Patents by Inventor Randy Graca

Randy Graca 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).

  • Line tracking data over Ethernet
    Patent number: 9046890
    Abstract: A robot control system includes a line tracking encoder that measures a reference position of a conveyor line and transmits a tracking signal representing tracking data including the reference position of the conveyor line. A master controller is in communication with the encoder to receive the tracking signal, process the tracking data represented by the tracking signal, and generate a data packet in response to processing of the tracking data. A slave controller is in communication with the master controller and at least one robot for receiving the data packet and controlling the movement of the at least one robot in response to the data packet. A communications network directly interconnects the master controller and the slave controller and transmits the data packet from the master controller to the slave controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Jim Huber, Ho Cheung Wong, Randy Graca, Scott J. Clifford
  • Servo motor monitoring and hood/deck exchange to enhance the interior coating process
    Patent number: 8239063
    Abstract: A method and system for handling a swing metal panel using a robot's drive axis servo motor feedback to eliminate the need for the sensors and breakaway devices is provided. Using the servo motor feedback for this function reduces cost and improves reliability. The method also applies the servo motor feedback to hold a panel in position and exchange the panel between robots during the painting or coating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Paul D. Copioli, Bradley O. Niederquell, Randy Graca, Yi Sun
  • LINE TRACKING DATA OVER ETHERNET
    Publication number: 20100063625
    Abstract: A robot control system includes a line tracking encoder that measures a reference position of a conveyor line and transmits a tracking signal representing tracking data including the reference position of the conveyor line. A master controller is in communication with the encoder to receive the tracking signal, process the tracking data represented by the tracking signal, and generate a data packet in response to processing of the tracking data. A slave controller is in communication with the master controller and at least one robot for receiving the data packet and controlling the movement of the at least one robot in response to the data packet. A communications network directly interconnects the master controller and the slave controller and transmits the data packet from the master controller to the slave controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Jim Huber, Ho Cheung Wong, Randy Graca, Scott J. Clifford
  • SERVO MOTOR MONITORING AND HOOD/DECK EXCHANGE TO ENHANCE THE INTERIOR COATING PROCESS
    Publication number: 20100030381
    Abstract: A method and system for handling a swing metal panel using a robot's drive axis servo motor feedback to eliminate the need for the sensors and breakaway devices is provided. Using the servo motor feedback for this function reduces cost and improves reliability. The method also applies the servo motor feedback to hold a panel in position and exchange the panel between robots during the painting or coating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Scott J. Clifford, Paul D. Copioli, Bradley O. Niederquell, Randy Graca, Yi Sun