Abstract: A robotic head for use in palletizing products includes a body having opposed ends. A portion of a first clamping assembly is pivotably connected at one end of the body and extends to a first lip, the portion having an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the first lip. A second clamping assembly is disposed at the opposite end of the body and is movable both toward and away from the first clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly includes a second segment having a second lip, the second segment being pivotably connected with respect to the rest of the second clamping assembly. The second segment has an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the second lip of the second segment. The first and second clamping assemblies are independently operable, and capable of manipulating a box or a tray pack containing products.

Abstract: A long travel gripper is provided which has first and second end caps, first, second and third guide rails, first and second jaws, and first and second piston assemblies. The first, second and third guide rails extend between the first and second end caps. The first and second jaws, each receive, and move rectilinearly along, the first, second and third guide rails. The first and second piston assemblies each include first and second piston rods and pistons, respectively.

Abstract: A workpiece-gripping chuck includes a converting mechanism provided in a body, which converts a driving force from a rotary driving source into a displacement in the axial direction. First and second pistons of the converting mechanism are displaced in the axial direction under a rotary action of a pinion gear. Further, the first and second pistons are displaced in the axial direction, respectively, by supplying a pressure fluid from a first or second port formed in the body. A workpiece may be positioned by means of a pair of gripping members under the driving action of the rotary driving source, and the workpiece is further gripped by the gripping members by applying a pressing force of the pressure fluid in addition to the driving force.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic arm-end gripping device having a belt-driven drive train is provided. The gripping device includes a set of opposing gripping arms, a variable speed motor, a motor controller adapted to control the operation of the variable speed motor, a drive train driven by the variable speed motor, the drive train comprising a drive belt, a plurality of sheaves, and a plurality of belt clamps mounted to the drive belt and operatively connected to the opposing gripping arms, and a robot arm-end interface. The gripping device may include a fail-safe method and apparatus for prevent the dropping of the gripped article. The belt drive and associated controls provide smooth and rapid operation. The gripping device may be adapted to any arm-end tooling.

Abstract: A substrate conveyance device for fabricating a liquid crystal display device is provided. The substrate conveyance device conveys substrates and aligns substrates without using an additional aligning apparatus. The substrate conveyance device includes an arm that forms a body of the substrate conveyance device, a hand and a mover. The hand, that is movable in a first direction, includes a first end coupled with the arm and an upper surface where a substrate is placed on the upper surface. The hand also has a holder which holds a dummy portion which is at an edge of the substrate. The mover is configured to move the hand.

Abstract: An LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles includes a rotary column with a lift body, a support arm mounted to the lift body, an actuating cylinder hingedly connected to the support arm, and a kingpin connected to the support arm. The actuating cylinder and the kingpin are both attached to a rotating plate that rotates in response to the actuating cylinder. The rotating plate is connected to a clamping device that selectively clamps an LPG tank which, in turn, rotates in response to the actuating cylinder so that it can be inserted in an automobile trunk whose opening is smaller than the length of the tank.

Abstract: A method for picking up a plastic product lying on a conveyor belt, especially a tacky plastic product, for transport and for deposit in a mold in a molding press. The plastic product is picked up by one or more resilient carrier plates setting themselves resiliently on the longitudinal margins of the conveyor belt, and slipping between the product and the belt surface. An the apparatus for the practice of the method includes transversely movable carrier plates with which the plastic product is lifted by sliding under its lateral margins and is thereby picked up.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. The gripping apparatus includes a first finger including a plurality of first sawteeth along a first longitudinal end and a receiving area being located between adjacent sawteeth and a second finger including a plurality of complementary sawteeth juxtaposed from the first sawteeth. One of the first and second fingers is movable relative toward the other of the first and second fingers such that an object to be gripped is positioned in the receiving area by one of the plurality of complementary sawteeth. The object is releasably retained against the receiving area by the second finger. A method of gripping an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for convening a liquid crystal display panel for moving various size unit liquid crystal display panels. The present invention includes a horizontal driving unit controlling a revolution of a motor, a plurality of screw shafts protruding out of the horizontal driving unit. A pair of robot arms having first and second ends, the first ends are supported by corresponding screw shafts and extend from the screw shafts, and a plurality of clamping units connected to the second ends of the robot arms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scanning apparatus and method for processing a workpiece, wherein the scanning apparatus comprises a wafer arm and moving arm fixedly coupled to one another, wherein the wafer arm and moving arm are operable to rotate about a first axis. An end effector, whereon the workpiece resides, is coupled to the wafer arm. A rotational shaft couples the wafer arm and moving arm to a first actuator, wherein the first actuator provides a rotational force to the shaft. A momentum balance mechanism is coupled to the shaft and is operable to generally reverse the rotational direction of the shaft. The momentum balance mechanism comprises one or more fixed spring elements operable to provide a force to a moving spring element coupled to the moving arm. A controller is further operable to maintain a generally constant translational velocity of the end effector within a predetermined scanning range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic gripper assembly structure which comprised a supporting body (11, 111) composed of at least two wall elements or symmetrical half-shells (15, 115), realized and finished individually using a forming process and then put together to form a single body capable of receiving, supporting and guiding other structural and functional components of the gripper assembly. The complementary wall elements or half-bodies are produced using die-casting, sintering or forging techniques with material compatible for such processes and provides a housing for jaws and a drive piston of the gripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for accepting and transferring at least one disk-like member is provided. The apparatus includes a pick- and place-mechanism including gripping means. In effect, the mechanism is adapted to provide pick- and/or place-cycles, which during operation provides a movement of said gripping means between an up and a down position and vice versa, whereby, in the down position, said gripping means either picks the disk-like member from a load position or places the disk-like member onto the load position.

Abstract: A clamping plate assembly for movement laterally into and out of engagement with a load includes a main plate member which has front, rear, upper and lower edges. Along the lower edge of the main plate member, an auxiliary plate overlies a portion extending from the lower edge a predetermined distance toward the upper edge thereof, and is removably attached to the main plate member. A yieldable friction material then is over substantially the major portion of the auxiliary plate and the portion of the main plate member not covered by the auxiliary plate.

Abstract: In a robot hand according to the present invention, a first-type grasping claw driven by a servo motor on a hand base and a second-type grasping claw having no actuator are used with the grasping claws mounted on each holding unit. The second-type grasping claw is movable in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the first-type grasping claw. The robot is operated so that an external force is applied to the grasping claw by bringing the grasping claw into contact with a contact surface of a stationary stand member, thereby to change a position of the grasping claw relative to the hand base and that grasping claw is locked at that position by a brake mechanism. Each grasping claw is adapted to be able to be mounted or dismounted on or from the holding unit using a pull bolt and a retaining mechanism, and can be automatically changed by the robot operation. By attaching the pull bolt to the workpiece in advance, the retaining mechanism also can be used for holding the workpiece.

Abstract: Manipulating a vehicle body panel includes utilizing a base plate, left and right screw rods, a motor, and clamping units. The base plate is connected to the arm of the robot. The left and right screw rods are rotatably mounted below the base plate by bearing blocks and each of the screw rods has a driven helical gear at an interior end thereof. The motor is disposed central to and above the base plate and has a rotating shaft. A driving helical gear is formed at an end of the rotating shaft and is engaged with both of the driven helical gears. The clamping units are respectively mounted to the left and right screw rods by a screw block. The clamping units clamp the vehicle body panel by laterally moving with respect to the base plate and move the vehicle body panel up and down.

Abstract: A method for gripping objects by means of a robotic gripper mechanism is provided, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises gripping jaws, a wedge actuator between the gripping jaws, wherein the wedge actuator moves the gripping jaws together and apart as it slides backward and forward, and a motor that moves the wedge actuator by means of a connecting leadscrew. The method comprises applying current to the motor so that the motor reaches maximum operating speed before the gripper mechanism comes into contact with any object. When the gripping jaws contact an object, e.g., media cartridge, they collapse over the object, gripping it. The inertia from the rotating mass of the motor increases the force and speed of the gripping action. In another embodiment, a flywheel may be added to the leadscrew to provide additional rotating mass and increase the inertia before contact.

Abstract: A fluid power operate gripper has a housing, in which a drive space is located, which contains at least two drive pistons connected or able to be connected with a respective gripping element. The drive pistons divide up the drive space into a plurality of actuating chambers, which are subject to an actuating fluid under the control of control means in a controlled mutually matching manner. Since the drive pistons are not mechanically coupled kinematically variable operation is made possible in this manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying signature bundles are provided that allow for many different sizes of bundles to be handled and manipulated in an easy and very agile fashion for low cycle times and for being deposited in various pallet patterns. The apparatus can include several units adjustably mounted relative to each other with each having bundle gripping members that can likewise be adjusted for varying signature formats. The upper clamp head gripping member preferably has a universal mount so that it self-adjusts to pivot for staying in flush engagement with sloped bundles. The units have a very thin housing to allow an operator to gain a good view of the bundles carried in front thereof. The units preferably include pulley drive systems provided with drive ratios to keep the housing size to a minimum while allowing a large advancing stroke for the gripping members for handling of different sized bundles.

Abstract: A packer for packing cartons into boxes having at least one carton transfer location where cartons accumulate for transfer, a box packing location adjacent the transfer location, clamps for gripping the cartons in a group at the transfer location, the clamps being movable for moving the gripped group of cartons from the transfer location to the packing location, and, being releasable for depositing the group of cartons in the box at the packing location. Also disclosed is a carton gripper for gripping groups of cartons, moving the cartons and for packing the groups into boxes and having, a gripper body, slide rods supported on the gripper body, pairs of clamp bars slideable along the slide rods, and, the gripper being movable moving the pairs of clamp bars towards one another into a gripping position and away from one another into a releasing position. Alos disclosed is a method of gripping a group of cartons and transferring them from a conveyor into a box.

Abstract: A parallel gripper includes a housing and two adjustable gripper base jaws which are displacably guided in a jaw guiding recess. The base jaws are moved relative to one another by a wedge hook gearing that is adjusted by a piston guided in the housing. The jaw guiding recess is provided with complementary configured guiding grooves. The ratio of the wall thickness of the housing between the base of the guiding grooves and the outside of the housing to the width of the housing measured vertically in relation to the direction of displacement of the base jaws is at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of inclined traction of the wedge hook gearing to the outside width of the base jaws is at least 0.4.

Abstract: In a gripper device for manually operated or automatic handling devices, having a gripper housing, at least one base jaw displaceably seated in the gripper housing, and a drive for the base jaw, wherein the drive comprises a hydraulically or pneumatically chargeable piston displaceably seated in a cylinder and a spline hook gear, an optimal sealing of the base jaw in the gripper housing is achieved in that the base jaw has a sealed, for example circular or polygonal, cross section at least in the section extending from the gripper housing when the gripper device is opened.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for pick and place handling of articles, wherein the apparatus comprises: a supporting frame (100); and a pair of gripping fingers (2a, 2b) mounted directly or indirectly to the supporting frame and moveable towards each other so as to grip an article (3) therebetween or moveable apart for conventional release of the article, each finger being faced with a respective facing material web (7a, 7b) which is powered to be moveable over the surface of the finger, whereby an article gripped between the gripping fingers may be picked up, released and/or moved therealong, in use, by movement of the facing material webs and independently of movement of the grippping fingers toward or away from each other.

Abstract: A method and robot-based automation system are provided for cryogenic crystal sample mounting, for example, for use for cryogenic crystal sample mounting in the x-ray crystallography station at an x-ray source. The system includes a robot arm carrying a handset. The handset includes a pair of elongated fingers for sample mounting, and each finger carrying a set of strain gauge arrays for providing force sensing. A slim finger design allows a sample mounting process with no interference with the beam stop, cryostreem and x-ray detectors. The handset can detect the contact force intensity and direction; provide a precise gripping action; and feel the results of the gripping. The finger design incorporates a mechanism to maintain the sample temperature well below the cryogenic safety margin for the crystal viability. A Dewar container is provided with an ice control system and liquid nitrogen flow control. A triangular sample magazine maximizes the Dewar space usage.

Abstract: A gripper having a grip tip for parts having different shapes is provided for a surface mount device. The gripper includes a piston installed inside of a through hole formed in a holder, and lifted or lowered by air flown in/out through the through hole, a moving unit connected to fixed blocks of the holder by a connection device configured to increase or decrease an interval according to the lifting or lowering operation of the piston, and multiple grip tips configured to support at least three points of a parts having a different shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A stacking conveyor conveys packets so that the conveyed packets become stacked together in a standing up configuration as an array of packets. First and second gripping members are automatically controlled so that the first and second gripping members mechanically move independently of each other to grip the array between the first and second gripping members and move the gripped array to a different location such as, for example, to a packaging station for packaging the array.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. The gripping apparatus includes a first finger including a plurality of first sawteeth along a first longitudinal end and a receiving area being located between adjacent sawteeth and a second finger including a plurality of complementary sawteeth juxtaposed from the first sawteeth. One of the first and second fingers is movable relative toward the other of the first and second fingers such that an object to be gripped is positioned in the receiving area by one of the plurality of complementary sawteeth. The object is releasably retained against the receiving area by the second finger. A method of gripping an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device that is used to remove bucket liners from the insides of buckets, such as those found on bucket trucks. An elongated vice is created by a “U” shaped brace which holds a screw with a bracket located at each end of the screw. Each bracket has the cross-sectional shape of an “L” and both brackets have their lower portions pointing inward. The device is positioned above the bucket and the leading edges of the brackets are positioned between the upper lips of the bucket and the liner. The screw is turned and each bracket is forced inward until each bracket slides underneath of the liner. A lifting force, such as a forklift, is then used to lift the present device and the bucket liner, which is clamped between the brackets, out of the bucket.

Abstract: A unit for handling a product defined by at least one ream of sheets has two gripping members; and an actuating assembly for moving the gripping members to and from a gripping position wherein the gripping members engage the product (2) on opposite sides of the product in a given direction.

Abstract: A system for handling stiff but flexible discs, particularly semiconductor wafers, including fail safe mechanisms that prevent the disc from being dropped if power to the unit is interrupted. Also, the electronics controlling operation resumes functioning at the point in the operation cycle existing when power was interrupted. A wafer hand assembly member is slipped under a wafer, or between parallel stacked but spaced wafers, and one or more fingers are rotated 90° to a position perpendicular to the plane of the stiff hand assembly member. The hand assembly also has one or more posts positioned perpendicular to the surface of the hand assembly. The finger(s) and post(s) or rear barrier constitute three upright projections or points forming the corners of a triangle with the wafer to be grasped there between.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a microgripper having a linearly actuated grasping mechanism. According to one embodiment, a microgripper comprises at least one grasping mechanism. The microgripper further comprises at least one linear microactuator mechanism operable to impart linear movement to the grasping mechanism(s). In certain implementations, the grasping mechanism(s) comprise two arms that are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Further, in certain implementations the linear microactuator mechanism comprises a linear stepper actuator. Such linear microactuator mechanism is preferably coupled to the arms such that actuation of the linear microactuator mechanism imparts linear movement to the arms.

Abstract: A gripping device that engages and disengages an inserted workpiece with an essentially perpendicular engagement action thereby eliminating any sliding contact with the workpiece. Such perpendicular and non-sliding engagement is achieved through the action of a plurality of gripping fingers driven by a spherical ball and hinged inside of a chuck housing that guides the fingers in a substantially perpendicular motion relative to the engaged surface during engagement and disengagement. Engagement with a workpiece is achieved by the simple action of compressing a spring retained outer casing and releasing the outer casing once the workpiece has been placed-within the gripping range of the internal fingers.

Abstract: A fluid power operate gripper has a housing, in which a drive space is located, which contains at least two drive pistons connected or able to be connected with a respective gripping element. The drive pistons divide up the drive space into a plurality of actuating chambers, which are subject to an actuating fluid under the control of control means in a controlled mutually matching manner. Since the drive pistons are not mechanically coupled kinematically variable operation is made possible in this manner.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is provided. The robotic gripper has a rail, a rotary actuator, and at least one slide component moveably mounted on the rail and operatively coupled to the rotary actuator. A first gripping finger is mounted to the at least one slide component so as to move therewith, and a second gripping finger is positioned so that an object may be selectively gripped and ungripped by the first and the second gripping fingers. In a first aspect a magnet is coupled to the rotary actuator and a magnet is coupled to the at least one slide component so that rotation of the rotary actuator selectively causes attraction or repulsion of the magnet coupled to the at least one slide component, thus causing the gripping fingers selectively to assume open and closed positions. In a further aspect, the rotary actuator comprises a rotatable arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for convening a liquid crystal display panel for moving various size unit liquid crystal display panels. The present invention includes a horizontal driving unit controlling a revolution of a motor, a plurality of screw shafts protruding out of the horizontal driving unit. A pair of robot arms having first and second ends, the first ends are supported by corresponding screw shafts and extend from the screw shafts, and a plurality of clamping units connected to the second ends of the robot arms.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. The gripping apparatus includes a first finger including a plurality of first sawteeth along a first longitudinal end and a receiving area being located between adjacent sawteeth and a second finger including a plurality of complementary sawteeth juxtaposed from the first sawteeth. One of the first and second fingers is movable relative toward the other of the first and second fingers such that an object to be gripped is positioned in the receiving area by one of the plurality of complementary sawteeth. The object is releasably retained against the receiving area by the second finger. A method of gripping an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for installing fiberglass insulation. The tool having a handle with a telescopically movable post for extending its length. The tool having a grasping portion for holding the insulation. The grasping potion comprising of a pair of gripping plates, each with a stabilizing strip attached thereto. A cam flange section integral with the tops of the plates and having a pair of arc shaped slots for sliding engagement with the plates. Rotation of the handle causing the plates to either open or close.

Abstract: A synchronizing mechanism for parallel gripper and clamp assemblies which includes one or more synchronizing elements that are coupled to elongate jaw guides which guide the parallel reciprocal motion of opposed jaw members. According to one embodiment, a single synchronizing element is used which includes slots on opposite sides. The single synchronizing element is coupled to the elongate jaw guides by pins or other coupling structure or elements which are positioned in the slots and are coupled to the elongate jaw guides. According to another embodiment two synchronizing elements which pivot or rotate about a common axis and which slide relative to one another are used. In other embodiments the synchronizing mechanism can include a rotating element and shuttle elements which are configured to slide along or within the rotating element in slots or through-holes provided therein.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fish including fish grasping tongs having jaws at he distal end thereof for placement on the inside and outside of the mouth of a fish, and a hollow case for slidably receiving the fish grasping tongs, the case being adapted to force the tongs to close together as the distal end of the tongs is drawn toward the case.

Abstract: An automated workpiece processing system has a transfer robot including an end effector having arms which move linearly towards each other to pick up a workpiece. Each arm has two workpiece contactors for engaging the edges of the workpiece. The contactors are positioned equally distant from the workpiece edges. The arms are moved linearly together, while they remain parallel to each other. The contactors contact the edges of the workpiece without causing sliding or displacement of the workpiece. Transfer robot movement or pre-positioning of the end effector is minimized, expediting handling of workpieces within the automated system.

Abstract: A chuck body has a first surface for fixing to a support body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface of the chuck body is provided with a pair of chuck members for chucking a workpiece and a guide rail for guiding an open and close operation of these chuck members. Further, a plurality of stationary holes for fixing the chuck body to the support body is formed at a position overlapping with the chuck members of the guide rail so as to communicate with the first surface, and each of the chuck members is provided with a work hole for inserting a screw into these stationary holes.

Abstract: A wafer is carried on a blade supported on robotic arms. A plurality of guide clamps both move the wafer into a desired position on the blade and clamp the wafer in place during transport by the arms. The clamps are reciprocally mounted on the blade and are connected with and driven by a rotatable hub carried on the blade and rotated by the movement of the arms. Both the blade and the clamps include beveled surfaces that guide the wafer into place. The operation of the clamps is controlled by a laser that detects when the wafer is out of place or tilted on the blade.

Abstract: Apparatus for grasping a load from above or from the side, in particular for use in a manipulator, includes two parallel elongate beams, and two carriers extending in a direction of the elongate beams, with each of the carriers supported by a corresponding one of the elongate beams and guided for displacement longitudinally in the direction of the elongate beams. The carriers are disposed in spaced-apart relationship, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the carriers, and are movable relative to one another at least over a portion of a longitudinal extension of the carriers. Two confronting grippers are secured to the ends of the carriers and positioned on the outside of the carriers, when viewed in a direction transversely to the carriers and when the carriers are completely moved apart. A primary fluid-operated system is provided for moving the carriers in opposition to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parallel gripper comprising a housing (4) and two adjustable gripper base jaws (10, 12) which are guided in the housing (4) in a jaw guiding recess (8) in a displaceable manner. The base jaws (10, 12) can be moved towards or away from one another by means of a wedge hook gearing (20) that can be adjusted by means of a piston (30) that is guided in said housing. The aim of the invention is to provide a compact parallel gripper for transmitting and receiving great gripper forces or overturning moments. According to the invention, the parallel gripper is configured in such a way that the piston (30) is provided with an oval or essentially rectangular form having rounded edges and that the base jaws (10, 12) are provided with at least two guiding webs (16) on both sides respectively. Said webs are rectangular, wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in the cross-section thereof and extend in the direction of displacement (6).

Abstract: An overhead clamp-type gripping device for gripping a load from above, includes a carrier frame which is movable in a vertical direction and has support elements positioned on both sides of a center plane and extending downwards from the carrier frame for movement relative to one another. The support elements have longitudinal guides which define an upwardly open angle with respect to the center plane. Received in the longitudinal guides of the support elements is a gripper unit which includes gripping elements for laterally contacting a load.

Abstract: An electrically driven gripper has a housing, a gearmotor attached to the housing, a cam engaged to the gearmotor, a pair of opposing jaws slidingly mounted to the housing, a cam follower secured to one of the jaws and in sliding contact with the cam; and a spring configured to impart a force to the jaws such that the jaws are pulled toward each other. The gearmotor drives the cam to force the jaws to a maximum open position. Continued rotation of the cam allows the spring to pull the jaws closed to grasp an object with the jaws. Sensors mounted to the housing determine whether the jaws are in an open or closed state. A simple circuit on a printed circuit board mounted to the housing is used to control the electric gearmotor.