Patents by Inventor Peter Heinrich Stephan

Peter Heinrich Stephan 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).

  • Robotic manipulator having a gripping tool assembly
    Patent number: 6345818
    Abstract: A robotic manipulator having a gripping tool assembly for separating a thin sheet of metal from a stack of metal sheets. The assembly comprises a frame mounted to a lift arm. A separating device is pivotally mounted to the frame for grasping and lifting a corner of the top metal sheet to create an initial separation of the sheet from the stack. A plurality of stationary suction lifters are secured to the frame for grasping and lifting the remaining portions of the top sheet. The gripping tool assembly is characterized by first and second air hoses or nozzles mounted to the frame with the first air nozzle positioned above the second air nozzle whereby the first air nozzle provides pressurized air toward the corner of the sheet to assist in the initial separation of the sheet and the second air nozzle provides pressurized air below the sheet after the initial separation of the sheet from the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Heinrich Stephan, Josh Person, Brad Wood