Having Gripper Means Patents (Class 414/751.1)
  • Patent number: 11964399
    Abstract: Provided is art capable of recognizing the states of a plurality of target objects arranged in a prescribed space region. This target object recognition device is provided with: a plurality of calculation processing units (21, 22) which each calculate the attitude state of a target object in a prescribed space region using a different technique; a state recognition unit (23) which recognizes the layout state of all of a plurality of target objects arranged in the space region; a method determination unit (24) which, in accordance with the result of the recognition by the state recognition unit (23), determines a method for using the results of the calculation performed by the calculation processing units (21, 22); and a target object recognition unit (25) which recognizes the attitude states of the target objects by means of the determined method for using the results of the calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Konishi, Tatsuya Koga
  • Patent number: 11820609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a robot (100) for performing a process of picking rubber blocks arranged in a container toward a target location. The invention also relates to a process of picking rubber blocks arranged in a container, performed by the disclosed robot (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Gwenael Favro, Gregory Marcet, Maxime Tarrit
  • Patent number: 11806868
    Abstract: A boom working device has a boom, mounted on and extending from a boom support, on which an end effector mounting interface is formed. The boom is equipped with two linear output structures, each in engagement with one of two drive wheels of the boom support. With respect to the boom support, the boom is both pivotable around a main axis and also capable of linear movement at right-angles to the main axis. Through harmonised rotary actuation of the drive wheels an operating movement of the boom may be generated, consisting either of a pivoting movement alone or of a linear movement alone or of the pivoting movement with simultaneously superimposed linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Festo SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Aegerter
  • Patent number: 11745358
    Abstract: A robotic apparatus including a plurality of rigid body sections that move relative to each other by one or more multi-degree of freedom joints. The robotic apparatus can traverse a fixed frame by attaching its distal ends to the frame and moving the rigid body sections relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Shubhabrata Biswas, Samuel Gardner Garrett, Dhruv Dipak Gajaria
  • Patent number: 11584025
    Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Hamann, Daniel Kersey, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Edwin E. Marttinen
  • Patent number: 11559907
    Abstract: A gripping device for handling sample containers is presented. The sample containers are closed by caps of a given cap type or are not closed by caps. The gripping device comprises a number of fingers configured to collectively cause gripping of a sample container, a tactile sensor device arranged at at least one of the fingers and configured to sample a longitudinal profile of the sample container and of the cap, if any, being gripped, and a control device coupled to the tactile sensor device. The control device determines if the sample container is closed by a cap or not closed by a cap based on the sampled longitudinal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rein
  • Patent number: 11285653
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method for positioning protective screening ramps of a station for heating preforms, on the occasion of a change of format, the heating station comprising: —members for transporting preforms; —at least one pair of parallel longitudinal screening ramps for protecting necks against heat, which ramps are parted in order to leave a slot through which the preforms progress; —a motorized device for moving the ramps transversely. The method includes a preliminary calibration step which consists in arranging at least two calibration elements between the two protective screening ramps occupying an initial position, and manually causing the protective screening ramps to move into a calibrated position in which they are each in simultaneous contact with the two calibration elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Loïc Bourvellec, Stéphane Morin
  • Patent number: 11083249
    Abstract: Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. A material handling system suitable for use in an automated shoe-manufacturing process has a guide rail and first and second moveable holding elements, each of the holding elements having gripping elements for engaging a part or part stack during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Dragan Jurkovic, Kuo-Hung Lee, Yen-Hsi Liu
  • Patent number: 11040423
    Abstract: A wheel rotating transfer device includes a frame, a lifting cylinder, a flange, guide shafts, linear bearings, a bearing sleeve, a pressure bearing, a spacer ring, a radial bearing, a gear shaft, a bearing end cover, a lifting rack, a first linear guide rail, a precision stroke cylinder, a first guide rail sliding seat, a rack, a carrier, arms, brackets, a plurality of second guide rail sliding seats, a plurality of second linear guide rails, bearing blocks, screw nuts, a bidirectional screw, and a clamping cylinder. The wheel rotating transfer device can meet the requirements of rotating feed of wheels, has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient manufacture, stable performance, high positioning precision and the like, and is particularly suitable for automatic batch production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Weidong Liu, Liangjian Yue, Guoyuan Xiong, Zuo Xu
  • Patent number: 10864643
