With Comparator Patents (Class 29/702)
  • Patent number: 12076756
    Abstract: A multi-task device includes at least: a rivet support module able to contain a rivet and/or a temporary fastener support module able to contain a temporary fastener; a device for introducing a rivet or temporary fastener into the modules at at least one loading station; and a device for moving the at least one module to a work station for setting a rivet or temporary fastener in a hole provided in a structure to be worked on. The multi-task device includes a device for checking compliance of the rivet or temporary fastener depending on at least one predetermined compliance criterion, and a device for discharging, to a disposal zone, a rivet or temporary fastener identified as non-compliant by the device for checking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignees: SETI-TEC, KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Sebastien Pereira-Santo
  • Patent number: 11946325
    Abstract: A system including a spinner assembly that includes a spinner subassembly which includes a spinner configured to engage a tubular, and a drive gear coupled to the spinner, with the drive gear configured to drive rotation of the spinner, and the encoder configured to count teeth of the drive gear as the drive gear rotates. A controller configured to determine a number of revolutions of a tubular that are needed to thread the tubular to a tubular string based on data from the encoder. The controller is also configured to determine when the tubular is unthreaded from the tubular string based on data from the encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Magnuson
  • Patent number: 10448550
    Abstract: A chuck main body type and claw type deciding table and a pusher type deciding table are memorized in advance, information related to a leaded component such as component size, lead pitch, lead diameter, and component form is acquired, a combination of the chuck main body type and the claw type is searched from the chuck main body type and claw type deciding table using the acquired component size, lead pitch, lead diameter, and the like as search terms, the pusher is searched from the pusher type deciding table using the acquired component form or the like as a search term, and the search results are displayed. By this, it is possible to automatically select a tool made from a combination of multiple configuration members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsue Kondo, Takuya Iwata, Tsuyoshi Hamane, Noriaki Iwaki
  • Patent number: 9519736
    Abstract: A data generation device and a detection simulation system, capable of executing offline simulation using a vision sensor, without calibration for associating the vision sensor with the robot. The device has: a placing part which places three-dimensional models of a robot, a vision sensor and an object in a virtual space; a robot placement position designating part and a vision sensor placement position designating part which designate placement positions of the robot and the vision sensor in the virtual space, respectively, based on a reference coordinate system defined in the virtual space; a placement position storing part which stores the placement positions; a positional relationship calculating part which calculates a positional relationship between a robot coordinate system and a sensor coordinate system; and a positional relationship storing part which stores the positional relationship as data used in a detection process of the vision sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Atohira, Yoshiharu Nagatsuka
  • Patent number: 8918976
    Abstract: An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Steve Townsend, Michael David Lucas
  • Patent number: 8881360
    Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Steve Townsend, Michael David Lucas
  • Patent number: 8875383
    Abstract: A component supplying apparatus includes a motor, a rotating body, a transmitting mechanism, and a predicting section. The rotating body engages with a carrier tape in which a plurality of components to be mounted on a circuit board by a component mounting apparatus are accommodated at predetermined pitches and pays out the carrier tape at the predetermined pitches for supplying the plurality of components. The transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force of the motor to the rotating body. The predicting section predicts a deviation amount of a supplying position of each of the plurality of components based on a model formula expressing a periodical fluctuation of the supplying position of each of the plurality of components that is due to the transmitting mechanism and caused at a time the carrier tape is paid out by the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Juki Automation Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ohno, Koki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 8393075
    Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yuyama MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
  • Patent number: 8250739
    Abstract: A multi-functional assembly device includes a fixed barrel, a number of supporting boards, a rotatable barrel, and a driving device for rotating the rotatable barrel. The fixed barrel includes a number of sidewalls and defines a chamber surrounded by the sidewalls. The supporting boards are configured for holding the lens modules and are able to be secured on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls. The rotatable barrel includes a main body, a number of carrying devices, a number of glue dispensers, and a number of glue solidifying devices. The main body includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a third side surface facing the inner surfaces of the sidewalls. The carrying devices, the glue dispensers, and the glue solidifying devices are installed on the first side surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Patent number: 8095237
