Patents by Inventor Lee C. Coldiron

Lee C. Coldiron 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).

  • Robot safety mechanism
    Patent number: 4557661
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an industrial robot (10) having a lifting or gripping arm (16) is provided with electrical switch means (44) whereby if a work piece extends too far into the lifting or gripping portion the machine is automatically turned off. In accordance with another feature of the invention, shear means (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) are provided in the lifting or gripping arms (30, 32) whereby if one or both arms abut an obstruction with sufficient force, the arm will shear off causing only minimal damage to the robot and protecting valuable gear mechanisms and control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert L. Fischer, Frank C. Pulcrano, Lee C. Coldiron, Terry M. Topping, J. H. Potter, Robert H. Owens