    Abstract: A substrate conveying apparatus includes: a substrate grasping hand; a first holding member provided at a tip end portion of the substrate grasping hand and including a plurality of first jaw portions; a second holding member provided at a base end portion of the substrate grasping hand and including a plurality of second jaw portions; a first sensor provided at the base end portion of the substrate grasping hand and configured to emit light or ultrasound and detect substrates; and a controller configured to make the first sensor emit the light or the ultrasound toward spaces each between the adjacent substrates and determine whether or not the substrates are normally held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yoshida, Takayuki Fukushima, Shinya Kinoshita, Shogo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10804127
    Abstract: An electrostatic cleaning device, mass transfer tool, and method of operation are disclosed. In an embodiment an electrostatic cleaning device includes a cleaning electrode area including a first electrode pattern, a first trace line connected to the first electrode pattern, and a dielectric layer covering the cleaning electrode and the first trace line. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool includes a translatable transfer head assembly that is translatable over a carrier substrate stage, a receiving substrate stage, and an electrostatic cleaning stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen P. Bathurst, John A. Higginson, Dariusz Golda, Hyeun-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 10799394
    Abstract: A patient interface device includes: a first interface port configured to be interfaced with a laser surgery apparatus; a second interface port configured to be interfaced with a patient's eye, the second interface port including an applanating lens for application to a patient's eye during a laser surgery procedure; a chamber extending between the first interface port and the second interface port and defining a chamber therein, wherein air may be evacuated from the chamber by the laser surgery apparatus via the first interface port; and a tubular light guiding structure having at a first end thereof a light receiving surface, configured to receive light, and having at a second end thereof a light-emitting surface, wherein the second surface is disposed adjacent the applanating lens and configured to provide the light in a vicinity of the patient's eye when the applanating lens is applied to the patient's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Jose L. Garcia, Roger W. Accurso
  • Patent number: 10737380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metering robot for dispensing liquid and/or pasty media having three degrees of freedom of movement oriented perpendicular to one another, having a base having two first linear guides spaced apart in parallel from one another; a portal bridge that is supported in a travelable manner on the two linear guides and that has a second linear guide oriented perpendicular to the two first linear guides; and a third linear guide for the movable guiding of a cart for receiving a metering unit that is oriented perpendicular to the first and second linear guides and that is travelable along the second linear guide. The metering robot has a work space that extends in a region that is located in the longitudinal direction of the two first linear guides in a prolongation of the region that extends directly between the two first linear guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Marco Systemanalyse und Entwicklung GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Reuter
  • Patent number: 10717611
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pick and place device comprising of a novel mechanism that can be used to pick up and move a payload from one location to another location and descend and release such payload before repeating the cycle. This same device can act as a rotary/linear linkage to provide the horizontal motion of the device and also become a straight-line generator to provide vertical motion and alternate between the two thus generating a rectangular type motion. This novel mechanism provides balanced force distribution through the system as well as appropriate acceleration control of the payload and moving mechanism components during the work cycle to ensure a smooth and efficient overall performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Dan Munteanu
  • Patent number: 10671045
    Abstract: A positioning device (1) of a processing module of a cable processing machine for finishing a cable. The positioning device (1) includes a first displacing device (10) for displacing the processing module relative to the cable to be processed along a first, in particular horizontal axis (x) transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cable to be processed and a second displacing device (20) for displacing the processing module relative to the cable to be processed along a second, in particular vertical axis (z) transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cable to be processed and transversely, preferably perpendicular to the first axis (x). A processing module and a cable processing machine having at least one such positioning device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KOMAX HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Adrian Berther, Luca Meier
  • Patent number: 10661452
    Abstract: A linear extension and retraction mechanism has a plurality of flat-plate shaped first connection pieces and a plurality of grooved-frame shaped second connection pieces. Each of the first connection pieces is bendably connected at front and rear end surfaces to adjacent first connection pieces. Each of the second connection pieces is bendably connected at bottom front and rear end surfaces to adjacent second connection pieces. The first and second connection pieces become linearly rigid when overlapped together, and the first and second connection pieces return to a bent state when separated from each other. A cushion member is mounted on the front end surface of each first connection piece to cushion a shock of a collision between end surfaces of the first connection pieces. A slot section for fitting the cushion member is provided in the front end surface of each first connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: LIFE ROBOTICS INC.