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensional object location and guidance to allow robotic manipulation of an object with variable position and orientation using a sensor array which is a collection of one or more sensors capable of forming a single image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: RoboticVISIONTech LLC
    Inventors: Babak Habibi, Simona Pescaru, Mohammad Sameti, Remus Florinel Boca
  • Patent number: 8091213
    Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
  • Publication number: 20110302784
    Abstract: A first lift stand is provided with a first supporting unit to support a first portion of a positioning object, and a first servo system to drive the first supporting unit in a vertical direction. A second lift stand is provided with a second supporting unit to support a second portion of the positioning object, and a second servo system to drive the second supporting unit in the vertical direction. A third lift stand is provided with a third supporting unit to support a third portion of the positioning object, and a third servo system to drive the third supporting unit in the vertical direction. A fourth lift stand is provided with a fourth supporting unit to support a fourth portion of the positioning object, and a fourth servo system to drive the fourth supporting unit in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Shigemi Yamane, Kanehiro Kominami
  • Patent number: 7958624
    Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus includes an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station includes a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyzes the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing the acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Steve Townsend, Michael David Lucas
  • Patent number: 7926159
    Abstract: Exemplary system and process for assembling a camera module are provided. The system includes a worktable, a light intensity sensor, a lens module holding device and a controlling unit. The worktable provide placement of the image sensor module thereon, thus a center of the image sensor having a coordinate value thereof. The lens module holding device can hold and move the lens module above the worktable, and it has a light source to emit parallel light that converged at a focus point, wherein the light intensity sensor can detect the focus point location and generating a signal associated with a coordinate value of the focus point. The controlling unit can receive the signal and instruct the lens module holding device to move the lens module toward the image sensor module so that the optical axis of the lens module is aligned with the center of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Jung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100180432
    Abstract: An actuator mounting assembly includes a cap, a rod, a spring mechanism, and a switch assembly. The cap is adapted to couple to an actuator. The rod extends through the cap and includes a first end adapted to extend through the actuator and a second end adapted to attach to a fixed location. The spring mechanism is disposed in the cap cavity, is compressible, and has a predetermined preload. The switch assembly is disposed in the cap and adapted to sense relative positioning between the rod and the cap and to provide signals based on the sensed relative positioning. When the rod and the cap are in a first relative position, the switch assembly provides a first signal to the actuator to allow the cap to move axially relative to the rod, but when in a second relative position, the switch assembly discontinues providing the first signal to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David A. Payne, Jim Kern, Stephen Birn
  • Publication number: 20100132180
    Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Patent number: 7559133
    Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Eymard J Chitty, Brian M Taylor, Peter C Thomas, Daniel P Vigliotti
  • Patent number: 7555831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating validation of component feeder exchanges in pick and place machines are provided. A pre-exchange image of a component from a feeder is acquired and compared with an image a component from the exchanged feeder placed after the feeder exchange. A comparison of the pre-exchange image with the post-exchange image facilitates simple and quick feeder exchange validation. Aspects of the present invention are practicable with different types of pick and place machines, and are able to advantageously use sensors and/or technician supplied information to generate automatic indications of feeder exchange validity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventor: Steven K. Case
  • Patent number: 7200910
    Abstract: A method of making a gas treatment device, the method includes projecting a laser line onto a side of substrate from a laser line generator angled away from a viewing source; projecting a laser dot onto the substrate from a laser dot generator located above the viewing source; verifying an alignment of the substrate with at least one of: another substrate and a housing by comparing the laser line projection on the substrate to the laser dot projection on the substrate, wherein the alignment is verified when the laser line projection and the laser dot projection are co-linear; and stuffing the substrate into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Kasten, Bruce E. Mattrisch, Jeff S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7010850
    Abstract: Apparatus for configuring an externally coated workpiece are provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a tubular reconfiguration chamber having a plurality of slidably mounted outer walls, the outer walls slidably mounted along individual radial lines emanating from and orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the tubular reconfiguration chamber; and a device for adjusting and maintaining the temperature of the external coating of a work-piece located within the tubular reconfiguration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Luuk Hijlkema, Michael Austin, Jan Weber
  • Patent number: 6988314
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling an internal combustion engine and for correlating engine information with a vehicle identification number. The engine includes an engine block and a plurality of pistons. The engine block has a plurality of cylinders formed therein, and the inner diameter of each cylinder is measured and recorded as cylinder information. A specific outer diameter of each of the plurality of pistons is measured and recorded as piston information. One of the pistons is selected for each cylinder based upon the recorded cylinder information and the recorded piston information so as to provide a desired piston clearance for each piston/cylinder combination. Engine information, which includes the piston information for each of the selected pistons and the cylinder information, is recorded, and the engine information is correlated with the vehicle identification number to permit the engine information to be accessed via the vehicle identification number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuo Kobayakawa
  • Patent number: 6931714
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for pressing an optical component into an optical housing. The apparatus generally includes a fixture configured to support the optical housing, a press tool configured to press the optical component into the optical housing, and a controller in electrical communication with the press tool, the controller being configured to control the press operation. The apparatus may further include a camera positioned in an optical path of the optical housing, the camera being configured to receive an optical output of the optical component and transmit data representative of the output to the controller for use in controlling the press operation. The controller is generally configured to use the optical measurements taken by the camera to control the pressing operation such that the optical source or lens is pressed to an optimal longitudinal position within the optical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Wisecarver, Charles Hu
  • Patent number: 6817077
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting and selecting parts comprising a computer for designing a plurality of a first type of component parts and a plurality of a second type of component parts. Each job, which consists of the plurality of first component parts and the plurality of second component parts, is assigned a unique identification by the computer. In addition, the computer also assigns a part identification for each of the component parts. A first tooling machine computer-controller, coupled to the computer, receives the plurality of first component part designs, creates tooling instructions for the first component parts, and creates labels for each of the first component parts. The labels include the unique job identification and the part identification. A first tooling machine, coupled to the first tooling machine computer-controller, receives the first component part tooling instructions, receives material for the first component parts, and creates the first component parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Walsh-Atkinson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6799448
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting mechanical fasteners comprises first elements to set, limit and/or measure a path or a length or a distance when the fastener is being mounted. Said apparatus also comprises second elements to set, limit and/or measure at least one force component at the fastener, said force component being built up when covering or overcoming the path of the fastener, or by this fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Meier
  • Patent number: 6782594
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and an apparatus for accurately estimating the tension or clamp force in a bolted joint. An installed fastener is rotated and the torque necessary to rotate the fastener and the angle through which the fastener is rotated are measured. The angle and torque values are plotted against one another such that the angle values are plotted on an angle axis and the torque values are plotted on a torque axis. A tangent is extended from the plot towards the angle axis. The point at which the tangent crosses the angle axis is defined as zero degrees and is called the “elastic origin”. The known angle through which the fastener rotates is used to scale the angle axis. The angle from the elastic origin to the point at which the tangent was drawn is defined as the M-alpha angle and is directly proportional to the clamp force created by the bolted joint or tension in the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph S. Shoberg
  • Patent number: 6715206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Richardson
  • Patent number: 6701615
    Abstract: An inspection and sorting system for part repair includes at least one sensor for inspecting a part. The sensor is configured to obtain inspection data for the part. A comparison module is configured to receive the inspection data, to generate a repair profile for the part using the inspection data, and to compare the repair profile with a baseline to arrive at a repair recommendation for the part. A method includes inspecting a part with at least one sensor to obtain preliminary inspection data for the part. The method further includes generating a preliminary repair profile from the preliminary inspection data, comparing the preliminary repair profile with a baseline, and arriving at a repair recommendation for the part based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin George Harding, John William Devitt, Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr., Kristina Helena Valborg Hedengren
  • Patent number: 6550135
    Abstract: When plural board blocks formed in one board undergo sequential part-mountings at plural mounting stages, particular recognition points and recognition points in the board blocks target of a downstream mounting stage are recognized at an upstream mounting stage. Relative positional data of each recognition point of the board block with respect to the particular recognition points are thus obtained at the upstream mounting stage. At the mounting stage on downstream side, only the particular recognition points are recognized thereby detecting a whole position of the board. Based on the whole position and the relative positional data, a positional deviation of the board block at the mounting stage can be detected, so that repeated recognition of the same recognition points is avoided thereby shortening a total time of position recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nakahara, Hideki Sumi, Takahiro Noda
  • Patent number: 6516234
    Abstract: An information transmitting system for use in a factory, which is capable of transmitting information among controllers simply without the complicated lead-around of a communication line nor the need of complicated communication protocol. A controller for every molding cell Ai, where i=1,2 . . . max and max is a maximum number of molding cells, a conveyance controller to control an automatic conveyor, a stock cell and a centralized controller are connected to each other via an Ethernet line to provide a common information storage unit, and information is transmitted among the controllers through the common information storage unit. Since there is no need of parallel communication lines between the controllers, an I/O port or a communication line may be prevented from increasing in number and the lead-around of the communication line is prevented from being complicated, resulting in a reduction of cost required for setting up the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kamiguchi, Osamu Saito, Atsuyuki Kukita
  • Patent number: 6481095
    Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus includes: a cup attaching system for moving a cup to a lens placed at a predetermined position, and attaching the cup onto the lens; a detecting system, provided with a measurement optical system having a measurement light source, a measurement index plate and an photoelectric detector, for detecting a position of an optical center of the lens; a display system for displaying a positional offset of the lens relative to a predetermined reference position based on a result of detection by the detecting system; a data-input system for inputting data on a target lens shape or a traced outline and a layout of the lens; a memory for storing data on shapes of plural types of cups; and a selecting system for selecting a cup, which will not interfere with an abrasive wheel during processing of the lens, based on inputted data and stored data on the shapes of the cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6430979
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting mechanical fasteners comprises first elements to set, limit and/or measure a path of a length of a distance when the fastener is being mounted. Said apparatus also comprises second elements to set, limit and/or measure at least one force component at the fastener, said force component being built up when covering or overcoming the path of the fastener, of by this fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Meier
  • Patent number: 6356807
    Abstract: A method of determining contact positions of a robot relative to a workpiece in a workspace of the robot. The method utilizes the contact positions to determine a location of the workpiece in the robot workspace. The method also monitors an integral operating parameter within the robot, such as motor torque, to determine the contact positions of the robot relative to the workpiece and to locate the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Dean McGee, Eric C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6327768
    Abstract: An automated parts assembly station includes positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) for defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for measuring a distance between the surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled. A method is provided for the timely detection of the assembly tolerances. The method includes the steps of performing with the positioning means a permanent positioning of the parts being assembled, operation of the assembly means for connecting the parts, and releasing of the positioning means. Additionally, there is a measurement of the distance between the assembled parts and some of the surfaces. This measurement includes a comparison of the measured distances with maximum admissible distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fata Automation S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Cappa, Maurizio Ercole
  • Patent number: 6301763
    Abstract: Methods for assembling, handling, and fabricating are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assembling process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Great Lakes Intellectual Property Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6240626
    Abstract: A pressing device for joining workpieces has a pressing tool and a motorized drive for actuation of the pressing tool over a pressing distance, as well as a control device which has a drive control device for influencing the drive. The drive control device has a malfunction detection device which has an actual value sensor which is suitable for detecting, as the actual value, a physical magnitude which is correlated with the pressing resistance. At least one limit value profile for the actual value is retained in the malfunction detection device, and it has a comparison device which, during a pressing, checks whether the particular actual value lies on the permissible or impermissible side of the pertinent limit value profile. The malfunction detection device comprises a signal device and/or a shutdown device for the drive, which are/is activated if the actual value lies on the impermissible side of the pertinent limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Novopress GmbH Pressen und Presswerkzauge & Co. KG
    Inventor: Xuan Luong Nghiem
  • Patent number: 6212763
    Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 6202290
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressing device (1) for joining workpieces, in particular press fittings to a pipe, having an electric drive (6) and a pressing tool (2) attached replaceably thereto, and is characterized in that control parameters for the drive (6) are stored on the pressing tool (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Novopress GmbH Pressen und Presswerkzeuge & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kewitz, Xuang Luong Nghiem
  • Patent number: 6167607
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assemblying, handling, and fabrication are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assemblying process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Great Lakes Intellectual Property
    Inventor: Timothy R. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6163946
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assemblying, handling, and fabrication are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assemblying process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Great Lakes Intellectual Property
    Inventor: Timothy R. Pryor
  • Patent number: 5727300
    Abstract: An automatic fastener installation machine feeds fasteners to a fastener inserter and senses the orientation and size of the fastener in the fastener inserter prior to inserting the fastener into a fastener hole in a work piece to determine whether the proper sized fastener is properly oriented in the fastener inserter. A support structure holds the work piece in position under the fastener inserter and the machine moves to the next fastener insert position while a fastener feeder delivers a fastener to a fastener holder. A vision system creates an image of the fastener in the fastener holder and compares predetermined points in the image with corresponding predetermined points that would be produced by the vision system of an image of a properly sized and oriented fastener in the holder, and produces a signal for the automatic fastener installation machine to proceed with its cycle when it determines that a fastener of the correct size is positioned correctly in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Ekdahl, John Thomas Hanks, Kirk Brenden Hiller, Joseph G. LaChapelle, Kirk Vaughn Thomas, Mark S. Turley
  • Patent number: 5675887
    Abstract: A rivet system (10) locks separate parts (12, 14) of an assembly (13) together on a support fixture (20) with the clamping devices (28); which prevents release of the parts (12, 14) from the fixture (20) until a required number of rivets (51) have been counted. A rivet setting tool (50) provides insertion of the rivets (51) between the parts (12, 14), and which disposes spent rivet mandrels (62) through a vacuum tube (58) to be sensed and counted. A controller (100) automatically locks the parts in the support fixture and counts the sensed mandrels (62) to allow release of the assembly (13) only upon a predetermined count of mandrels (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard H. Gajewski, Gerald T. Scala, Michael J. Allen
  • Patent number: 5604974
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a wing panel or other member for riveting or conducting other operations thereon. The member is loaded at floor level on a plurality of hydraulic cylinders spaced over the length thereof and raised to a position for conducting the operations thereon. The hydraulic fluid flow to and from the hydraulic cylinders is controlled to synchronize the movements of the cylinder piston rods so that each of the piston rods bears its share of the load throughout raising and lowering of the member. The cylinders are also individually operated to accommodate passage of riveting machine heads or other tooling relative to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley M. Roberts, James J. Birke, Joseph Dionne, Kurt R. Kubanek
  • Patent number: 5533250
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing fasteners in a panel and automatically sensing and compensating for certain error conditions which commonly arise in the installation process. The system includes monitoring the load exerted during the installation process and comparing the exerted load to nominal load values. If an error results between the two load values, appropriate corrective action is taken. If there is no corrective action which can be initiated to rectify the error condition, the system is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventor: Harold A. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 5487215
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing fasteners in a panel and automatically sensing and compensating for certain error conditions which commonly arise in the installation process. The system includes monitoring the load exerted during the installation process and comparing the exerted load to nominal load values. If an error results between the two load values, appropriate corrective action is taken. If there is no corrective action which can be initiated to rectify the error condition, the system is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventor: Harold A. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 5349730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling blinds includes a punching and cutting station, an outfeed station and a lacing stating having a plurality of lacing towers. A guide cable extends between adjacent lacing towers for guiding transported slats. A pivoted backstop at a downstream end of the lacing station yieldingly arrests the motion of incoming slats. The outfeed station of the apparatus includes a continuously driven outfeed drive roller and an opposed pinch roller which may be selectively urged against the drive roller so as to drive a slat out of the outfeed station. Each lacing tower of the apparatus includes a spring-biased spreader which provides longitudinal tension to a tape ladder while preventing longitudinal stringers of the ladder from converging upon each other. The method of the present invention includes operating the apparatus to automatically learn the selected length and arrangement of the blind and to subsequently automatically manufacture a blind to those specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Dan Hurt, Dave Burtnett, Jay Gaskins, Jim Wall
  • Patent number: 5245747
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for tightening threaded joints in two subsequent steps, namely a first step during which a joint is tightened to a predetermined torque snug level and a second step during which the joint is further tightened up to a final predetermined pretension level. During the second tightening step the angle speed of the power tool (10) is gradually increased at a predetermined rate. The power tool (10) comprises an electric brushless motor which is supplied with power from a variable frequency output inverter (11), and the gradual increase in angle speed of the power tool (10) is accomplished by a gradually increased output frequency and voltage from the power supply means (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Gunnar C. Hansson
  • Patent number: 5216795
    Abstract: A method for tightening threaded joints by applying torque on the joint by means of a power tool until a predetermined pretension level in the joint is reached, whereupon a controller means connected to the power tool is arranged on one hand to initiate power shut-off and on the other hand to initiate continued successively decreasing power supply to the tool as the predetermined pretension level is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Gunnar C. Hansson
  • Patent number: 5208976
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling circuit structures in an assembly line process. The apparatus responds to a set of program instructions by selecting components in a predefined sequence from a plurality of components and aligns each selected component to correspond with an orientation defined by the program instruction set required to mount the selected component at a specific location on a circuit board. The apparatus is controlled by the program instruction set to electrically configure and program each selected and aligned component in real-time in accordance with a configuring and programming subset of the program instruction set and to install each configured component at a predefined circuit board location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Charles G. Bess, Walter W. Jones, Jr., Edward E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5201106
    Abstract: A robot for installing a fixed length of weather stripping in a body opening. The robot in a preferred embodiment includes an arm movable in a predetermined path, a powered variable angular displacement rate pressure roller mounted on the end of the arm for tracing the body opening and applying the fixed length to the opening, a calibration table for storage of preprogrammed datums for the pressure roller angular displacement rate and weather stripping feed rates for a plurality of locational segments along the body opening during an application cycle, a controller for delivering a signal representative of the calibration table preprogrammed datums to the pressure roller, an encoder for determining the actual angular displacement rate of the pressure roller, and an encoder for determining the actual feed rate of the weather stripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors of Canada Limited
    Inventors: George D. Moore, Thorsten Koseck, William R. M. Ede
  • Patent number: 4774757
    Abstract: A part incorporating system includes a plurality of visual sensors at a detecting station immediately upstream of an incorporating station and respectively detect the positions of reference points in the base material when the base material is supplied to the detecting station, a plurality of second visual sensors at the incorporating station and respectively detect the positions of the reference points when the base material is supplied to the incorporating station, an incorporating unit at the incorporating station to support the part so that the position of the part can be adjusted and which has a fastening device for incorporating the part in the base material, and a control means which calculates the position in which the part is to be incorporated in the base material and controls the incorporating unit to adjust the position of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shunji Sakamoto, Yukio Munenaga