Computer Input Patents (Class 29/703)
  • Patent number: 11325214
    Abstract: A transport trolley for transporting a load comprising a base mounted on motorized wheels, a deck mounted to be translationally mobile on the base in a direction of translation, a first motorized system displacing the deck, a hexapod platform comprising a platform and a set of six jacks in which each is mounted articulated between the deck and the platform. The platform comprises a plurality of bearing points configured to come under the load and each bearing point takes the form of a receptacle with its opening oriented upwards. A control unit controls each motorized wheel, the first motorized system and each jack. The use of a hexapod platform makes it possible to finely position the wing at its position of fixing onto the fuselage and the use of a mobile deck supporting the hexapod platform allows for adjustability of the position despite a smaller footprint around the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, AIRBUS SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Datas, Jacques Bouriquet, Jean-Mickael Brindeau, André Aquila, Patrick Guibert, Nicolas Darbonville, Thomas Autret
  • Patent number: 11312019
    Abstract: A method for calibration of work piece mounted in a predetermined manner to a work object and a robot system using the same. The work object has a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, and wherein the work object frame of reference is defined by a first coordinate line, a second coordinate line, and a third coordinate line at intersections of the first surface, the second surface and the third surface converging on a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Jiajing Tan, Hao Gu, Jinsong Li, Yan Xu, Shaojie Cheng, Lei Mao
  • Patent number: 11211760
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a stutter step press-fit connector insertion process. A non-limiting example of a method includes applying a force to at least one press-fit pin for causing the press-fit pin to move in a direction of a through-hole of a printed circuit board, wherein a value of the force increases as the press-fit pin moves in the direction of the through-hole. In response to detecting contact between the press-fit pin and a surface profile of the through-hole, a first pause of the force is introduced for a pre-determined time interval, wherein the value of the force remains generally static during the pre-determined time interval. The force is reapplied to the press-fit pin upon completion of the time interval, wherein the value of the force increases during the reapplying until the press-fit pin is inserted into the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Jennings, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Younger, David Braun, John R. Dangler, Jennifer I. Bennett, Stephen Hugo, James Bielick
  • Patent number: 11147199
    Abstract: A control device of the tape feeder includes: a step-out detecting section for detecting a step-out of a stepping motor; a memory section for storing a target angle of a sprocket for positioning one of multiple cavities at a supply section; and a restoration process section for performing origin alignment, when the step-out detecting section detects a step-out of the stepping motor, wherein pulse power is supplied to the stepping motor so that the sprocket reaches a predetermined angle, supplying the pulse power to the stepping motor in accordance with the current angle and the target angle of the sprocket after the origin alignment is completed, and moving one of the multiple cavities to the supply section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidekazu Asao, Akira Hara, Toshiaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 11059534
    Abstract: A method of assembling a manufactured item without a guide rail and an assembly system are provided. The method includes disposing a base item on an unmanned independent vehicle system, moving the unmanned independent vehicle system to an assembly station, and attaching an additional item to the base item. The assembly system includes a number of unmanned independent vehicle systems, each unmanned independent vehicle system having at least one wheel. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to be loaded with a base item. A number of assembly stations are provided, each being configured to complete at least one assembly operation. Each unmanned independent vehicle system is configured to independently move to multiple of the assembly stations to have a different assembly operation performed at each assembly station, resulting in additional items being attached to each base item to form each manufactured item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dalong Gao, Ningjian Huang, Richard C. Janis
  • Patent number: 10906182
    Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a vision sensor, and a controller. The vision sensor is configured to be detachably attached to the robot. The controller is configured to measure a reference object by using the vision sensor and calibrate a relative relationship between a sensor portion of the vision sensor and an engagement portion of the vision sensor, and teach the robot by referring to the relative relationship and by using the vision sensor, after the vision sensor is attached to the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Suzuki, Keita Dan, Naoki Tsukabe
  • Patent number: 10568243
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic component supply system determining the types of electronic components installed on component pallets at a time when the electronic components are installed on the component pallets for installation, which determines the types of the electronic components installed on the component pallets based on planned multiple jobs continuously performed by multiple electronic component mounting machines to which the component pallets are attached and an execution order for the jobs such that the number of the component pallets exchanged during job switching is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukihiro Yamashita, Hiroaki Muratsuchi
