Patents Issued in May 12, 2020
  • Patent number: 10646969
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first additively manufactured layer including axial fins extending in a first direction and transverse fins extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the first layer defining a flow path in the first direction. The heat exchanger also includes a second additively manufactured layer including axial fins extending in the second and transverse fins extending in the first direction, the second layer defining a second flow path in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ram Ranjan
  • Patent number: 10646970
    Abstract: A boost control device for a turbocharger, assembled at room temperature, may not be geometrically optimal at turbocharger operating temperature. The geometric deviation in the boost control device introduced by the heating of the turbocharger to operating temperature, or during welding of the boost control device, is corrected by producing a first turbocharger at room temperature, determining the geometry of the deviation at operating temperature, producing a distance element that will introduce an equal and opposite deviation, introducing the equal and opposite deviation via the distance element in second and subsequent turbochargers, whereby thermal deviation and corrective deviation offset so that the turbocharger is geometrically accurate at operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Ruh, Michael Stilgenbauer
  • Patent number: 10646971
    Abstract: A transport device is provided that includes a rotary object carrier which includes object carrier elements arranged so as to be distributed around the circumference, on which carrier elements objects are arranged which are transported on a circular movement path from work station to work station of a production facility. A production facility for making products is also described as well as to a method for transporting objects from work station to work station of a production facility. The transport device has one or more actuator units assigned to one or more object carrier elements which units can move together with the object carrier elements. The actuator units can be provided with media by a central supply device by way of a rotary feedthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: John Heppe
  • Patent number: 10646972
    Abstract: A device for treating or acting on workpiece surfaces by means of an actuator, such as a cutting or engraving laser or a nozzle for applying oils, paints, adhesives, dyes, or etchants is disclosed. An ultrasonic levitation force field is generated by means of a sonotrode, which is coupled to the actuator into a working unit, such that the movably suspended working unit is supported on the workpiece surface in a hovering manner. The ultrasonic levitation force field allows a highly precise positioning of the working unit relative to the workpiece surface so as to allow a precise treatment or machining of the workpiece surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ZS-Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schilp, Josef Zimmermann, Adolf Zitzmann
  • Patent number: 10646973
    Abstract: Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are described. Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are usable to ensure consistent and durable alignment of various workpieces while providing access for performing attachment techniques thereon. In one example, the workpiece-holding tool is configured to allow objects to be held or removably affixed to an alignment surface. Holding objects with the workpiece-holding tool ensures that the alignment of objects with an alignment surface does not change while a user is operating upon a workpiece, e.g., as by joining aligned objects together, without interfering or obstructing access to the objects. The ability to hold objects is enhanced by the inclusion of cutouts that provide increased access to interior surfaces of the workpiece-holding tool, such as to increase the area available for use of clamps or other fastening devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fireball Tool Works LLC
    Inventor: Jason A. Marburger
  • Patent number: 10646974
    Abstract: The present invention provides an indexing device for a turntable which is provided with a plurality of roller followers arranged at equal angular intervals; a cam component is provided on one side of the turntable. The cam component is provided with a first side rib wall with a continuous cam curved surface in a first direction and a second side rib wall with a continuous cam curved surface in a second direction, and the first side rib wall and the second side rib wall face opposite sides to form a cam groove with a variable groove width for guiding the movements of the roller followers and rotating the turntable; wherein the first side rib wall and the second side rib wall can compress on at least one pair of the roller followers of the turntable symmetrically in the first and second directions, so as to effectively eliminate the backlash problem between the cam component and the roller followers and improve the positioning accuracy of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Kuo Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 10646975
