Patents Issued in October 6, 2020
  • Patent number: 10792773
    Abstract: Actuators, systems, and methods for controlling tools are disclosed. One actuator includes a first motor, a second motor, and a controller. The first motor is operable to rotate a first threading extending in a first helical direction around an axis. The second motor is operable to rotate a second threading axially spaced apart from the first threading and extending in a second helical direction opposite the first helical direction around the axis. The controller is in communication with the first and second motors. The controller is configured to control speed and direction of the first and second motors to effect a desired pattern of axial and rotational movement of the tool. One method includes rotating the first threading in a first rotational direction, and simultaneously, rotating the second threading in a second rotational direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ESKO-GRAPHICS KONGSBERG AS
    Inventor: Viggo Lauritz Norum
  • Patent number: 10792774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clamp for holding a workpiece that is particularly suitable for use in CNC machining. The clamp is particularly useful for use in picture-frame machining techniques as it allows a workpiece to be held in a position wherein a machine can have substantially unencumbered access to both sides of the workpiece without the need to remove the workpiece from the clamp. The clamp comprises a frame comprising a base, a first arm, and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm each mounted to the base at an inner end such that they are parallel with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Robert Shillabeer
  • Patent number: 10792775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and machining device for clamping and machining a control cabinet component in a machining device. The method includes the following steps: Arranging a workpiece configured as a control cabinet component on a work surface of a machining device; clamping the workpiece on the work surface, wherein a supporting unit with at least one clamping device arranged on it, is shifted to an edge of the workpiece using an actuator-driven shifting unit and a clamping element of the at least one clamping device is shifted from a released position to a clamped position when guided towards the edge of the workpiece, meaning that the clamping element comes to rest at multiple contact points on the workpiece so that the clamping element secures the workpiece in a machining position, preventing it from shifting perpendicularly to the work surface, and machining the workpiece using a machining tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: RITTAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Kersten Wurm
  • Patent number: 10792776
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a turning position adjustment unit configured to control a turning drive unit so that, when a tool is transferred between a spindle and a grip, if an amount of sway of the tool is greater than or equal to a threshold value, a turret is turned and the amount of sway of the tool becomes less than the threshold value, and an origin point correcting unit configured to correct an origin point in accordance with a turning position of the turret acquired by a turning position acquisition unit, when the turret is turned by the turning drive unit so that the amount of sway of the tool becomes less than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuzou Inaguchi, Gaku Isobe, Yasuaki Koyama
  • Patent number: 10792777
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing pallets delivered to a machining center. Different workpieces are connected or attached to different pallets. A first workpiece corresponding to a first pallet is delivered to or near an indexer or indexer assembly and the indexer is moved into an engaged position and performs a work operation on the first workpiece. The indexer is then moved to a disengaged position and the first pallet and the first workpiece are exchanged or switched out with a second pallet having a second workpiece. The indexer is then moved to an engaged position and works the second workpiece and when completed, the indexer moves to the disengaged position and the second workpiece is exchanged or switched out with a third pallet having a third workpiece. The indexer system of this invention can quickly and cost-effectively cycle through different pallets and thus different workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MIDACO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Paul Cayley, Sr., Malcolm E. Keith
  • Patent number: 10792778
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating support surfaces of a wafer chuck, such as a wafer chuck, entails lightly passing a treatment tool having a nominally flat contacting surface over the regions of the chuck where contaminants are to be removed. The treatment tool and the chuck surface may have about the same hardness. The treatment tool may be minimally constrained so that it may conform to the surface being processed. When the treatment tool is contacted to a flat surface, the locust of contact may be in the form of a circle, ring or annulus. At higher application pressures, the treatment tool will abrade the chuck, which here is to be avoided, or at least minimized. Thus, the instant inventors have discovered that the same treatment tool that is used to engineer the elevation or profile of the surface, and its roughness, at lower application pressures can be used to remove grinding debris and other contaminants from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: M Cubed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Gratrix
  • Patent number: 10792779
    Abstract: There is provided a method for installing an endless abrasive belt to a belt holder unit, the method comprising: aligning a base with the belt holder unit, the base comprising a backing plate and at least one belt extraction element extending from the backing plate, wherein a cartridge having a belt pre-tightened around the cartridge is physically coupled with the base such that there is a space between the backing plate and the cartridge; arranging the cartridge to face the belt holder unit; reducing said space by pressing the cartridge against the belt holder unit that causes the at least one belt extraction element to push said belt off around the cartridge as a response to reducing the space; and causing tightening of said belt to the belt holder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FLEXMILL OY
    Inventors: Petri Kosonen, Marko Niemi, Tarmo Paldanius
  • Patent number: 10792780
    Abstract: A sander includes a motor, a housing, a battery pack, a baseplate and a driving assembly. The motor includes a motor shaft configured to rotate around a first axis. The housing includes an accommodating portion for accommodating the motor. The battery pack is configured to power the motor. The baseplate includes a baseplate plane for arranging sandpaper. The driving assembly is configured to drive at least the baseplate to move eccentrically. The housing is further provided with a first grip portion, a second grip portion, and a coupling portion. The first grip portion is configured to be gripped by one hand of a user. The second grip portion is configured to be gripped by another hand of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukinuki Masatoshi, Bing Han
  • Patent number: 10792781
    Abstract: A masking tool system includes a first masking body and a second masking body. The first masking body includes a bore passing through a portion of the first masking body and a first sealing element disposed on a first end of the first masking body. The second masking body includes a bore passing through the second masking body and a second sealing element disposed on a first end of the second masking body. The system may also include a rod configured to pass through the bores of the first and second masking bodies and to secure the first and second masking bodies to a metallic article placed therebetween. A diagonal length of the masking tool system induces a wobbling rotation during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Lee Larson, Roland L. Walker, Jr., Mark Philip Vance, James Joseph Meyer, Edward P. Michaels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10792782
    Abstract: The invention simulates polishing amount taking into account pressure concentration that occurs in the vicinity of the edge of a substrate when a small-diameter buffing pad overhangs the substrate to be buffed. One embodiment of the invention provides a method for simulating polishing amount in a case where a polishing pad of a smaller size than a substrate is used to buff the substrate. The method includes measuring distributions of pressure that is applied from the polishing pad to the substrate according to each overhang amount of the polishing pad relative to the substrate by using a pressure sensor, and correcting the pressure that is used in the polishing amount simulation in accordance with the overhang amounts and the measured pressure distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yamaguchi, Itsuki Kobata, Toshio Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10792783
    Abstract: A system, a control method and an apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) are introduced in the present application. The CMP apparatus may include a polishing pad, a first sensor, a polishing head and a condition. The polishing pad has a plurality of groves arranged randomly or in a specific pattern. The first sensor is configured to measure the pad profile of the polishing pad, where the pad profile includes the depth of each of the grooves on the polishing pad. The polishing head and the conditioner are operated according to at least one polishing condition, and the at least one polishing condition is tuned according to the pad profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chu Hu, Chun-Hai Huang, Mu-Han Cheng, Yu-Chin Tseng, Chien-Chih Chen, Tzu-Shin Chen
  • Patent number: 10792784
    Abstract: A leak checking method which is capable of detecting a leak of compressed gas supplied to a polishing head without removing the polishing head from a polishing apparatus is disclosed. The leak checking method includes: supplying a compressed gas into a pressure chamber, which is formed by a membrane of a polishing head, with the membrane placed in contact with a stationary surface; measuring a flow rate of the compressed gas during supplying of the compressed gas into the pressure chamber, while regulating a pressure of the compressed gas by use of a pressure regulator; deciding whether or not the flow rate measured when a variation in the pressure of the compressed gas is within an allowable range of variation, is within a reference range; and generating a leak-detection signal when the flow rate is outside of the reference range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Sakugawa, Nobuyuki Takahashi, Toru Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10792785
    Abstract: Described are slurry compositions useful in chemical-mechanical processing of a nickel layer of a substrate, wherein the slurry compositions contain abrasive particles that include silica particles that are cationically charged at a low pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Cabot Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ke Zhang
  • Patent number: 10792786
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure demonstrate a lapping carrier system for a bar to be lapped. The lapping carrier system may be configured with a single piece insert whose bridge is separated from a plurality of joints of the carrier insert by a varying distance. The varying distance can be greater at a medial portion of the bridge than at an end portion of the bridge to collectively form a parabolic shape. In some embodiments, a lapping insert can include a bridge with its length longer than the bar. In some embodiments in a lapping insert, the centerline between the end joint edge and the end finger edge extends beyond the edge of bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Yuhong Xiong, Andrew David Habermas, Kok Yen Goh, PengKoon Hew
  • Patent number: 10792787
    Abstract: A burnishing machine is provided in which both sides of a groove is machined by a single tool without changing the movement direction of a piston. The burnishing machine, includes: a tip configured to press and process a process face; and a pressurizing unit configured to press the tip against the process face, the pressurizing unit including, a piston configured to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the tip, a cylinder portion that accommodates the piston such that the piston reciprocates; and a pressurizing mechanism configured to urge the tip to the process face at both timing of pushing the tip against the process face and pulling the tip against the process face by making the piston reciprocate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SUGINO MACHINE LIMITED
    Inventors: Daichi Kamimura, Masahide Ohashi, Masaru Futamura
  • Patent number: 10792788
    Abstract: Methods for treating texturized surfaces of sputter targets in order to improve adhesion and retention of deposited particles thereon. The target surfaces may first be texturized by a precursor texturizing method such as bead blasting, grit blasting, plasma spraying, or a twin-wire-arc spraying (TWAS) method. The thus textured surface is then sprayed or blasted with ice particles to form an optimized textured surface. The ice particles may comprise sublimable particles such as frozen carbon dioxide or dry ice. Also, argon may be used as exemplary ice particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TOSOH SMD, INC.
    Inventors: David B. Smathers, Joseph W. Buckfeller, John Holeman, Justin K. Reed
  • Patent number: 10792789
    Abstract: A magnetic vise base apparatus for quickly installing a vise on any ferrous surface includes a base having a top platform and a pair of side walls perpendicularly coupled to the top platform. The top platform is configured to receive a vise. A magnet housing is coupled to the base between the pair of side walls. A magnet is coupled to the magnet housing and comprises a pair of ferrous blocks, a non-ferrous median, and a magnetic core. The magnet has a core aperture extending from a front side to a rear side of the magnet housing, fully through the non-ferrous median and partially into each of the pair of ferrous blocks to receive the magnetic core. The magnetic core is rotatable to magnetize and demagnetize the pair of ferrous blocks. A handle is coupled to a magnet rod coupled to rotate the magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Monte Dewey
  • Patent number: 10792790
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet clamp comprising a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm which are pivotally connected with each other via a connecting shaft so as to be opened and closed relative to each other, a ratchet assembly, a swing assembly and a control assembly provided between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm; the ratchet toothed assembly has a plurality of first ratchet teeth and a plurality of second ratchet teeth which are juxtaposed and are misaligned with each other; the swing assembly and the ratchet toothed assembly are moved away from or towards each other with the connecting shaft as the axial center of rotation; a latch member of the control assembly has at least a first pawl and at least a second pawl, a wrench member of the control assembly is used for toggling the latch member to be moved, the first pawls and the second pawls are respectively engaged with the corresponding first ratchet teeth and second ratchet teeth when the latch member is moved to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignees: Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Great Star Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueming Li
  • Patent number: 10792791
    Abstract: A clench wrench includes a structure including a handle and an engaging head. The engaging head includes an engaging space extending through front and back sides thereof. The engaging space defines an opening on both the front and back sides. A clenching device is mounted on the engaging head and includes a clenching member. The clenching member includes a clenching portion and is operable in a first mode in which the clenching portion is located at a first position and capable of clenching an object engaged with the engaging head, and a second mode in which the clenching portion is disposed away from the engaging space and is located at a second position and capable of letting the object engaged with the engaging head disengage therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hong Ann Tool Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 10792792
    Abstract: A wrench with quickly angularly adjustable handle includes a head section and a handle. The head section and the handle are pivotally connected with each other via a first and a second pivoted ends, whereby the handle can be up and down swung relative to the head section. The first and second pivoted ends respectively have a first and a second end faces facing each other. The first end face is formed with an upper and a lower contact sections. The second end face is formed with an upper and a lower abutment sections. The lower abutment section abuts against the lower contact section as a lower dead end of angular displacement of the handle. The upper abutment section abuts against the upper contact section as an upper dead end of angular displacement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10792793
    Abstract: A tool for driving threaded fasteners includes a tool bit extending along a longitudinal axis and including a rear shank of polygonal cross section, a front working end, and an intermediate portion having a front shoulder, a rear shoulder, and a reduced diameter annular groove. A floating magnet sleeve receivable over the tool bit includes a tubular body, retention member projecting radially inward from a rear end of the body, and a magnet disposed at a front end of the body. The sleeve is axially moveable by a float distance between rearward and forward positions such that the magnet can engage a fastener head coupled to the working end as the sleeve approaches the forward position. The float distance is less than a tip distance between a front end of the magnet and a front tip of the working end when the sleeve is in the rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Darren B. Moss, Michael P. Peters
  • Patent number: 10792794
    Abstract: Installation tools systems and methods for use with an elongated adapter. The elongated adapters have a proximal end and a distal end; and a driver which generates torque mounted to a first end of the elongated adapter; a torque transfer unit engaging the elongated adapter and the driver to transfer torque produced by said driver to a fastener. Fastener installation tools engaging the distal end of the elongated adapter include a first member wherein the first member has a distal end and two projection elements positioned in a plane and a channel between the projection elements further wherein at least one of the first members has a notch at a distal end on a channel-facing side, a positioning member formed integrally with the first member wherein the positioning member has a linear marker on a first side, an angled marker on a second side, and a rocker positioned between the angled marker and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SIMPSON STRONG-TIE COMPANY INC.
    Inventors: Adam Tillinghast, Troy Hale
  • Patent number: 10792795
    Abstract: An interactive software application on a mobile computing device is used to configure an electronic torque wrench via a wireless connection. The software application obtains torque specifications for a vehicle from a remote database. When the torque specification require that work pieces be torqued in an ordered sequence, the software application guides the technician through the sequence, but accommodates changes when the technician departs from the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Nathan J. Lee, Christopher Lawton
  • Patent number: 10792796
    Abstract: A cartridge extractor adaptor having a cylindrical adaptor configured to engage between a cartridge puller and faucet housing in order to extend the pulling force of the cartridge puller. The cartridge extractor adaptor may be constructed of a composite or a metal alloy, having a tensile strength and wall thickness that is substantially greater than the pulling force generated by the cartridge puller. The cartridge extractor adaptor is structured and arranged having a hollow core body with a tool receiver flange at its proximal end, and a valve housing receiver flange at its distal end. The hollow body includes a pair of cartridge guide relief openings in the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: William Eugene Wilson
  • Patent number: 10792797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held tool, in particular a nail-setting device, comprising a handle for manual actuation of the hand-held tool, an interface for fastening the hand-held tool to a remote actuation device, a control apparatus for controlling the hand-held tool in a manual mode and in a remote actuation mode, and a querying apparatus for querying whether the hand-held tool is fastened to a remote actuation device, wherein the control apparatus controls the hand-held tool in the manual mode if the querying apparatus detects that the hand-held tool is not fastened to a remote actuation device, and wherein the control apparatus controls the hand-held tool in the remote actuation mode if the querying apparatus detects that the hand-held tool is fastened to a remote actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mario Grazioli, Karsten Rix, Joerg Stamm
  • Patent number: 10792798
    Abstract: A pneumatic hammer has a handle, a body, a valve seat, a cylinder device, an assembling device, and a chisel. The body is transversally connected to the handle and has a chamber. The valve seat is mounted in the chamber of the body and has a rear valve, a front valve, and a valve plate disposed between the rear valve and the front valve. The cylinder device is mounted in the chamber, abuts against the valve seat, and has a cylinder barrel and a hammer. The cylinder barrel is mounted in the chamber and has a cylinder chamber. The hammer is movably disposed in the cylinder chamber. The assembling device is connected to the cylinder device, and has a mounting jacket, an engaging element, multiple positioning elements, a spring, and an engaging ring. The chisel is detachably connected to the assembling device, and is inserted into the cylinder chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Jian-Shiou Liaw
  • Patent number: 10792799
    Abstract: A power tool 1 including a bit socket 6 which is configured to hold a chiseling bit 7 so that the latter can move along an axis of movement 3. A magneto-pneumatic striking mechanism 2 includes a primary drive 22 that is arranged around the axis of movement 3 and that has a first magnet coil 46, a permanently and radially magnetizable ring magnet 42 and a second magnet coil 47 arranged consecutively in the striking direction 5. On the axis of movement 3, inside the magnet coils 46, 47, the striking mechanism 2 has a striker 4 and a striking block 13 arranged consecutively in the striking direction 5. An air cushion 23 acts upon the striker 4 in the striking direction 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albert Binder, Christoph Hakenholt, Jochen Kuntner
  • Patent number: 10792800
    Abstract: An application-specific multi-tool is provided. The multi-tool includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a central portion extending between and connecting the first side portion and the second side portion. The central portion has a first central portion side and a second central portion side opposite the first central portion side. An axle extends between the first side portion and the second side portion. A plurality of tools is rotatably coupled to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: GrooveTech Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Parks
  • Patent number: 10792801
    Abstract: An accessory for coupling to an attachment mechanism of an oscillating power tool includes a working end, an opposite rear end, and a fitment portion adjacent the rear end portion. The fitment portion includes a central opening having a central portion and a rearward portion open to the rear end, and configured to receive a post of a tool clamping mechanism. The fitment portion further includes a first plurality of openings in communication with and extending radially outward from the central portion, a second plurality of openings not in communication with and positioned radially outward from the central portion. The central portion, the first plurality of openings, and the second plurality of openings are configured to couple the fitment portion to a plurality of different configurations of attachment mechanisms for oscillating power tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kaye, Jr., James R. Niblett
  • Patent number: 10792802
    Abstract: A hand tool having a tool spindle that can be driven rotatingly oscillatingly, with an outer housing having a gripping region, an inner housing that is at least partially arranged within the outer housing and coupled therewith, and further having a drive unit including a drive shaft that can be driven rotatingly. The drive unit is received within the inner housing. The drive shaft defines a drive axis. The outer and the inner housings are coupled with each other by a deformable damping element, which in the non-mounted state is formed plate-shaped. The damping element in a mounted state defines a peripheral section and an axial section. The peripheral section in the mounted state is configured for transmitting radial forces between the outer housing and the inner housing. The axial section in the mounted state is configured for transmitting axial forces between the outer housing and the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Simma
  • Patent number: 10792803
    Abstract: A tool holding frame has a track base, a positioning board, and at least one positioning mount. The positioning board is disposed on the track base and has a positioning segment. The first positioning segment has multiple positioning blocks having curved side edges and multiple positioning portions. The at least one positioning mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the track base. Each positioning mount has an annular positioning flange and a second positioning segment. The second positioning segment is selectively engaged with two of the positioning portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Jui Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 10792804
    Abstract: Structure for an organised container, particularly for hydraulic connectors and similar, including a prismatic boxed body made up of side walls joined to a bottom and defining an internal space; the internal part of the walls includes supporting elements suitable to hold a plurality of connectors, subdivided by type, in an organised way, such that the organisation of the parts in the container, immediate determination of the type and number of the connectors present, as well as the ease of removal, facilitates supply in the warehouse and work on the construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Francesco Anile
  • Patent number: 10792805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-hollow actuator module and, more particularly, to a semi-hollow actuator module that has solved the problem that wires (cables) are entangled when an actuator module including a motor and a reducer therein is combined with another actuator module or a module connection member, etc. by improving a connection structure of the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ROBOTIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Soo Kim, Yong Jin Eum
  • Patent number: 10792806
    Abstract: In a driving device of an artificial muscle module and a driving method thereof, the driving device includes a fluid tank unit, a fluid providing line, a fluid collecting line, a circulation pump unit, a temp control unit and a fluid distributing unit. The fluid providing line includes high temp and low temp water tanks. The fluid providing line connects a first side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The fluid collecting line connects a second side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The circulation pump unit is positioned at least one of the fluid providing line and the fluid collecting line. The temp control unit controls temperature of the fluid. The fluid distributing unit is positioned at the fluid collecting line, and distributes the fluid in the fluid collecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Cheol-hoon Park, Young-su Son, Sang-yong Ham, Sang-kyu Choi, Doo-euy Hong, Kyung-jun Choi, Seong-joon Park
  • Patent number: 10792807
    Abstract: A soft robot having an integrated electrical component includes an expandable or collapsible body, the body comprising an inlet that is configured to communicate with a fluid source and a flexible strain limited layer secured to a portion of the expandable or collapsible body, wherein the strain limited layer includes at least one electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ramses V. Martinez, Alok Suryavamsee Tayi, Jason Ming Ting, George M. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 10792808
    Abstract: A robot includes a first control device; and one or more second control devices to be controlled by the first control device. The second control device controls a control target controlled by the second control device at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is determined based on first information received by the second control device from the first control device at a first time point and second information received by the second control device from the first control device at a second time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsuto Kitahara
  • Patent number: 10792809
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes controlling a robotic gripping device to cause a plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device to move towards each other in an attempt to grasp an object. The method also includes receiving, from at least one non-contact sensor on the robotic gripping device, first sensor data indicative of a region between the plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device. The method further includes receiving, from the at least one non-contact sensor on the robotic gripping device, second sensor data indicative of the region between the plurality of digits of the robotic gripping device, where the second sensor data is based on a different sensing modality than the first sensor data. The method additionally includes determining, using an object-in-hand classifier that takes as input the first sensor data and the second sensor data, a result of the attempt to grasp the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bingham, Taylor Alexander, Bianca Homberg, Joseph DelPreto
  • Patent number: 10792810
    Abstract: A machine learning system builds and uses computer models for controlling robotic performance of a task. Such computer models may be first trained using feedback on computer simulations of the robot performing the task, and then refined using feedback on real-world trials of the robot performing the task. Some examples of the computer models can be trained to automatically evaluate robotic task performance and provide the feedback. This feedback can be used by a machine learning system, for example an evolution strategies system or reinforcement learning system, to generate and refine the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Leonardo Ruggiero Bachega, Brandon William Porter, Benjamin Lev Snyder, Michael Vogelsong, Corrinne Yu
  • Patent number: 10792811
    Abstract: A multi-bar linkage includes a driving unit that is configured to supply torque to a driving shaft, where the driving shaft is provided on a first portion of a first link. A driving arm has one end fixed to the driving shaft and an opposite end being movable following rotation of the driving shaft. A first auxiliary link has one end pivotably connected to the opposite end of the driving arm. A second auxiliary link is pivotably connected to a first point of a second portion of the first link and to an opposite end of the first auxiliary link. A second link is disposed below the first link and pivotably connected to the second auxiliary link. A third auxiliary link has one end pivotably connected to a second point of the second portion of the first link, separated from the first point, and an opposite end pivotably connected to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Rotem Company
    Inventors: Dong Jin Hyun, Tae Jun Ha, Hyun Seok Park
  • Patent number: 10792812
    Abstract: A control device includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control driving of a robot capable of performing work including a screw-tightening process for tightening a screw, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an input of at least one of characteristics of an object including the screw used in the screw-tightening process; calculate, on the basis of the characteristics received, a value concerning screw-tightening torque at a time of the tightening of the screw by the robot; and cause a display to display the value concerning the screw-tightening torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Junya Ueda
  • Patent number: 10792813
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for managing robot resources are described. A robot receives from an application a request to reserve a particular set of physical resources of the robot. The robot then determines that each of the physical resources in the set are available to the application and, based on the determination, allocates exclusive use of the particular set of resources to the application by (i) generating a token corresponding to the set of resources, (ii) providing the token to the application, and (iii) updating token data that associates the token with the set of resources. The robot then controls access to the particular set of resources such that, while token data indicates that the token is valid, commands from applications that involve the set of resources are only executed when provided with the token corresponding to the allocation of access to the particular set of resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Coe, Nathan Pooley
  • Patent number: 10792814
    Abstract: Systems and methods to store, in a database, product information identifying each respective product in the database, a store in the shopping mall that carries the respective product, and a location within the store where the respective product is physically accessible by a customer visiting the mall. The database is updated via communicating with database systems of stores in the mall and/or dispatching robots to the stores to collect data for the updates. Frequencies of the updates are determined based on sales volumes of the stores. A server is used to provide a user interface to access the database of the mall and provide navigational guidance for travel from current locations of user devices and the locations of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: OneMarket Network LLC
    Inventors: Riley James Hitchcock, Sarah A. McElroy, Edmund James Golby Spencer, Corrine C Barchanowicz, Erik Davin Kokkonen, Joshua Lynton Lowy, Gerard Joseph Cerchio, Brian David Wilson
  • Patent number: 10792815
    Abstract: A fixture assembly includes a first rail, a second rail coupled to the first rail, a first mount configured to support a first panel, a column coupled to the second rail, and a second mount movably coupled to the column. The first mount is movably coupled to the first rail to allow the first mount to move along the first rail in a first direction. The fixture assembly further includes a first servomotor coupled to the first mount to allow the first mount to rotate about a first axis. The fixture further includes a second servomotor coupled to the second mount to allow the second mount to rotate about a second axis. The fixture assembly includes a controller programmed to control the first servomotor and the second servomotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kyle T. Makowski, Robert L. Pobocik, Daniel P. Malouhos, Karen E. Bunker
  • Patent number: 10792816
    Abstract: A portable work module includes a combination of prismatic and revolute joints for positioning and orienting a robotic end effector for performing a task within confined space. For example, the portable work module may include telescoping arm integrated with wrist having a plurality of degrees of freedom with respect to telescoping arm. The portable work module includes an insert that is secured with respect to an access port of confined space, said access port serving as a reference location for calculating the position of the robotic end effector within confined space. The portable work module is configured to have a compacted configuration for insertion into confined space, and an extended configuration for performing tasks within confined space. In some examples, the portable work module is modular, such that the robotic end effector or other components may be selectively removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Chris J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10792817
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a system, a method, and a program for adjusting the altitude of a robot provided with an omnidirectional camera which provides entire visual field images with improved image quality. The system 1 for adjusting the altitude of a robot 200 provided with an omnidirectional camera 100 acquires the altitude of the omnidirectional camera 100, adjusts the altitude of the robot 200 so that the acquired altitude is a constant, and generates a 360-degree image taken by the omnidirectional camera 100 by synthetic processing in a predetermined altitude error range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: OPTIM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunji Sugaya
  • Patent number: 10792818
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. Mccoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
  • Patent number: 10792819
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller. The controller controls, in accordance with a touch on one or plural devices by a user, execution of a cooperative function that uses the one or plural devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kengo Tokuchi
  • Patent number: 10792820
    Abstract: A robot arm comprising a plurality of limbs articulated relative to each other, the robot arm extending from a base to a distal limb carrying a tool or an attachment point for a tool, the distal limb being attached by a revolute joint to a second limb, and the robot arm comprising a motor having a body and a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the distal limb relative to the second limb about the revolute joint, wherein the body of the motor is fast with the distal limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: CMR SURGICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Keith Marshall, Nikki Priyam Su-Ling Phoolchund
  • Patent number: 10792821
    Abstract: A method for decelerating a robot axis arrangement having at least one output link includes steps of applying a braking force on the output link with a brake and, in so doing, controlling a driving force of a drive that acts on the output link, and/or controlling the braking force on the basis of a dynamic variable of the output link, wherein the dynamic variable is a function of the braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Keyl, Michael Thummel, Dietmar Tscharnuter, Tobias Weiser
  • Patent number: 10792822
    Abstract: An apparatus including a movable arm; a robot drive connected to the movable arm; and a heat transfer system. The robot drive includes a first drive configured to extend and retract the movable arm and a second drive configured to move the movable arm and the first drive along a linear path. The heat transfer system includes a first heat transfer member on the base and a second heat transfer member, where the heat transfer system is configured to transfer heat from the first drive to the first heat transfer member and then from the first heat transfer member to the second heat transfer member. The first heat transfer member travels with the base, and the first heat transfer member moves relative to the second heat transfer member as the base moves relative to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Persimmon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Hosek, Tuan Ha, Christopher Hofmeister