Patents by Inventor S. Craig Clough

S. Craig Clough 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).

  • Method for automated assembly of assemblies such as automotive assemblies and system utilizing same
    Patent number: 4894908
    Abstract: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: GMF Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Haba, Jr., S. Craig Clough, Ronald E. Koeske, Richard P. Maxwell, Jr.
  • Method for automated assembly of assemblies such as automotive assemblies
    Patent number: 4815190
    Abstract: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: GMF Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Haba, Jr., S. Craig Clough, Ronald E. Koeske, Richard P. Maxwell, Jr.