    Abstract: Multiple cameras are used for tool positioning, as-built documentation, and/or personnel monitoring in construction site. A camera unit comprises one or more imaging devices, a processing computer, and a communication device. The camera units are placed at multiple locations in a construction site to cover an area. The camera units are self-positioned by detecting a calibration target that moves within a working volume. The camera units can detect and calculate positions of objects, including measurement sticks, tools, personnel, etc., in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Kahle, Young Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10646976
    Abstract: There is furnished a working tool comprising a rotating shaft (6), a polishing plate (3) mounted on the shaft, an expandable elastomer sheet (4) attached to the polishing plate (3), an abrasive cloth (5) attached to the elastomer sheet (4), and means for pressing the elastomer sheet (4) at a plurality of positions under respective predetermined different pressures such that a lower surface of the abrasive cloth (5) is deformed to the desired inverted convex shape in accordance with differences of pressing force applied to the elastomer sheet (4) at the plurality of positions. A substrate is produced by bringing the inverted convexly deformed surface of the abrasive cloth (5) in contact with a substrate stock, and rotating and moving the working tool for polishing the substrate over a selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Ishitsuka, Atsushi Watabe, Masaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10646977
    Abstract: A method for abrasive flow machining includes moving an abrasive media through a high-aspect passage of a workpiece. Local pressure of the abrasive media is increased at target abrasion surfaces of the high-aspect passage using a passage geometry that is configured to direct flow of the abrasive media into the target abrasion surfaces such that the target abrasion surfaces are preferentially polished by the abrasive media over other, non-targeted surfaces of the high-aspect passage at which the flow of the abrasive media is not directed into.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Wendell V. Twelves, Joe Ott, Evan Butcher, John P. Rizzo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10646978
    Abstract: The device (1) for locking workpieces on machine tools comprises:—a base body (2) fixable to a machine tool (M) and provided with an oil hydraulic cylinder (3, 4, 5); 5—a rod (8, 9) partly inserted in the oil hydraulic cylinder (3, 4, 5) slidably;—roto-translation means (14, 15, 16) designed to divide the motion of the rod (8, 9) into:—a first stretch (12) of roto-translation; and—a second stretch (13) of translation; 10—a clamp element (19, 20) associated with the rod (8, 9) and movable between:—a home configuration;—an intermediate configuration; and—an operating configuration; 15—at least a prismatic guiding body (21) associated with the base body (2) and prismatically couplable with the clamp element (19, 20) during the shifting of the rod (8, 9) along the second stretch (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Hydroblock S.R.L.
    Inventor: Davide Zanni
  • Patent number: 10646979
    Abstract: A jig for assembling a cabinet is disclosed. The jig includes a clamp assembly pivotally attached to a base. The clamp assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to apply a clamping force therebetween. The clamp assembly can pivot between a first position and a first inclined position. In the first position, a front support plate of the clamp assembly is oriented vertically, and in the first inclined position, a first angle less than 90 degrees is formed between the front support plate and a support surface on which the base rests. The clamp assembly may also pivot to a second inclined position at which a second angle less than the first angle is formed between the front support plate and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: RSI HOME PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: John Schiveley, Robert C. Myer, Jr., Simon Barrios, Eric Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10646980
    Abstract: Devices and methods for assembling a luer lock fitting (e.g., fitting for use in a hemodialysis and/or a peritoneal dialysis machine) may include a luer lock tool comprising a tool base including a grip portion adjacent a tool portion, the grip portion having an outer diameter and an internal cavity. The tool portion may have an internal cavity and may be configured to selectively receive and retain a male luer lock fitting at a first end of the cavity. A tool cap may have an outer diameter and an internal cavity. The tool cap may include a recessed portion at an end configured to selectively receive and retain a female luer lock fitting. The tool cap internal cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the tool portion of the tool base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Allen, Fidel L. Cajucom, Justin F. Pavoni, Jr., Hernando G. Garza
  • Patent number: 10646981
    Abstract: A screwdriver for resisting premature disengagement of a screw from the screwdriver. The screwdriver includes a shaft having a central axis; a tip radially aligned with the central axis of the shaft which includes an end opposite the shaft, at least one radial protrusion extending away from the central axis, and a notch; and a screw retention mechanism including a flexible member aligned with the notch and attached to either the tip or the shaft. The flexible member has an unattached end which is separated from the second end of the tip. When the tip is inserted into a recess of a screw, the flexible member flexes toward the central axis and creates an opposing elastic force which holds the screw to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Titan Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kennedy, Charles J. Turner