  • Patent number: 10466685
    Abstract: In a production management method of a substrate in a component mounting system having plural component mounting lines configured to include plural component mounting apparatuses, reading production data of an interrupt type substrate; collecting equipment data of each of the component mounting lines; and determining at least one component mounting line to produce the interrupt type substrate based on the read production data of the interrupt type substrate and the collected equipment data of each of the component mounting lines are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isato Iwata, Takuya Yamazaki, Hirokazu Takehara, Hiroki Sagara
  • Patent number: 10406642
    Abstract: A dual drive pressing apparatus for plural pressing heads is disclosed. The dual drive pressing apparatus includes a platform, a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a return set and a switch set. While the first rotation plate is driven by a first driving force, the first rotation plate rotates with the second rotation plate to a selectively specific angle relative to the platform, and the set of pressing columns is selectively aligned with a corresponding pressing head. While a second driving force is provided by the switch set to resist the resilience of the return set and push against the end of the supporting cylinder to move towards the second surface, the supporting cylinder of the second rotation plate drives the fourth surface separated from the first rotation plate, and the set of pressing columns on the third surface pushes the corresponding pressing head set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: TECO IMAGE SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Ying Chen, Chien-Min Chen, Ken-Te Chou
  • Patent number: 10317878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling and/or testing articles (101,102), the system comprising a plurality of stations (11, 12) adapted to hold and/or test articles (101, 102); a conveyor assembly (20, 21, 22, 23) connecting the plurality of stations (11, 12) and adapted to move articles between the stations at predetermined time intervals; and a central controller (30) connected to at least one of the stations (11, 12), wherein the central controller is adapted to receive and store assembly and/or test step completion information from the at least one station at the end of each time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LM3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael A. Walt, II
  • Patent number: 10148054
    Abstract: A method is described for solderless electrical press-in contacting of conductive press-in pins in circuit boards, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a circuit board having at least one contacting opening for press-in contacting; providing at least one press-in component having at least one conductive press-in pin; providing a sonotrode for exerting a force and for applying ultrasonic energy. In order to electrically and mechanically contact press-in pins to a circuit board by means of ultrasonic press-in technology, it is provided that the press-in component together with its press-in pin, is fixated during a press-in step, in particular held firmly in place, and that a force and ultrasonic energy are directly applied to the circuit board by means of the sonotrode such that the circuit board is pressed at the location of its contacting opening onto the press-in pin, not directly acted upon by the sonotrode, of the press-in component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Otto, Cynthia Halm
  • Patent number: 10065275
    Abstract: A component crimping apparatus includes a crimping tool that sucks a film-like component and presses a crimping section of the sucked film-like component against the substrate to crimp the film-like component to the substrate. The crimping tool includes a block holding portion that includes a guide member extending in one direction within a horizontal plane, first suction blocks that are provided movably along the guide member and that sucks an upper part of the crimping section of the film-like component, a second suction block that is provided movably along the guide member of the block holding portion and that sucks an upper part of a non-crimping section of the film-like component and a block fixation unit that fixes the first suction blocks and the second suction block to the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Kameda, Shinjiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10061306
    Abstract: A method for allocating printed circuit boards to the fitting lines of a fitting system configured for fitting printed circuit boards with electronic components includes: determining requirements for fitting each of a plurality of printed circuit boards with respective components; and allocating the printed circuit boards to fitting lines under predetermined conditions by integral linear programming. The allocation is carried out such that differences between the component variances of the fitting lines are minimized. The component variance of a fitting line represent the number of different components configured to be fitted to all printed circuit boards allocated to the fitting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Craiovan, Norbert Herold, Thorsten Kemper, Alexander Pfaffinger, Christian Royer
  • Patent number: 9999168
    Abstract: A board conveyance device provided with multiple engaging sections that engage with a circuit board. When the conveyance direction is a first direction and the board is large, a claw out of two claws is set to a stopping state. A shuttle is moved up to the movement end on the downstream side in the first direction and two arms rotate. A lever rotates accompanying rotation of a rotating body to a disengaged position by a lever rotating section of a stopping device and an arm unit is able to be disconnected from a moving body. An arm holding section engages with an engaging section to prevent movement in the x direction. The moving body is moved in a second direction with the arm unit held by the stopping device. The claw is set to be in the stopping state and is not used in conveyance of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Otsubo, Junichi Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 9792401
