Patents by Inventor Michael A. Filipiak
Michael A. Filipiak 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).
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Patent number: 11878410Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Publication number: 20230150146Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Patent number: 11584025Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Publication number: 20200230824Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
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Patent number: 9651192Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: 9522421Abstract: A tool support structure includes a tool rail that extends in an axial direction, a first mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail, and a second mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail at a location along the tool rail that is spaced from the first mounting portion in the axial direction. The second mounting portion includes a lug and an aperture. The lug has a shaft portion and a head portion that is located outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion is receivable within a slot on the base and the head portion restrains transverse removal of the lug from the slot when the shaft portion is disposed within the slot. The aperture is adapted to receive a pin on the base to resist rotation of the tool rail with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Corey Chappus, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Publication number: 20160318193Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus providing orbital adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a base coupling, a first linkage member, and a second linkage member. The base coupling is connectible to a manipulator. The first linkage member is adjustably connected to the base coupling for rotational adjustment about a first axis. The second linkage member is adjustably connected to the first linkage member for rotational adjustment about a second axis. The rotational adjustment of the first linkage member about the first axis and the rotational adjustment of the second linkage member about the second axis combine to provide more orbital positions than the rotational adjustment of the first linkage member about the first axis or the rotational adjustment of the second linkage member about the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Patent number: 9429187Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion that are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. A locking member has a bore that extends through the locking member, a third contoured surface, a widened portion of the bore that is located behind the third contoured surface and has a larger diameter than the third contoured surface, and a fourth contoured surface. The locking member is moveable to a locked position in which the third contoured surface of the locking member engages a first contoured surface of the first coupler portion and the fourth contoured surface of the locking member engages a second contoured surface of the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Patent number: 9395032Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus having serrated teeth for providing orbital and linear adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a mounting member and a base coupling having mating contoured surfaces for providing linear adjustment of the base coupling relative to the mounting member. A spacer is provided having contoured surfaces wherein the contoured surfaces matingly and adjustably connect to a contoured surface of the base coupling for rotational adjustment of the modular tool about a longitudinal axis. The modular tool has a contoured surface that matingly and adjustably connects to the contoured surface of the spacer for rotational adjustment about the longitudinal axis. A biasing member engages the spacer and the modular tool for biasing the spacer toward the base member and away from the modular tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20150285298Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion that are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. A locking member has a bore that extends through the locking member, a third contoured surface, a widened portion of the bore that is located behind the third contoured surface and has a larger diameter than the third contoured surface, and a fourth contoured surface. The locking member is moveable to a locked position in which the third contoured surface of the locking member engages a first contoured surface of the first coupler portion and the fourth contoured surface of the locking member engages a second contoured surface of the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20150226374Abstract: A tool support structure includes a tool rail that extends in an axial direction, a first mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail, and a second mounting portion that is connected to the tool rail at a location along the tool rail that is spaced from the first mounting portion in the axial direction. The second mounting portion includes a lug and an aperture. The lug has a shaft portion and a head portion that is located outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion is receivable within a slot on the base and the head portion restrains transverse removal of the lug from the slot when the shaft portion is disposed within the slot. The aperture is adapted to receive a pin on the base to resist rotation of the tool rail with respect to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: NORGREN AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Corey Chappus, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: 9095946Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus includes a first coupler portion, a second coupler portion, a locking member, and a friction member. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion are rotationally adjustable with respect to one another. The locking member is moveable to a locked position wherein the locking member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to restrain the first coupler portion from rotating with respect to the second coupler portion. The friction member engages the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion to resist rotation of the first coupler portion with respect to the second coupler portion when the locking member is not in the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Publication number: 20130334379Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template that includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Scott R. McCallum, Timothy John Key, James R. Kalb, Michael A. Filipiak
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Patent number: 8496568Abstract: An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Kalb, Anthony Jenkins, Michael A. Filipiak, Timothy John Key
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Patent number: 8454069Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw, wherein the support has at least one mount location formed in the support. A stop member is removably affixable to the support at the at least one mount location for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw wherein the size of the stop member corresponds to a discrete maximum degree of opening of the at least one gripper jaw.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventors: Anthony Jenkins, Michael A. Filipiak, Conrad Earl Waldorf
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Publication number: 20120263519Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus having serrated teeth for providing orbital and linear adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a mounting member and a base coupling having mating contoured surfaces for providing linear adjustment of the base coupling relative to the mounting member. A spacer is provided having contoured surfaces wherein the contoured surfaces matingly and adjustably connect to a contoured surface of the base coupling for rotational adjustment of the modular tool about a longitudinal axis. The modular tool has a contoured surface that matingly and adjustably connects to the contoured surface of the spacer for rotational adjustment about the longitudinal axis. A biasing member engages the spacer and the modular tool for biasing the spacer toward the base member and away from the modular tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: NORGREN AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Ronald Andrew Kotula, Donald Van Zile, III, Brandon Scott Jacobi, Michael A. Filipiak, James R. Kalb, Keith M. Price
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Patent number: 8167346Abstract: A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw, a fluid driven actuator for moving the at least one gripper jaw, and a valve located adjacent the fluid driven actuator for selectively delivering a fluid to the fluid driven actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLCInventor: Michael A. Filipiak
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Publication number: 20110062734Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw, wherein the support has at least one mount location formed in the support. A stop member is removably affixable to the support at the at least one mount location for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw wherein the size of the stop member corresponds to a discrete maximum degree of opening of the at least one gripper jaw.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: SYRON ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, LLCInventors: ANTHONY JENKINS, MICHAEL A. FILIPIAK, CONRAD EARL WALDORF
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Patent number: 7845698Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw. A stop member is removably affixable between the at least one gripper jaw and the support for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Anthony Jenkins, Michael A. Filipiak, Conrad Earl Waldorf
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Publication number: 20100090484Abstract: A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw, a fluid driven actuator for moving the at least one gripper jaw, and a valve located adjacent the fluid driven actuator for selectively delivering a fluid to the fluid driven actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Michael A. Filipiak