Patents by Inventor Lawrence B. Howell

Lawrence B. Howell 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: 5391852
    Abstract: Devices for monitoring, calibrating and maintaining a manufacturing robot. The first device comprises a reference pin mounted to a first member and a reference aperture located on a second adjacent member wherein the reference pin is inserted into the reference aperture when the two members are at their zero reference location. A second device checks tip alignment by periodically passing the welding tip of a welding torch through a V-shaped notch in a gauging block. The gauging block is electrically conductive and if the tip contacts the sidewalls of the V-shaped notch an electrical circuit is completed signalling the robot controller of tip misalignment. A third device comprises a shielding gas monitor having a closed tube to which the welding torch is applied for expelling shielding gas into the tube. The tube is in fluid communication with a flow gauge that measures gas flow and signals the controller if gas flow is insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Weaver, Lawrence B. Howell
  • Patent number: 5329092
    Abstract: Devices for monitoring, calibrating and maintaining a manufacturing robot. The first device comprises a reference pin mounted to a first member and a reference aperture located on a second adjacent member wherein the reference pin is inserted into the reference aperture when the two members are at their zero reference location. A second device checks tip alignment by periodically passing the welding tip of a welding torch through a V-shaped notch in a gauging block. The gauging block is electrically conductive and if the tip contacts the sidewalls of the V-shaped notch an electrical circuit is completed signalling the robot controller of tip misalignment. A third device comprises a shielding gas monitor having a closed tube to which the welding torch is applied for expelling shielding gas into the tube. The tube is in fluid communication with a flow gauge that measures gas flow and signals the controller if gas flow is insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Weaver, Lawrence B. Howell