    Inventor: Woo-Keun Yoon
  • Patent number: 10603848
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for layup placement on a layup structure is provided. The method includes iteratively loading a layup for the layup structure on a support frame of a saddle module; aligning the saddle module with a pre-selected registration position corresponding to a predetermined application path on the layup structure; and impressing the layup into forced contact with the layup structure along the predetermined application path using a predetermined application force. The apparatus includes a plurality of saddle modules configured to operate in unison, wherein the plurality of saddle modules is configured to receive a pre-selected composite material layup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brennan, George D. Hempstead, Darrell D. Jones, Matthew K. Lum, Peter D. McCowin, Terrence J. Rowe, Hugh R. Schlosstein
  • Patent number: 10420268
    Abstract: A component supply system of the present disclosure includes a component supply unit automatically transfers a first carrier tape which stores components and is covered with a cover tape, exposes the components from the first carrier tape using a component exposing unit, and supplies the components which are exposed from the first carrier tape, a joining determination unit which determines whether or not a joining which joins a second carrier tape positioned behind the first carrier tape to the first carrier tape is present, and a controller which controls transferring of the first carrier tape by the component supply unit. The controller restricts the transferring of the first carrier tape in a case in which the joining determination unit determines that the joining is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryouji Eguchi, Kazunori Kanai
  • Patent number: 10406675
    Abstract: The invention relates to the electric power field, in particular to a live working robot used for running and operating along wires of high-voltage transmission lines, which can realize obstacle surmounting of the live working robots along the wires safely and conveniently, comprising: a main body; a walking mechanism, wherein the walking mechanism comprises three walking arms installed on the main body and spaced apart from one another, a rolling wheel is arranged at an end of each walking arm and is in an online state when being located on an upper surface of a wire or in an offline state when being separated from the wire; the rolling wheels of at least two walking arms are in the online state; at least one part of the walking arm can extend and retract in the vertical direction to change the vertical position of the rolling wheel relative to the wire, and at least one walking arm has a rotatable portion which can rotate to change the position of the rolling wheel relative to the wire; a mounting mechanism
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: STATE GRID HUNAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY LIVE WORKING CENTER, STATE GRID HUNAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, HUNAN PEACE PROSPERITY ELECTRIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaqing Liu, Dehua Zou, Yu Yan, Jie Niu, Jianjun Zhang, Cunyun Pan, Hao Guo, Yang Long, Naicheng Ou, Zhiwen Wang
  • Patent number: 10005582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a labelling device (1), in particular price labelling device, for providing a product (2) with a label (3), with at least one scale (4) for weighing the product (2), with at least one handling system (5) for moving the product (2) and with at least one printer (6) comprising a label outlet (6.1) for printing and outputting labels (3). In order to reduce the complexity, the invention proposes that the handling system (5) can be moved from a product pickup position (I), in which the product (2) can be picked up by the handling system (5), to a first label acceptance position (II), which is located adjacent to the label outlet (6.1) of the printer (6) and in which a first label (3) can be transferred onto the product (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a labelling system (11) with multiple such labelling devices (1) and to a method for providing a product (2) with a label (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ESPERA-WERKE GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Wolff
  • Patent number: 9821544
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vehicle wheel rolling carving device, consisting of a left impressing system, a right impressing system, a lower synchronous clamping driving system, a left support system, a right support system, an upper synchronous clamping driving system and the like. The lower synchronous clamping driving system enables a vehicle wheel to rotate under the clamped state, the left support system moves towards the right, the right support system moves towards the left and thus left and right support rolls contact the rotating vehicle wheel; meanwhile, the upper synchronous clamping driving system enables two shafts II and two shafts III to clamp the wheel and apply auxiliary clamping forces to drive the vehicle wheel to rotate; and after the left and the right impressing system rise to different heights, impression carving can be performed on different positions of a back cavity of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Citic Dicastal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bowen Xue, Jiandong Guo
  • Patent number: 9707652
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing plate-like workpieces, in particular metal sheets, has a machine frame with a lower frame arm, an upper frame arm and a frame compartment or throat defined between the upper and lower arms. A first tool magazine, close to the station, has storage places for processing tools is arranged at least partially within the frame compartment. The processing tools, such as punch/die sets, can be interchanged at a processing station of the machine tool. By means of a tool transfer device, processing tools can be transferred between the first tool and a second tool magazine, remote from the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Klinkhammer, Stefan Kerscher
  • Patent number: 9211925
    Abstract: A loading jig apparatus may include a jig frame, first moving units installed on the jig frame and moved in up and down directions, left and right directions, and front and rear directions by driving a drive motor, first support units installed at the first moving units respectively, and supporting both sides of the vehicle body panel, second support units installed on the jig frame to correspond to a front side of the vehicle body panel, and supporting the front side of the vehicle body panel, at least one second moving unit installed on the jig frame to correspond to a rear side of the vehicle body panel and moved in the up and down directions and the front and rear directions by driving a drive motor, and a third support unit installed on the second moving unit, and supporting the rear side of the vehicle body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yoon Jang
  • Publication number: 20150118000
    Abstract: The device for transferring stacks of blister packs comprises at least one transfer cassette for holding a stack of blister packs, the transfer cassette comprising a bottom element and at least two opposing side boundary elements. A transfer cassette motion unit serves to move the transfer cassette in the conveying direction and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and is configured in such a way that the transfer cassette is movable from a loading position, in which it is loaded with the stack of blister packs, to an unloading position, in which the stack of blister packs is transferred to a compartment of a conveying device. During unloading, the transfer cassette is moved laterally out of the compartment and thus out of the unloading position in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, whereas the stack of blister packs remains on the conveying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rodi, Fritz Fochler
  • Publication number: 20150078875
    Abstract: An arrangement apparatus and an arrangement method of allowing gripping devices to grip electrical conductors by using inexpensive, simple, and small-sized configurations. A stator manufacturing apparatus for arranging coil elements in a ring shape includes: a plurality of gripping devices that are arranged in a ring shape and grip coil elements; robot arms that supply the coil elements to the gripping devices; and a turntable that integrally rotates the plurality of gripping devices. According to this, the gripping devices are rotated by the turntable is aligned in a ring shape, and thus, the coil elements are supplied to the arrangement points by the robot arms and the plurality of coil elements can be aligned in a ring shape while gripped by the gripping devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Satoru Saito, Yutaka Matsumoto, Daisuke Ueno
  • Patent number: 8973768
    Abstract: A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: PaR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Jung, Thomas E. Marrinan, Come Rene-Bazin De Jouy
  • Patent number: 8968657
    Abstract: The transport and handling retention member comprises an adapter ring which has a central opening for receiving a tubular container for receiving samples, a gripping member for gripping the adapter ring, and a transfer head which can be moved between a rest position and an operating position, the transfer head in the operating position coming into operational contact with a tubular container which is received in the adapter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: LCTech GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Brandlhuber, Uwe Aulwurm
  • Publication number: 20150044009
    Abstract: A mobile robot for a cable includes a first gripper unit including a first main body, a first driving wheel unit disposed over the first main body and configured to have its wheels changed up and down, and a first support wheel unit disposed under the first main body; a second gripper unit including a second main body, a second driving wheel unit disposed over the second main body and configured to have its wheels changed up and down, and a second support wheel unit disposed under the second main body; and a link unit including first links fixed to the first gripper unit, second links fixed to the second gripper unit, and a link driving unit configured to control the angle of the first links and the second links that are fixed together by a main hinge unit so that they rotate at an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hyun Seok YANG, E Noch OH
  • Publication number: 20150037129
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a pair of hand units, a gripping mechanism that grips and releases an object by changing an interval between a pair of hands, a servomotor for a gripping action that drives the gripping mechanism, at least one spline shaft that supports the pair of hands so that the hands are able to move, a servomotor for an extending and contracting action that rotates the spline shaft, and an extension and contraction mechanism that is extended and contracted by rotation of the spline shaft so that the hands move to a gripping position or a releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuya OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8948904
    Abstract: A work picking system according to embodiments includes a three-dimensional measuring unit, a hand, a calculating unit, a determining unit, and an instructing unit. The three-dimensional measuring unit measures a three-dimensional shape of a work that is a gripping target. The hand is provided on a terminal movable unit of a multi-axis robot and includes a mechanism that changes a distance between gripping claws and a mechanism that changes a tip end direction of the gripping claws. The determining unit determines a tip end direction of the gripping claws based on the attitude of the work calculated by the calculating unit and a direction of a rotation axis of the terminal movable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Takuya Murayama, Jun Goto, Shinji Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8944745