    Abstract: The insulation distance check device comprising: a unit which designates a high potential component, a conductive component and an insulation component to 3D CAD data; a unit which designates a distance condition; a unit which superimposes a layer surrounding the high potential component and creates a layer map associating the layer with a first distance; a unit which determines a second distance associated with the layer contacting with a portion of the conductive component, the second distance being a distance between the high potential component and the portion of the conductive component; a unit which compares the second distance and the distance condition; and a unit which displays at least one of a region occupied by the portion of the conductive component, on which the second distance having been determined to dissatisfy the distance condition is based; and a path connecting the high potential component and the conductive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hamaguchi, Makoto Onodera
  • Patent number: 9757863
    Abstract: A hand at a robot arm leading end is provided with a mounting portion for a finger. The mounting portion includes a guiding unit that guides a supported portion of the finger so as to enable the supported portion to pass through from one end part of the guiding unit 31 to another end part thereof. The mounting portion further includes a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism moves the supported portion from any of end parts of the guiding unit 31 toward a mount position between the end parts, to thereby bring the supported portion of the finger into a restricting state at the mount position. Moreover, the lock mechanism moves the supported portion toward any of the end parts from the restricting state, to thereby bring the supported portion from the restricting state into a releasing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masataka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9482310
    Abstract: A weight applicator for a wheel of a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The weight applicator includes an arm portion and an applicator portion connected to the arm portion. The applicator includes a radially-extending flange portion. The radially-extending flange portion is connected to the arm portion. A first plunger portion is movably-connected to the radially-extending flange portion by one or more first radial arms. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: John Donnay, Dale Terry
  • Patent number: 9480195
    Abstract: In error coping executed when it is determined that an electronic component is a different type of component which is not a regular electronic component to be supplied from a part feeder in a component mounting process, production operation of the component mounting device is stopped, a component set timing at which the different type of component is set is specified on the basis of component set history information, all of the substrates to be target of production by the component mounting device after a specified component set timing are specified as substrates to be managed on which the different type of components are potentially mounted, and the production operation of all of the devices arranged downstream, and intended to produce the substrates to be managed is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kurata
  • Patent number: 9362183
    Abstract: Product management and/or prompt defect analysis of a semiconductor device may be carried out without reducing the throughput in assembly and testing. Unique identification information is attached to a plurality of substrates (lead frames) used in manufacturing a semiconductor device (QFP) and to a transport unit for transporting a plurality of substrates, respectively. Identification information (rack ID) of the transport unit and identification information (substrate ID) of the substrate stored into the transport unit are associated with each other. The substrate is taken out from the transport unit set to a loader unit of each manufacturing apparatus and supplied to a processing unit, of the apparatus and in storing the substrate, the processing of which is complete, into a transport unit of an unloader unit of the apparatus, an association between identification information of the transport unit and the identification information of the substrate is checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Sakai, Mamoru Otake, Koji Saito, Tomishi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9213326
    Abstract: A servo selection system includes a replacement-information display unit that displays at least a portion of replacement information corresponding to an input servo product before being replaced and a selected new-model servo product, and the replacement information includes a difference between a specification of the servo product before being replaced and a specification of the new-model servo product, and an operation guideline for replacing the servo product before being replaced with the selected new-model servo product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsumura, Tomohiro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9102022
    Abstract: In a parts assembly system which assembled subsidiary parts with main parts, the main parts are conveyed through a first conveying path to an assembly robot provided along the first conveying path, and the subsidiary parts are supplied through the first conveying path to stockers provided along the first conveying path. In consequence, the travel space of the conveying cart is saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Shigemori, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9079240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for placing rivet elements by means of a portable riveting device driven by an electric motor, comprising a placing device, wherein the force of the placing device utilized to place a rivet element is monitored based on the current consumed by the electric motor, wherein the path traveled by the rivet clement during the placement operation and/or traveled by the placing device during the placement operation of the rivet element is repeatedly measured by at least one sensor unit, and wherein the force of the placing device exerted on the respective measuring point is determined at the respective measuring point and is compared to a reference force value range for the respective measuring point, wherein the placement operation of the rivet element is not qualitatively accepted, if at a measuring point the force of the placing device exerted at said measuring point is outside the reference force value range for said measuring point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: HS-TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Rupert Schiffler, Hans-Martin Hanke
  • Publication number: 20150107075
    Abstract: A process and tool for installing and removing various kinds of wear parts used with earth working equipment. The process and tool allows the operator to remove and install the wear parts at a safe distance so that the operator is physically remote from the potential risks of the removal and installation process. The tool may be manually operated via an operator or the tool may be a semi-automated or fully automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: ROD CLARKE, RYAN J. CARPENTER, NOAH COWGILL, TAYLOR M. FINLEY, JOSEPH E. BLOMBERG, CHRISTOPHER M. CARPENTER, ERIC L. BEWLEY
  • Publication number: 20150047168
    Abstract: In a method for repairing a machinery component, one or more defects are detected on the machinery component. At least one portion of the component is removed, wherein the at least one portion includes at least one of the one or more defects. One or more data points are determined for at least one slot, wherein the at least one slot is created by removing the at least one portion of the component. At least one repair coupon is generated from the one or more data points. The at least one repair coupon is attached with the at least one slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Allister William James, Jan Münzer, Michael Ott
  • Patent number: 8925190
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an electronic component mounting device and an operation performing method for mounting electronic components so that both the operation quality and the productivity can be improved. In operation performing procedures, when an electronic component belongs to the first division, an operating head is made to move up and down based on an approximate operation position height derived from an approximate curved surface of the top surface of a board which is calculated by using the height measurement result obtained by measuring a plurality of height measuring points on the surface of the board, and when the electronic component belongs to the second division, the operating head is made to move up and down based on an individual operation position height obtained by individually measuring the board height at the operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Endo, Hiroshi Ogata, Tomohiro Kimura, Takaaki Yokoi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140157588
    Abstract: A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Philip W. Boyd, John W. Hall, Clayton L. Munk, James C. Roberts, Michael J. Fant, Richard D. Fiedler, Barry A. Lewis, Samuel R. Dobbs, Gary E. Mansell
  • Publication number: 20140053383
    Abstract: A method produces electrode windings, in which method a strip- or ribbon-like anode and a strip- or ribbon-like cathode are provided and flat collector lugs are formed on at least one longitudinal side of the anode and of the cathode at varying distances and/or contours are cut into the longitudinal sides of the electrodes. The anode and the cathode are wound up together with a strip- or ribbon-like separator to form a winding with the sequence anode/separator/cathode. The method is distinguished, in particular, in that the process of forming collector lugs and/or of cutting contours and the process of winding up overlap with respect to time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN VARTA Microbattery Forschungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Konrad Holl, Markus Pompetzki, Robert Sekler, Heiner Stelzig, Stefan Stock
  • Publication number: 20140041486
    Abstract: A method for stripping a cable, the cable having a conductor encompassed by an insulation and extending in a longitudinal direction, includes cutting into the insulation with stripping blades, after which the insulation is removed by sliding the stripping blades in the longitudinal direction. During the removal procedure, the longitudinal position of the stripping blades is detected if it has been determined by a detection device that at least one of the stripping blades has come in contact with the conductor. Based on the longitudinal position of one or more contacts with the conductor, a classification of the cable as adequately or poorly stripped is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KOMAX HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Stefan Viviroli, Harald Müllers, Benno Zemp, Chris Schnellmann
  • Publication number: 20130276280
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for aiding in manual handling of a work piece during machining, which method comprises the steps of: reading a predetermined work plan, comprising a required orientation of the work piece for each machining step of the work plan; detecting the orientation of the work piece; comparing the detected orientation of the work piece with the required orientation; and projecting an indication on the work piece for aiding to manually orient the work piece to the required orientation for the machining step to be performed. Al disclosed is a device for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Nivora IP B.V.
    Inventor: Nivora IP B.V.
  • Patent number: 8549723
    Abstract: An end effector squeezes parts such as rivets to upset the rivets in place within a workpiece. The end effector includes a C-shape frame slidably mounted on a support, such as a robotic arm. The frame includes opposing jaws respectively carrying tools for engaging opposite ends of the rivet, and forming a button on one end of the rivet. A single actuator moves one of the tools into engagement with a factory head on the rivet, and then displaces the frame relative to the first tool in order to bring the second tool into engagement with and deform the other end of the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Publication number: 20130178305
    Abstract: A golf club head with a multi-component construction. The golf club head can include one or more components such as inserts, panels, plates, or body members that fasten to one another to form a club head body or that fasten to a club head body. The club head can include one or more components that snap-fit into a club head body. An insert can be made entirely or partially of plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Joshua G. Breier, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Steven M. Mitzel, Thomas C. Morris, Thomas W. Preece, Peter L. Soracco
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120317802
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an electronic component mounting apparatus and an electronic component mounting method that make it possible to assure stable pickup operation even when a dimensional error attributable to a difference in production lot exists in electronic components or carrier tapes. During electronic component mounting adopting a tape splicing technique for splicing a carrier tape 15 already loaded on a tape feeder to a newly loaded carrier tape 15A, when an optical sensor 30 has detected a joint J between the already-loaded carrier tape 15 and the newly-loaded carrier tape 15A, a height measurement device 12 performs measurement of a component pickup height targeted for components P housed in the carrier tape 15A in connection with the tape feeder for which the joint J has been detected. Component pickup height data showing a target lowering height to which pickup nozzles 10a are to be lowered are updated on the basis of the measurement result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Yamamoto, Yasuyuki Ishitani
  • Publication number: 20120317804
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an electronic component mounting device and an operation performing method for mounting electronic components so that both the operation quality and the productivity can be improved. Height precision division information that divide the height precision required for up and down movements of operating heads into the first division which indicates a normal height precision and the second division which indicates that a high height precision is required based on the type of electronic components are stored as operation data beforehand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi Endo, Hiroshi Ogata, Tomohiro Kimura, Takaaki Yokoi
  • 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: 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: 20110162185
    Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fastenable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Alfred Gerhardt, Florian Steinmueller, Sascha Becker
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110014852
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system (100) for ensuring a predetermined level of accuracy of a parallel orientation of a tool tip surface (112) with respect to a work piece holder (110) surface (108) of an assembly device. A grinding plate (130) is provided onto the work piece holder surface and a grinding material is deposited thereupon. The tool tip (106) is then moved to a predetermined distance above the grinding plate and moved relative to the grinding plate in a plane oriented substantially parallel to the grinding plate top surface (128). At a plurality of predetermined locations on the tool tip surface a distance between the tool tip surface and the work piece holder surface is measured and a level of accuracy of a parallel orientation of the tool tip surface with respect to the work piece holder surface is determined in dependence upon the measured distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Samuel Yon, Stephanne Bisson
  • Publication number: 20100189340
    Abstract: A mounted component inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes: a component library holding inspection information; an inspection processing unit for inspecting a component under inspection using the component library; a match rate acquisition unit for acquiring a match rate indicating the degree to which the inspection information is suitable for the inspection by the inspection processing unit, on the basis of the result of the inspection by the inspection processing unit; and a judgment unit for selecting the inspection information having a higher match rate, of the inspection information before updating and the inspection information after updating. The component library can hold the inspection information before and after updating, and the inspection processing unit carries out the inspection using the inspection information before and after updating held in the component library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoichiro Ueda
  • Publication number: 20100122451
    Abstract: A process for simulating and assembling flexible parts includes creating an ideal path between first and second planes and placing a virtual rigid envelope around the ideal path, and possibly tubular extensions beyond the path. A virtual flexible part is marked with reference features and pulled through the virtual rigid envelope, such that the path of the virtual flexible part is constrained but may rotate. Removing the virtual rigid envelope allows the virtual flexible part to relax, causing it to move to its lowest energy state. Zero-twist end conditions on the virtual flexible part are marked, corresponding to the intersection of the reference features with the planes. Identification marks are placed on a real flexible part, corresponding to the reference strips on the virtual flexible part. The real flexible part may then be assembled by aligning zero-twist marks on mating features to the identification marks on the real flexible part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wuhua Yang, Robert Bruce Tilove, Richard A. Knoth
  • Patent number: 7644491
    Abstract: A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a table module, a first plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module and a second plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module in adjacent and adjustable relationship with respect to the first plurality of flipper devices, respectively. The first plurality of flipper devices and the second plurality of flipper devices are capable of accommodating a variation in thickness of the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joseph E. Absalonson
  • Patent number: 7634853
    Abstract: Two or more plates, each having a matching alignment hole, are precisely aligned and mated together by an aligning and clamping device that includes: (a) a plurality of movable aligning fingers, retraction means for causing the aligning fingers to move into a retracted state where they occupy a first volumetric space sufficiently small to allow the two or more plates to be moved over the retracted fingers so as to have their respective alignment holes surrounding the retracted aligning fingers; (b) expansion means for use after the plates have been moved over the fingers, the expansion means urging the fingers to expand outwardly to occupy a second volumetric space greater than the first volumetric space such that the fingers begin to contact and begin to improve co-alignment between the surrounding alignment holes; and (d) clamping means for use after the alignment holes of the plates have begun to come into improved co-alignment, the clamping means applying a clamping force for clamping the two or more mate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Precision Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Nguyen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090100662
    Abstract: A new and improved automated gun tool dolly which comprises a plurality of nail guns, such as, for example, three nail guns, which are mounted upon a horizontally movable carriage assembly in a vertically and horizontally staggered mode so as to be disposed within a diagonal array. Movement of the carriage assembly along horizontally oriented guide rails is automatically controlled, such as, for example, by means of a programmable logic controller (PLC), such that the three nail guns are sequentially and continuously disposed at predetermined firing positions at which the nail guns are sequentially fired so as to insert nails within predetermined regions of 2×4 or 2×6 plate, header, or footer members of a wall panel or wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Aubrey Smith, Stephen Fleming, Robet Tucker, Douglas Dodd
  • Patent number: 7478466
    Abstract: A device for applying a weatherstrip to a motor vehicle body, and a related method. The body bears an elongated receiving surface with a predetermined profile. The application device includes a plate for applying the weatherstrip on the receiving surface, a presser pressing the weatherstrip on the receiving surface, and a guide for guiding the application plate on a trajectory along the predetermined profile of the receiving surface The guide includes a programmable articulated mechanical element for moving the application plate, and that is programmable to adapt the trajectory of the application plate to different predetermined profiles corresponding to different vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles S.A., Technorop Automation
    Inventors: Francois Gratien, Philippe L'Hostis, legal representative, David L'Hostis, legal representative, Claire L'Hostis, legal representative, Jean-Paul Rousse, Bernard L'Hostis
  • Patent number: 7383709
    Abstract: A system and process for performing a crimping operation by which a fitting is crimped to the end of a fluid conduit, and which automatically compensates for one or more variables that can lead to out-of-tolerance crimp diameters, particularly fitting spring-back and crimper deflection. The system and method use a device for inputting into the system a targeted crimp diameter for the fitting, and a crimper for crimping the fitting to the end of the fluid conduit. The crimper comprises a plurality of dies and an actuator for contracting the dies around the fitting to obtain the targeted crimp diameter for the fitting. The system and method further includes a unit for attaining the targeted crimp diameter by automatically compensating contraction of the dies for spring-back of the fitting during crimping and/or deflection of the crimper during crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Custom Machining Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Vincent Intagliata, Joshua Thomas Ruge