  • Patent number: 10646982
    Abstract: A power tool with an impact mechanism and that is controlled based on a drive angle from impacting. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor within the housing, an impact mechanism, and an output drive device. The brushless DC motor includes a rotor coupled to a motor shaft to produce a rotational output. The impact mechanism includes a hammer coupled to the motor shaft, and an anvil that receives impacts from the hammer and drives an output device. The power tool further includes a position sensor that senses a position of the rotor and a controller coupled to the position sensor. The controller detects an impact of the impact mechanism, calculates a drive angle of the anvil caused by the impact based on output from the position sensor, and controls the brushless DC motor based on the drive angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Dey, IV, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz
  • Patent number: 10646983
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic compression or cutting tool comprises a housing, an electric motor arranged in the housing and having a motor rotational axis, a gripping portion formed by the housing and extending around the motor and along the motor rotational axis, a hydraulic pump arranged inside the housing and which can be driven by the motor so as to move a actuating piston along a actuating axis, a transmission mechanism arranged inside the housing between the motor and the hydraulic pump, two jaws connected to the housing and to the actuating piston, and which can be moved between an open position and a closed position for carrying out the compression or cut, wherein the actuating axis and the motor rotational axis are reciprocally parallel and offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Cembre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gualtiero Barezzani, Cesare Braga
  • Patent number: 10646984
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool including an engaging element that improves tool performance by frictionally engaging a piston upon its return to a pre-firing position, thereby reducing the likelihood that the piston will end up at a position other than the pre-firing position after completion of a fastener-driving cycle. In one embodiment, the fastener-driving tool comprises a cylinder, a driving assembly slidably disposed within the cylinder and movable from a pre-firing position to a firing position to drive a fastener into a workpiece, and an engaging element. The driving assembly includes an outwardly tapered engaging element contact surface, and the engaging element is positioned to engage the engaging element contact surface when the driving assembly is in the pre-firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hanxin Zhao, Stephen Moore
  • Patent number: 10646985
    Abstract: A method employing an apparatus in conjunction with a hammer-drill to penetrate composite metal and non-metal structure or structures including, for example, thick metal or rebar encountered during concrete, rock or masonry boring operations without requiring a change in drill equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brad Moan, Eric Scheid
  • Patent number: 10646986
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a mechanism part, a main-body housing and a grip housing. The mechanism part strikes a tool bit. The main-body housing holds the mechanism part therein. The grip housing is continuously provided to a rear portion of the main-body housing. One end portion of the grip housing is displaceably connected to the main-body housing through an elastic member, and the other end portion of the grip housing is rotatably connected to the main-body housing through a rotary joint. A center of the rotary joint is disposed on a leading end side of the impact tool with respect to a center of the elastic member, when viewed in a strike direction of the impact tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Teranishi, Kazunobu Yoshimura, Kouichirou Morimura
  • Patent number: 10646987
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic compression tool (1) comprises a motor (6) which actuates a hydrodynamic group (11) suitable to increase the pressure of a hydraulic fluid acting on an actuation piston (12) connected to jaws (13, 14), an electronic control system (9) connected to the electric motor (6) and to a user operating member (7) for the actuation of the electric motor (6) wherein the control system (9) monitors the reaching of a closed position of the jaws (13, 14) and switches off the motor (6) automatically upon reaching the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Cembre S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gualtiero Barezzani
  • Patent number: 10646988
    Abstract: A storage structure for fluid pumping device adapted for disposing on a fluid pumping device comprises: a ring body, sleeved onto the fluid pumping device; a plurality of storage portions, arranged around the ring body, each of the storage portions being adapted for a workpiece to removably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: LIH YANN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Po-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 10646989
