation via traction means so as to simulate the movement of an animal or human joint. To absorb great forces, a forked (28) structure may be chosen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: igusĀ® GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Bannasch, Leif Kniese, Frank Blase
  • Publication number: 20100175363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable drag device (1) for guiding power supply cables. Said cable drag device is constituted of a plurality of members (2) that are hinged to each other and that comprise two respective side bars (3) inter-linked by a cross connection. The aim of the invention is to provide a cable drag device (1) whose upper strand is suitably supported in a suitable retaining device for the upper strand. For this purpose, the side bars (3) of at least some members (2) comprise supporting elements (9) that project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when having a substantially linear relative position to an adjacent member. These supporting elements do not project outward beyond the remaining areas of the outer face (10) of the respective side bar (3) when offset relative to the adjacent member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey