Patents by Inventor Volker Kern

Volker Kern 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).

  • Apparatus and methods for Z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet cutting systems
    Patent number: 6852002
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Thomas Pesek, Volker Kern, Chien Chou Wu, Daniel Chin, Felice M. Sciulli
  • Apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet cutting systems
    Patent number: 6379214
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Thomas Pesek, Volker Kern, Chien Chou Wu, Daniel Chin, Felice M. Sciulli
  • Apparatus and methods for Z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet cutting systems
    Publication number: 20010027708
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Thomas Pesek, Volker Kern, Chien Chou Wu, Daniel Chin, Felice M. Sciulli