    Abstract: A tool part compartment. The tool part compartment may include a plurality of tool part compartments disposed within a container. Each tool part compartment may store a different type of tool part. Each tool part compartment may include a cell cup made of a sidewall. The sidewall has a top rim forming an opening into the cell cup. A plate is secured to the sidewall within the cell cup. The plate includes a plurality of tool slots. A lid covers the opening of the cell cup. The plate is at a distance from the lid so that a tool part disposed within one of the tool slots abuts the lid and is thereby secured in place within the cell cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew T. Divicino, Philip J. Mader
  • Patent number: 10646990
    Abstract: A mechanical translation apparatus includes a translation stage and a translation assembly operatively connected to the translation stage so as to impart linear motions to the translation stage substantially free of rotational motions. The translation assembly includes a plurality of at least three arms pivotably connected to the translation stage at a first end of each arm of the plurality of at least three arms. The mechanical translation apparatus also includes a base assembly in which each arm of the plurality of at least three arms is also rotationally connected to the base assembly at a second end of each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Kevin C. Olds, Russell H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10646991
    Abstract: A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system includes a plurality of supply bins providing supply of a plurality of objects, with the plurality of supply bins being provided with a bin conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the bin conveyance system, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected supply bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10646992
    Abstract: A system and method for placing an object, which is to be processed on a production apparatus in a precise position, is provided. The system includes at least one location-determining system for determining a relative location of an object in relation to a production apparatus and a positioning apparatus for positioning the object on the production apparatus. The positioning apparatus has a receiving apparatus for receiving and discharging the object, and a movable arm for moving the object from one location to another. The location-determining system has at least one location-detecting device to detect a relative location of the receiving apparatus in relation to the location-detecting device. The location-detecting device is configured to detect a relative location of the object in relation to the location-detecting device and also a relative location of the production apparatus in relation to the location-detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Remco Zwinderman, Jan Hodde, Stefan Josef Stanglmaier
  • Patent number: 10646993
    Abstract: A robot may include (1) a body having a pivot member, (2) a mobility subsystem, coupled to the body of the robot, that provides omnidirectional displacement of the robot along a plane, (3) a robotic arm, coupled to the body of the robot, for manipulating an object, and (4) a linking extension. The linking extension may include (1) a proximal end that is rotatably coupled to the pivot member of the body of the robot, and (2) a distal end that is dimensioned to rotatably couple to a coupling member of an assistant robot such that the linking extension links the robot and the assistant robot. The robot may also include a control subsystem, communicatively coupled to the mobility subsystem, that coordinates displacement of the robot by the mobility subsystem with displacement of the assistant robot. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Wiley
  • Patent number: 10646994
    Abstract: Robots, users, or a central controller may leverage Geo analytics and/or augmented reality to search for, discover, access and use robots. The robots may perform tasks to provide selective services on-demand within medicine, agriculture, military, entertainment, manufacturing, personal, or public safety, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 10646995
    Abstract: A control device repeats learning of: calculating an allowable condition for speed variations during a processing operation based on an allowable condition for processing error; setting an operating speed change rate used to increase or reduce an operating speed of a robot mechanism unit using a calculated allowable condition for speed variations; and, while increasing or reducing the operating speed change rate over a plurality of repetitions within a range not exceeding a maximum value of the operating speed change rate and within a range of an allowable condition for vibrations occurring in a control target, calculates a new correction amount based on an amount of difference between a position of the control target detected based on a sensor and a target position, and a previously-calculated correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Washizu, Hajime Suzuki, Kaimeng Wang
  • Patent number: 10646996
    Abstract: A method for establishing sensorimotor programs includes specifying a concept relationship that relates a first concept to a second concept and establishes the second concept as higher-order than the first concept; training a first sensorimotor program to accomplish the first concept using a set of primitive actions; and training a second sensorimotor program to accomplish the second concept using the first sensorimotor program and the set of primitive actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Vicarious FPC, Inc.
    Inventors: David Scott Phoenix, Michael Stark, Nicholas Hay
  • Patent number: 10646997
    Abstract: A robotic work tool system, comprising a robotic work tool, said robotic work tool comprising a controller being configured to cause said robotic work tool to operate in a first operating mode, which first operating mode is based on a current position, said current position being determined based on signals received from a position determining device, such as Global Navigation Satellite System device; determine that said received signals are not reliable, and in response thereto cause said robotic work tool to operate according to second operating mode, which second operating mode is not based on a current position being determined based on said received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Peter Reigo, Patrik Jägenstedt, Magnus Öhrlund
  • Patent number: 10646998
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing resource usage of a robot, the method including: receiving a first request to execute a first task, where the first task requires a first set of resources of the robot; causing the execution of the first task; receiving a second request to execute at least a second task, wherein the second task requires a second set of resources of the robot; determining whether any resources of the first set of resources and the second set of resources includes at least one overlapping resource; modifying at least one of the first task and the at least a second task when at least one overlapping resource is determined by omitting at the least one overlapping resource; and executing of the first task and the at least a second task as modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITION ROBOTICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Roy Amir, Itai Mendelsohn, Dor Skuler, Shay Zweig
  • Patent number: 10646999
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting grasping poses for handling target objects is disclosed. The system solves problem of grasp pose detection and finding suitable graspable affordance for picking objects from a confined and cluttered space, such as the bins of a rack in a retail warehouse by creating multiple surface segments within bounding box obtained from a neural network based object recognition module. Surface patches are created using a region growing technique in depth space based on surface normals directions. A Gaussian Mixture Model based on color and depth curvature is used to segment surfaces belonging to target object from background, thereby overcoming inaccuracy of object recognition module trained on a smaller dataset resulting in larger bounding boxes for target objects. Target object shape is identified by using empirical rules on surface attributes thereby detecting graspable affordances and poses thus avoiding collision with neighboring objects and grasping objects more successfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Tata Consultancy Services Limited
    Inventors: Olyvia Kundu, Swagat Kumar, Ehtesham Hassan
  • Patent number: 10647000
    Abstract: A self-cleaning apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials is disclosed that comprises a material sorter and a gantry positioning system elevated above the material sorter. The gantry positioning system includes a longitudinal travel rail with a longitudinal travel rail carriage, a traverse travel rail with a transverse travel rail carriage connected to the longitudinal travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the longitudinal travel rail, and a vertical travel rail connected to the vertical travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the traverse travel rail. A cutter and, optionally, a picker, are connected to the vertical travel rail. The gantry positioning system can move the cutter and picker various directions to dislodge and remove material that may have accumulated on the sorter. Instead of a gantry positioning system, the apparatus may have a multi-axis arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CP Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Davis
  • Patent number: 10647001
    Abstract: For calibration on a single camera or a stereo camera, a calibration range is set in advance in an image coordinate system and the calibration is performed in an arbitrary range. A visual sensor controller is a calibration device that associates a robot coordinate system at a robot and an image coordinate system at a camera by placing a target mark at the robot, moving the robot, and detecting the target mark at multiple points in a view of the camera. The calibration device comprises: an image range setting unit that sets an image range in the image coordinate system at the camera; and a calibration range measurement unit that measures an operation range for the robot corresponding to the image range before implementation of calibration by moving the robot and detecting the target mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuta Namiki, Fumikazu Warashina, Shouta Takizawa
  • Patent number: 10647002
    Abstract: An articulated arm system is disclosed that includes an articulated arm including an end effector, and a robotic arm control systems including at least one sensor for sensing at least one of the position, movement or acceleration of the articulated arm, and a main controller for providing computational control of the articulated arm, and an on-board controller for providing, responsive to the at least one sensor, a motion signal that directly controls at least a portion of the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10647003
    Abstract: To perform a start-up operation of robots more simply than conventionally. A programming device includes: a program generation unit that generates a program for causing a predetermined operation passing through a plurality of movement destination points to be executed by a robot; a robot control unit that causes the predetermined operation to be executed by the robot according to control based on the program; an image acquisition unit that acquires a photographed image capturing a reference point that is arranged at a position having a predetermined relative relationship with a position of the movement destination point; and a movement destination point correction unit that corrects information of the movement destination point included in the program, based on the photographed image and the predetermined relative relationship, in which the robot control unit controls the robot based on corrected information of the movement destination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Ban
  • Patent number: 10647004
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shear gripper device using fibrillar, gecko-inspired adhesives that have the characteristics of being non-tacky in its default state and requiring no normal force to grip a surface. The adhesion is turned “on” by the applied shear load, and “off as the shear load is removed. The shear adhesive gripper is able to grasp large, deformable or delicate objects using a delicate touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Elliot W. Hawkes, David L. Christensen, Mark R. Cutkosky, Srinivasan Arul Suresh
  • Patent number: 10647005
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed for an articulated arm. The end effector includes a valve assembly including a plurality of supply channels, each supply channel including a supply conduit, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the supply conduit, and a supply conduit plug. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. During use, each supply conduit is either at vacuum such that the pressure within the supply conduit is substantially at a vacuum pressure, or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum pressure because the supply conduit plug has moved to block a portion of the supply conduit. The pressure sensor of each supply conduit provides a pressure sensor signal responsive to whether the pressure in the conduit is either substantially at vacuum or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10647006
    Abstract: A hand includes a pair of finger members disposed separated by an interval and relatively movable in an interval direction, a finger drive unit that moves at least one of the finger members in the interval direction, a pair of holding pads that are provided on the respective finger members, and are supported to face each other and to be rotatable around an axis extending in the interval direction, and a pressing member that is provided to be movable in a direction intersecting a radial direction, at a position separated from the axis in the radial direction, and presses a surface of a workpiece held between the holding pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Ryou Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10647007
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor for characterizing force or torque includes a first plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a first plurality of patterned conductive regions, and a second plurality of non-patterned conductive regions and a second plurality of patterned conductive regions. The first and second pluralities of non-patterned conductive regions are facing each other and the first and second pluralities of patterned conductive regions are facing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: VERB SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Cordoba, Pablo E. Garcia Kilroy, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 10647008
    Abstract: A robot includes a movable part having a first internal space, a shock-absorbing section disposed outside the movable part, and having a second internal space, and a state switching section capable of switching between a first state of supplying a fluid from a fluid supply source to the first internal space and a second state of supplying the fluid from the fluid supply source to the second internal space. Further, the state switching section includes a first flow channel adapted to supply the fluid from the fluid supply source to the first internal space, a second flow channel adapted to supply the fluid from the fluid supply source to the second internal space, and a valve capable of adjusting opening/closing degrees of each of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10647009
    Abstract: The present application discloses a routing unit. A routing unit comprises a first rotation portion, a second rotation portion and one or more baffles; and the routing unit is divided into two or more spaces by the baffles, thereby each space is capable of respectively enclosing a single member therein; wherein the first rotation portion rotates with respect to the second rotation portion; and a first portion of each single member is connected to the first rotation portion and a second portion of each member is connected to the second rotation portion. The present application also provides a rotary joint comprising the routing unit and a robot comprising the rotary joint. Compared with the existing prior arts, embodiments of the proposed solution are compact, easy for assembly or disassembly, and enable a large rotation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Kaiyuan Cao, Jianqiang Jia, Xiaodong Cao, Huafeng Mao
  • Patent number: 10647010
    Abstract: A hair cutting appliance (10), a blade set (20) for a hair cutting appliance (10). and to an integrally formed metal-plastic composite stationary blade (22) for said blade set (20) are described. The stationary blade (22) may include: a first wall portion (58) arranged to serve as a skin facing wall when in operation; a second wall portion (60) at least partially offset from the first wall portion (58), such that the first wall portion (58) and the second wall portion (60) define there between a guide slot (116) arranged to receive a movable cutter blade (24), at least one toothed leading edge (30) jointly formed by the first wall portion (58) and the second wall portion (60) and a plastic component (114) including at least one mounting element (36). The toothed leading edge (30) includes a plurality of teeth (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Siegfried Sablatschan
  • Patent number: 10647011
    Abstract: A networked shaving appliance system includes: (a) a shaving appliance including a handle and a shaving head cartridge connected to the handle and motion, orientation, and/or pressure sensors associated with the handle and/or shaving head cartridge; (b) a sensor circuit connected to receive sensor signals and generate shave event information from the sensor signals; (c) a network circuit wirelessly connected with a computer network and communicating at least the shave event information to the computer network; and (d) a computerized tool operating, at least in part, on a computerized user device connected to the computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: THE GILLETTE COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Susan Clare Robinson, Balasundram Periasamy Amavasai, Matthew Lloyd Barker, Kate Budds, Ian Anthony Good, Robert Hinkle, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Nigel Weston, Matthew Stephen Bauer
  • Patent number: 10647012
    Abstract: A shaving device comprising a head assembly including a support member having at least one support member magnet and a blade cartridge having at least one face with at least one razor blade and configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis. The blade cartridge includes at least one blade cartridge magnet having a pole aligned with a pole of the support member magnet to generate a magnetic force that urges the blade cartridge about the pivot axis towards an initial starting position (ISP), wherein the blade cartridge is further configured to rotate about the pivot axis away from the ISP upon application of an external force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the support member magnet and the blade cartridge magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Ruairidh Robertson
  • Patent number: 10647013
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a single-track or multitrack provision of web-like interleaved sheet material at a cutting region in which products supplied on one track or on multiple tracks are cut into slices and interleaved sheets are introduced which are cut off from the provided interleaved sheet material in the cutting region, having a material store; and having a removal device which is configured for a removal of a material web from the material store, wherein a loop store in which the material web forms a loop is provided for the material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventors: Tobias Einloft-Velte, Thomas Nispel, Noël Ritzen
  • Patent number: 10647014
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting potato slices, the apparatus comprising an annular-shaped cutting head and a central impeller coaxially mounted for rotation within the cutting head for delivering potatoes radially outwardly toward the cutting head, a plurality of knives serially mounted annularly around the cutting head, and a plurality of orientation elements serially and annularly mounted within the impeller to define a plurality of cutting zones located around the impeller, each cutting zone being between adjacent orientation elements, wherein radially inner parts of adjacent orientation elements are separated in circumferential direction to define between adjacent orientation elements a throat for passage therethrough of a potato in a radially outward direction into the respective cutting zone toward the cutting head, wherein the throat has a width of from 70 to 140 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH
    Inventors: Ahmed Nadim Khan, Neal Lingard
  • Patent number: 10647015
    Abstract: The machine includes a feeding path for the logs to be cut and a cutting head arranged along the feeding path. The cutting head includes a coupling for a disc-shaped cutting blade and is designed to impart the disc-shaped cutting blade a rotary motion around the axis thereof and a cyclic movement to cut the logs into single rolls, and to allow the logs to move forward along the feeding path. The machine also includes at least a grinding unit, including at least one grinding wheel mounted onto a rotation shaft and co-acting with a side of the disc-shaped cutting blade to grind the cutting edge of the same disc-shaped cutting blade. A controlled approach system is also provided to move the grinding wheel towards the disc-shaped cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Graziano Mazzaccherini, Franco Montagnani
  • Patent number: 10647016
    Abstract: An improvement to a lead forming system that provides quick changeover without complete disassembly. By removing a pair of fasteners securing a pair of die inserts, a spring pack in an upper die unit can be freely rotated and interchanged or modified. The spring pack has a plurality of chamfers that allow the spring pack to rotate within the die pack until a narrower side is presented for removal. Straightforward access to the cutting units is afforded when the spring pack is removed. Risk of damage to various components of the lead forming system is minimized and the precision and accuracy of the new setup is increased because the system was minimally disassembled. A method for removing the spring pack in the upper die unit is fully disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fancort Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Crudo, Ryan C. Blesi, Robert G. Antonelli, William M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10647017
    Abstract: A fluid-driven ring saw includes a ring saw blade that is supported and driven by a fluid. The fluid-driven ring saw can include one or more pairs of fluid nozzles. Each pair of fluid nozzles can include a first fluid nozzle separated from a second fluid nozzle by a gap. The ring blade can be positioned within the gap. The ring blade can include a plurality of holes. The one or more pairs of fluid nozzles can deliver fluid jets that impinge upon the plurality of holes of the ring blade to drive rotation of the ring blade. The ring blade can be driven without direct contact of a mechanical linkage, such as a belt or chain. The ring blade can be relatively thinner than ring blades driven by mechanical linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Gemini Saw Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse G. Cogswell
  • Patent number: 10647018
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion