Miscellaneous Compound Implement Patents (Class 294/2)
  • Patent number: 7950708
    Abstract: An end effector for a robot having an array of suction cups includes an air control valve connected to each suction cup. Each valve can be individually operated so that specific zones of suction cups may be activated while others are dormant. The dormant suction cups are closed to the sub-atmospheric pressure, so that leakage of air through unused suction cups is avoided, while only the suction cups of the selected zone perform the picking of the work products. This allows the end effector to provide accurate and constant sub-atmospheric pressure to the work products during the picking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: AMF Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey James Parnell
  • Patent number: 7926167
    Abstract: A method to assemble a disk drive having a spindle that includes a hub. At least one disk is placed on the hub. A clamp is fastened to the hub by a plurality of threaded fasteners. Each of the plurality of threaded fasteners is initially tightened. After initial tightening, an initial couple imbalance of the spindle is determined. After the initial couple imbalance is determined, a first selected threaded fastener of the plurality of threaded fasteners is selected and rotated by a first amount of rotation that is significantly different from a second amount of rotation of a second selected threaded fastener of the plurality of threaded fasteners. The selection and rotation of the first selected threaded fastener of the plurality of fasteners is determined based on the initial couple imbalance of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Liebman, Antony Tuyen Nguyen, Thomas Anthony Tacklind, August L. Klerks, Amir Norton
  • Patent number: 7914248
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided repositioning support provided by an end effector. The first method includes the steps of (1) employing the end effector to support a substrate carrier by a bottom of the substrate carrier; (2) transferring the substrate carrier from the end effector to an intermediate support location, wherein the intermediate support location supports the substrate carrier by a bottom of the substrate carrier; (3) repositioning the end effector proximate an overhead transfer flange of the substrate carrier; (4) employing the end effector to support the substrate carrier by the overhead transfer flange of the substrate carrier; and (5) transferring the substrate carrier from the intermediate support location. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Elliott, Michael Robert Rice
  • Patent number: 7887108
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide an adjustable tine clamp configuration are shown. Embodiments provide an adjustable support member configuration which is adapted to maintain a desired geometry of tines throughout an adjustable range. The adjustable support members are preferably adjustable to provide selectable clamping widths, such as to accommodate manipulation of goods of different sizes and shapes. Embodiments utilize parallel links coupled to pivoting tine supports to maintain proper tine geometry throughout the full range of adjustment. Such parallel links are further preferably utilized to actuate associated tines in operation of the adjustable tine clamp. Embodiments further implement a short stroke actuator configuration to facilitate very rapid production cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sage Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton M. Cawley, Timothy W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7828351
    Abstract: A manipulator robot for handling objects and in particular bottles. The manipulator robot includes a body whereon are fitted equipment items for gripping the bottles and the lower part of the body includes slide-shaped devices connecting the body and elongated support members whereon is arranged the equipment items. Fast fixing devices are also interposed between the body and each elongated support member to facilitate changing the elongated support members. The elongated support members may include all sorts of equipment items such as pneumatic bell-shaped gripping heads or handling suckers and/or claw systems for handling cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Gilles Baumstimler
  • Publication number: 20100272544
    Abstract: A system for handling wafers comprising: at least one unload station; at least one intermediate station designed to hold the wafers at an angle; a processing station; and a transfer device configured to move the wafers between the stations. The intermediate station may be configured to receive the wafers in a back-to-back arrangement. An apparatus for handling wafers comprising: on one side, a vacuum gripper configured to grip individual wafers; and, on the other side, a gravity gripper configured to support one or more wafers when positioned beneath the wafers and lifted. A method for handling wafers, comprising: unloading wafers; transferring the wafers to an intermediate station; transferring the wafers from the intermediate station to a processing station; treating the wafers; unloading the wafers from the processing station; and reloading the wafers in a carrier, wherein the wafers are unloaded, transferred and reloaded by a transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Rivollier, Ryan Chubb
  • Publication number: 20100264678
    Abstract: A gripper device, having two rotably connected gripper arms substantially longer than the length of the trigger handle structure, is taught. The arms open when the handle is squeezed and close when handle is released. Each arm has a set of grip and hold hooks. Together, the first grip and hold hook on each arm grips and holds a pair of socks for putting on, while the second grip and hold hook grips and holds socks on a wearer's foot for removal. The device grips and holds up to 25 pounds and grips and lifts up to five pounds. A thumb lock can lock the jam plate into a position relative to the plunger rod providing for unrestricted upward and downward movement of the rod, but when in unlocked position the plunger rod has unrestricted downward, but restricted upward motion allowing for the setting of many width openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph E. Rolling, JR.
  • Patent number: 7748761
    Abstract: In order to produce a gripping device for a robot or for a gantry loader that can be employed in a flexible manner, it is proposed that the gripping device should comprise at least one linearly displaceable gripping jaw and at least one pivotal gripping connection. The gripping jaw may be linearly displaced along a longitudinal axis of the gripping device by means of a linear drive to grip and release a workpiece. The pivotal gripping connection can be pivotably rotated along a pivotal axis to likewise grip and release a workpiece. In an embodiment, the pivotable gripping connection can be arranged in a plurality of different positions with respect to the housing of the gripping device so that a plurality of different gripping orientations can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Simons
  • Publication number: 20100133862
    Abstract: A gripper device is provided for picking up and releasing an article. The device includes a support (15, 16) and a pair of grippers (10, 11) pivotally mounted on the support for movement of their distal ends towards and away from each other. A belt (1) is belt arranged to extend across the gap defined between the distal ends of the grippers when they are spaced apart so that the belt is able to extend over the article to be picked up and to extend around the article when the grippers have been moved towards each other to pick up the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: AEW DELFORD SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard John HAWES
  • Patent number: 7690881
    Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus for loading and unloading substrates in a reaction chamber, includes: an arm having a distal end which is laterally movable in a straight line direction; and end-effectors for loading and unloading substrates in a reaction chamber, which include a lower end-effector and an upper end-effector. One of the lower end-effector or the upper end-effector is movably coupled to the arm at a distal end of the arm, and the other end-effector is fixed to the movably coupled end-effector. The fixed end-effector is fixed to the movably coupled end-effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ASM Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamagishi, Tamihiro Kobayashi, Akira Watanabe, Kunihiro Kaneuchi
  • Patent number: 7648182
    Abstract: A terminal portion for a robotic pick-up element lifts and transfers objects, the terminal portion lifts objects using vacuum suction cups. The terminal portion includes: a) a main unit, on the lower face of which are fixed a support suction cup and a vacuum transfer suction cup connected to the pneumatic equipment; b) a secondary unit, on the lower face of which are mounted a plurality of pick-up suction cups, the suction passages of which are connected to a single collecting passage opening into a hole on the upper face of the secondary unit which is smooth and shaped to adhere to the support cup and the vacuum transfer cup when they are placed next to it and the vacuum transfer cup of the main unit coaxially faces the hole of the secondary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Around the Clock S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Salimkhan
  • Patent number: 7618074
    Abstract: In the case of a handling apparatus for passing electronic components, in particular ICs, which are provided in a component carrier, to a testing apparatus, a component holder having a positioning device is provided and has movable clamping elements which can be moved from an open position, in which they are at a distance from the side edges of the component, into a clamping position, in which they apply a pressure force, which prevents lateral movement of the component, to the side edges of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Multitest Elektronische Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Björn Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20090278367
    Abstract: Apparatus lifting objects with wire forming two looped, springy wire elements crossing in “x”, ending in loops with terminus 304 degrees leaving 56 degree hooks, handle of any length or material, Strong magnet glued in handle top, countersunk ??, backup securement by 2 Allen screws through handle, steel removable cover for magnet, tapped receiving common arrowhead with steel point, Metal termination plate/end cap at bottom terminus of handle forming platform anchoring several apparatus elements, Sharply pointed arrowhead for piercing and picking items as paper, plastic, etc, Flexible, curved entrapment medium attached to termination plate/endcap of handle perpendicular to loops by screw and washer, Screw with washer and spacer attaching wire tops to handle allowing flexible wire movement, screw and washer attaching entrapment medium to attachment plate, 2 short pieces of hook/loop tape wrapping steel end cap, arrowhead maintaining contact with magnet preventing loss of point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Bain, Jennifer Allise Bain, Jessica Leigh Bain
  • Patent number: 7588276
    Abstract: An upper section being configured to be held by a user. The upper portion has opposed ends and a downward portion. The upper portion and downward portion are in a common vertical plane during operation and use. A lower section has a lower portion configured to receive a cylindrical neck of a tank to be lifted and transported. A central section has a connecting portion having an upper end and a lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher W. Bibow
  • Patent number: 7585145
    Abstract: A panel transfer apparatus is provided. The panel transfer apparatus includes a base having a sliding mechanism and a carrier device disposed on the sliding mechanism. The carrier device further includes a plurality of carrier seat, a plurality of sucker sets disposed on the carrier seat, a plurality of sliding rails disposed on the carrier seat, and a plurality of transfer robots disposed on the plurality of sliding rails for placing panels. The panel transfer apparatus provides an. apparatus through which issue of fall-down panels and lowered production yield of the panels, disadvantages of marks and thus uneven brightness left on the panels resulted during panel delivery may be addressed and panels of different sizes may be transported to increase the panel production amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Hsin Huang, Chao-Huang Wu
  • Publication number: 20090178574
    Abstract: A handle and latch assembly for a flatbread maker, which includes a handle rotatably mounted to an upper heating plate of the flatbread maker. A roller plate extends downward from the handle, adjacent the peripheral edge of the upper plate, the roller plate having a roller rotatably mounted near the lower end thereof. A latch member is secured to a lower portion of the body of the flatbread maker, beneath the lower heating plate. The latch member has a lower surface configuration which includes at least two curved or notched areas therein. The handle is pressed downwardly so that is the roller engages one or the other of the two curved areas, flatbreads with two different thicknesses are produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Marvin G. Martinez
  • Patent number: 7559590
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure transmission assembly for mounting to a robotic device having a rotatable end effector. The pressure transmission assembly includes a housing and a flexible pressure transmission member. The housing includes an input port and an output port. The flexible transmission member is coupled between the input port and the output port of the housing. The flexible transmission member is wound within the housing between the input port and the output port and is configured to receive a pressure signal at the input port and to transmit the pressure signal to the end effector through the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7547052
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Dyco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Yohe, Ronald H. Cordingly
  • Patent number: 7490398
    Abstract: A robotic tool for assembling a portion of a disk drive includes a movable end effector that includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to engage the actuator assembly and the second portion may be configured to engage the flex circuit connector. A controller may be provided to control the movable end effector, causing the end effector to pick up the head stack assembly in a first configuration, move the second portion of the end effector relative to the first portion thereof so as to articulate the head stack assembly into a second configuration that is different than the first configuration, and place the head stack assembly into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Klassen, Kenneth Allen
  • Publication number: 20090031503
    Abstract: A device that enables a user to install most any hardware item into any structure. The inventive apparatus includes a core portion with a standard female ACME thread so the core may be threaded onto a standard extension pole. At the upper end of the core is a cavity designed to accept wafers for various purposes. Hardware installing wafers are designed to accept pieces of hardware in a particular class and size such as eyebolts, hooks, right-angle hooks, and other suspension hardware. Tool wafers are wafers with various tools attached to them for performing different operations such as prying, lifting, nailing, tacking, threading, scrapping, grasping, cutting, drilling, marking, hole punching, and so on. Attachment wafers attach various implements and devices to the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christian W. Chase, Leslie S. Chase
  • Patent number: 7481472
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for handling and moving a layer of articles, such as cased products. The system and apparatus comprise a hood enclosure having four side panels, and four interconnected corner member. The side walls and corner members interoperate to form an adjustable enclosure to pick the layer of articles. A vacuum generate is utilized to evacuate air from the hood enclosure to assist in lifting the layer of articles. The hood enclosure may utilize an array of vacuum cups to assist in the lifting of articles into the hood enclosure. The method is directed towards utilizing the hood layer end effector to move and hand articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sage Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Cawley, Don Cawley, James Glenn
  • Patent number: 7370895
    Abstract: Provided are a work transfer device and a method of transferring work which are capable of safely transferring work without letting the work to fall even when poor adhesion of a frame occurs due to troubles. By providing an adsorption part which adsorbs a frame, and a plurality of frame clamps which move to near a bottom surface of the frame when the frame has been adsorbed and transferred by the adsorption part, and which retract from near the bottom surface of the frame when the transfer of the frame has been finished and the adsorption of the frame has been finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Imai
  • Patent number: 7264288
    Abstract: A grab for lifting barrels stored in a well includes a grasp system provided for example with suction caps for slightly raising a barrel and movable arms provided with extendable fingers used for embracing the barrel and forming a solid support therefore. The elements are provided with cameras and optical fibers to illuminate and inspect the barrel before lifting it. The grab is provided with a mechanism for centering it on the barrel. The grab can be used for processing nuclear fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Goubot, Robert Faure
  • Patent number: 7153085
    Abstract: A multi-modal package handling tool and system uses a robot carrying an end of arm tool incorporating several package handling devices such as vacuum carrying units, extensible package grippers, and a slideably deployable package platform. Each these package handling devices may be used singly, or in combination with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Aidco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A Clark, William A Frank, Salahuddin F Khan
  • Patent number: 7111741
    Abstract: The multi-purpose rake includes a rake head and a detachable pole for pulling the rake across a surface. The rake head has a frame with two arced end ribs, an upper and a lower crossbar extending between the end ribs. The upper crossbar has a sleeve or other attachment means extending therefrom for receiving and retaining one end of the pole. A wire mesh cage is formed into an arc to conform to the end ribs and is attached to the ribs and the upper and lower crossbar. In the preferred embodiment, the end ribs are formed from a continuous panel so that the ends of the rake head are fully closed. The detachable pole is preferably constructed in multiple sections that can be broken down for easy transport. Optional clips or other retainers may be disposed on the rake head for retaining the pole sections for easy transport and storage. An optional handhold can be provided for facilitating transport of the disassembled rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Bramante
  • Patent number: 7086675
    Abstract: A gripping device for gripping an object has a vacuum gripper; a magnet disposed within the vacuum gripper and moveable between a gripping position and a retracted position; gripping vacuum for moving the magnet to the gripping position; and release for moving the magnet to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Goudsmit Magnetic Systems BV
    Inventor: Adrianus Franciscus Maria Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7017961
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for holding an uncompressed bundle of product from the top with a vacuum assisted end effector and then simultaneously compressing the bundle from all sides at the same time with thin compression plates located about the periphery of a vacuum assisted end effector to form an evenly compressed product bundle that is then placed in a container with the compression plates between the product and the container walls. Once the bundle is received in the container, vacuum is removed; the inward force of the compression plates released and the compression plates removed vertically from between the product and the containers walls. The simultaneous compression from all sides provides even distribution of forces on the product and ensures that all product is compressed or deformed to the same degree. Using the apparatus described herein to place the bottom of the products gently onto the inside bottom of the container is further advantageous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Bakery Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Parnell, Paul Boyd, Lee Robinson, Tom Pearce
  • Patent number: 6986537
    Abstract: A multi faceted retrieval tool for use by an individual positioned above the ground in retrieving items beneath the location of the individual, comprising a series of hooks extensible beyond the periphery of the tool for engaging, securing and retrieving items which are susceptible to being engaged by a hook, and being nestable in the tool when not in use, and, further, having a magnet for the retrieval of items engageable by a magnet, and a line which is selectively extensible to engage the items to be retrieved and retractable once the item is secured to bring the item to the individual user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Chad Robbins, Joey R. Cox
  • Patent number: 6959951
    Abstract: A lifting tool having a handle connected to a flexible stabilizing member with ends that engage the top surface of a wire rack, and a hook member that extends downwardly from the stabilizing member to engage and receive the wire rack when the stabilizing member is in a compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: John C. Amodeo
  • Patent number: 6893066
    Abstract: A tool for use in transferring labels and appliques from one surface to another surface and for removing materials from a surface. The tool includes an elongated tool body having a taper portion, a grip portion and a blunt portion axially spaced along a longitudinal axis of the tool. The grip portion includes an enlarged area to be gripped by a user and is covered with a resilient cover material which is softer than the material of the tool body. The taper portion extends from a first longitudinal end of the tool body and includes sides tapering to a point which may be used for punching out small dye cuts, positioning stickers, or applying rub-on transfers. The blunt portion extends from a second longitudinal end of the tool body and is formed as an elongated, flexible portion of the tool which may be used to separate photographs attached to photo album pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Antioch Company
    Inventor: Carmen Lira-Nú{overscore (n)}ez
  • Patent number: 6877215
    Abstract: A compliance mechanism for manipulating a control object by an end effector supported by a robotic arm. The robotic arm is supported by a combination of linear slides for two-axis freedom of movement. A locking arm is attached to the robotic arm and the locking arm is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking arm is biased in the locked position to restrict movement of the robotic arm along the two axes. A plunger extends adjacent the end effector. Upon engagement with an alignment feature associated with the control object, the plunger moves the locking arm from the locked to the unlocked position, thereby introducing compliance along the two axes manipulation of the control object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6860531
    Abstract: An end effector for a robot is used to unpack flattened stackable items from a container using a fixed sized vacuum plenum and simple adjustable gripping elements. The gripping elements comprise a pair of adjustable, smooth blades. In addition, the end effector includes mechanisms for retaining and transporting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 6820325
    Abstract: A spindle assembly for a component pick and place machine includes a housing containing a spindle for movement therein along a longitudinal axis of the spindle; the housing accommodating a valve for controlling the flow of air to an inner bore of the spindle; the inner bore of the spindle having an opening at one end for communicating the flow of air for picking and placing the components; and the flow of air from the valve to the inner bore of the spindle is internal to the housing through passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Koenraad Alexander Gieskes, Michael D. Snyder, John E. Danek
  • Publication number: 20040201233
    Abstract: A multi faceted retrieval tool for use by an individual positioned above the ground in retrieving items beneath the location of the individual, comprising a series of hooks extensible beyond the periphery of the tool for engaging, securing and retrieving items which are susceptible to being engaged by a hook, and being nestable in the tool when not in use, and, further, having a magnet for the retrieval of items engageable by a magnet, and a line which is selectively extensible to engage the items to be retrieved and retractable once the item is secured to bring the item to the individual user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Chad Robbins, Joey R. Cox
  • Patent number: 6796022
    Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus has a pair of guides, a beam traveling along the guides and a mounting head placed on the beam. A first linear motor moves the beam along the guides, and a second linear motor moves the mounting head along the beam. A thermal insulating portion placed between the beam and the guides thermally insulates the two components from each other. Thermal conduction portions are placed on the fixed elements of the first and second linear motors. This configuration assures an accurate operation of the mounting apparatus by eliminating thermal deformations of their components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo High Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Kashitani, Katsuyuki Seto, Yoshiharu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6789827
    Abstract: A multifunction drum lifter includes a saddle and a plurality of lift arms pivotally connected to the saddle. Each arm includes a working end having at least one lift finger for engaging the chime of a drum to lift the drum. Preferably the lift arms are three in number and each includes a second lift finger for lifting different sized drums. Each lift arm also includes a plug wrench head and an open end wrench head at its working end so that the lift arms can be used as drum wrenches when removed from the saddle. Preferably each arm has a different plug wrench head and open end wrench head from the other lift arms providing an assortment of drum working tools for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Webster, Andy Link, Ralph Trine, Kenneth Schneider, Matthew Clemens
  • Patent number: 6760968
    Abstract: A die packing device including die holding mechanism comprising a connecting wire receiving shaft which is movable up and down, a pair of die holding levers which have die holding sections for holding the die and are installed so that these levers are free to open and close, and opening-and-closing levers that open and close the die holding levers. A die formed with connecting wires on its upper surface is pushed up by a die push-up device and the wires of to die come into contact with the connecting wire receiving shaft of the die holding mechanism. When the connecting wire receiving shaft is raised by a given amount by the upward movement of the die, the die holding levers are closed so that the die holding sections of the die holding levers are positioned beneath the undersurface of the die. Afterward, the push-up needles of the die push-up device are lowered, resulting in that the die is held by the die holding levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mimata, Osamu Kakutani
  • Patent number: 6742244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting components on a carrier comprising a frame (25) in which a shaft (8) is accommodated, the shaft is provided with a longitudinal bore (16), and means for displacing said hollow shaft (8) in vertical direction through said frame (25), wherein said shaft (8) at one end (8a) facing away from the carrier can be coupled to means (17) for generating an under pressure or vacuum within said bore (16) and wherein the other end (8b) of the shaft facing towards the carrier is provided with means for picking up and mounting a component. According to the invention, the device is characterized in that said shaft (8) is coupled to a yoke (12) which forms part of said displacement means, which coupling can be temporarily disengaged the moment the shaft makes contact with a component or a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Konirklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Hubertus Antonius Van De Rijdt, Olav Johannes Seijger, Leonardus Cornelis Maria Sanders, Hermanus Mathias Joannes Rene Soemers
  • Patent number: 6735853
    Abstract: A suction head for a mounting apparatus includes: a socket having a first through hole in an inner direction and a fixing member inside the first through hole, one end of the inside of the first through hole being mounted to a hollow shaft by using the fixing member, a nozzle having a second through hole for forming an air passage when sucking parts in the inner direction, a coupling member having a third through hole in the inner direction and plate spring members installed inside the third through hole for supporting the nozzle and for alleviating impact when the nozzle sucks parts, and a holder for fixing the nozzle so that it is not removed from the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventor: Seung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 6729666
    Abstract: A combination hanging and dragging hunting aid comprises a handle having a pair of opposing free ends. The handle has means for supporting the handle such as a loop or other surface. A pair of removable hooks are attached to each free end of the handle, with the hooks being adapted to hook to an animal so that the animal can be hung via the handle. One or more flexible members are provided that can extends from one or more end of the handle. The flexible member terminates in a hook for attaching to a portion of an animal to allow the animal to be dragged using the handle. By selecting the proper position of the hooks, the animal can be first dragged to a site, and then, by repositioning the hooks, the animal can be hung up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: James Mullis
  • Patent number: 6705000
    Abstract: A nozzle-mounting device for removably mounting, on a nozzle holder, a suction nozzle for holding an electric component by suction, wherein the nozzle holder includes one of a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion which respectively have an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and which are arranged to effect a fitting engagement with each other at the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, while the suction nozzle includes the other of the first and second fitting portions, and one of the first and second fitting portions is provided with a first abutting portion located at an axially intermediate portion of mutually fitting parts of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, while the other of the first and second fitting portions is provided with a second abutting portion arranged to be brought into abutting contact with the first abutting portion in a direction intersecting the axes of the fitting portions, and wherein a pressing device is provided to force
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Oe
  • Patent number: 6705655
    Abstract: A double-stack tool rack is constructed to include a base having an upright pivot shaft, a plurality of tool boxes respectively pivoted to the upright shaft and arranged into two stacks, and a carrying handle coupled to the upright pivot shaft of the base at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Global Industries Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Qinghao Yang
  • Patent number: 6691401
    Abstract: A device for mounting components using mounting heads having a plurality of suction nozzles that provide a plurality of component pickups, positions or mounting operating positions. The mounting heads are positioned on a rotating table that is cooperatively positioned adjacent a component supply table having a plurality of component feeder members. The control unit can rotate the rotating table to position a mounting head at a component supply position and further position one of the plurality of suction nozzles to a first, second and third section operating position for picking up a component from a component feeder. The relative movement of the component supply table and the positioning of first and second suction operating positions relative to our reference point where the edge of the rotating table contacts the line of movement of the component supply table can increase the pickup speed of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Hata, Shiro Oji, Shigetoshi Negishi, Makito Seno
  • Publication number: 20040026938
    Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously removing a number of ICs from a wafer using a number of gripping elements for the individual ICs. The gripping elements are in the form of separate grippers, and the distances between the grippers are variable in fine steps parallel to the plane of the wafer by use of a movement device. It is thus possible to remove ICs of different sizes, in large quantities, using one apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Volker Junge
  • Patent number: 6663153
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Mark E. Brunson
  • Patent number: 6659523
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus for automated parts movement includes a cylinder and a piston assembly slidably positioned within the cylinder. The piston assembly includes an outer piston having a recess in which an inner piston is slidably received. A transfer assembly is attached to the piston assembly and includes an inner rod, a sheath, and a gripper. Introduction of fluid at one port or end of the cylinder moves the piston assembly to extend the gripper and transport a gripped part to a target destination. At the target destination, the transfer assembly is moved via pressurized fluid in the cylinder to cause the gripper to release the gripped part. Introduction of fluid generally at an opposite end of the cylinder moves the transfer assembly and gripper to a retracted position relative to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas J. Jasperse
  • Patent number: 6648390
    Abstract: A single-stack tool rack is constructed to include a base having an upright pivot shaft, a plurality of tool boxes respectively pivoted to the upright shaft and arranged into a stack for keeping tools and/or accessories, a swivel case pivoted to the base and turned in and out of a bottom open chamber of the base for keeping tool bits, and a carrying handle formed of a handle body and a detachable hand tool and coupled to the upright pivot shaft of the base at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Global Industries Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Oinghao Yang
  • Patent number: 6640431
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving an operative suction nozzle which holds an electric component. The apparatus mounts the electric component held by the operative suction nozzle on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a device which supplies the electric component to the operative suction nozzle; a device which supports the circuit substrate; a nozzle storing device which stores normal suction nozzles; and a nozzle moving device. A nozzle-defect detecting device which detects a defeat of the operative suction nozzle is provided. Also provided is a nozzle exchanging device which automatically operates the nozzle moving device to move the defective suction nozzle having the detected defect, to the nozzle storing device so that the defective suction nozzle is exchanged with the normal suction nozzle stored by the nozzle storing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoriki, Mitsuo Imai, Jiro Kodama, Kimihiko Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6634093
    Abstract: A mounter head is provided for a surface mounting apparatus which is capable of easily controlling a pitch of a mounting device as well as preventing backlash when the device is mounted on a printed circuit board. The mounter head includes a rack block having a rack for moving up and down by means of a pinion rotated by a driving source; a nozzle shaft installed at one side of the moving unit; a nozzle secured to the lower end of the nozzle shaft for sucking a device to be mounted; and a driving source installed corresponding to each nozzle shaft for rotating each nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventor: Dong Suh Lee
  • Publication number: 20030178863
    Abstract: A multifunction drum lifter includes a saddle and a plurality of lift arms pivotally connected to the saddle. Each arm includes a working end having at least one lift finger for engaging the chime of a drum to lift the drum. Preferably the lift arms are three in number and each includes a second lift finger for lifting different sized drums. Each lift arm also includes a plug wrench head and an open end wrench head at its working end so that the lift arms can be used as drum wrenches when removed from the saddle. Preferably each arm has a different plug wrench head and open end wrench head from the other lift arms providing an assortment of drum working tools for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Webster, Andy Link, Ralph Trine, Kenneth Schneider, Matthew Clemens