    Abstract: A carrier device is provided that can supply, at uneven intervals, a plurality of works arranged at even intervals. The carrier device (1) includes: a first retaining portion (11), second retaining portion (12), third retaining portion (13) and fourth retaining portion (14) that hold and carry a plurality of works arranged at even intervals and supply these to a supply pallet (7) at any intervals; and a retaining base portion (20) to which these first to fourth retaining portions are connected. The retaining base portion (20) includes first to fourth sliding portions that cause the first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) to approach each other or separate in the arrangement direction of the works. The first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) respectively include first engaging parts and second engaging parts that disengage with the works independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujiwara, Shunsuke Sunahara, Takeshi Tada, Takayuki Motojima
  • Publication number: 20150023772
    Abstract: A transport robot having a loading device (16-19) and loading arms for loading and unloading items to be transported (13) on the transport robot, wherein the item to be transported (13) is stored in a high-bay storage shelving (12) at the side of the direction of travel for the transport robot, and the loading device (16-19) is driven in a displaceable manner, and can be guided over at least one of the two sides of the outer contour of the transport robot, and can be brought into contact with the item to be transported (13), wherein the loading device (16-19) is formed by at least one loading arm (7, 8; 17, 18), designed as a longitudinal conveyor (6) for gripping under the bottom surface of the item to be transported (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Christian Beer
  • Patent number: 8936293
    Abstract: A device for use in the semiconductor industry includes a robotic arm whose end effector includes electromagnetic means to hold a substrate carrier. A pushing member can move independently of a flat, spatula-like portion of the device and is configured to exert force against the substrate carrier while the spatula-like portion is retracted from the substrate carrier, after the substrate carrier has been brought to its intended position. In this manner, the position of the substrate carrier is maintained at its intended position as the spatula-like portion is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher O. Lada, Stuart Stephen Papworth Parkin, Mahesh Govind Samant
  • Publication number: 20150003945
    Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a horizontal multistage telescopic device. In the device, a slider is mounted to s base so as to be movable in a first direction and in a second direction which are opposite to each other along the horizontal direction. An output arm has an end in the second direction, the end being provided with an output arm support, and is expanded in the first direction from the output arm support. The output arm support is mounted to a slider so as to be horizontally movable in the first and second directions. The output arm has an end in the first direction, to which an end effector is mounted. A motor is mounted to an end of the slider in the second direction. A rotation transmitting member transmits torque of the motor to a second rotor of a movement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshinori TAKAHASHI, Takayuki SAITO
  • Patent number: 8920108
    Abstract: A manipulator for transporting work pieces, especially between two subsequent molding presses of a press working line, including a moving mechanism allowing three dimensional movements on the path between the molding presses, a supplemental arm attached to the moving mechanism and connected to this moving mechanism via a support member that allows a swiveling movement of the supplemental arm around a vertical axis of the support member as well as a translation movement of the supplemental arm with respect to the support member, and a tool support provided at the outer end of a supplemental arm, the tool support being rotatable around a horizontal first axis and around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the tool support including a tool reception that is rotatable around a third axis perpendicular with respect to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wilfried Strothmann GmbH Maschinenbau und Handhabungstechnik
    Inventors: Bernd Naumann, Markus Wessling-Schäfers
  • Patent number: 8918204
    Abstract: A transport unit (1) is provided for workpieces (2), in particular sheet metal parts, between neighboring placement areas or machining devices (3, 4), in particular presses. The transport unit (1) includes a multi-axis robot (5) having a gripper tool (9). A controllable transfer unit (6) is also provided that is guided by the robot (5). The unit includes an advancement unit (7) and a pivot unit (8) for the gripper tool (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kuka Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Yong-Hak Cho, Thomas Holecek, Matthias Gastl, Sebastian Mocker, Thomas Henneke
  • Patent number: 8911197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the rapid transport of glass sheets between different manufacturing stations in a spacious manufacturing plant for producing photovoltaic elements, wherein said manufacturing plant is subject to clean room conditions, comprising the following features: a) a freely movable mounting for conveying a lifting portal, b) at least one vertical lifting carriage for vertically transporting a glass sheet by means of a telescoping jack plate, wherein said plate can be extended in two opposite directions, has a local lowering and raising function and can transport a glass sheet continuously from one side of the vertical lifting carriage to the other side, c) for operation, the mechanically moved parts are encapsulated free of emissions in a clean room and made of abrasion-proof material, d) a cordless energy supply unit for operating the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Rossmann
  • Patent number: 8899245
    Abstract: Machine (10) and method for treating containers (12) of liquids comprising in succession at least a loading station (15), into which the containers (12) to be treated are loaded, and all disposed according to a determinate first orientation, and a washing station (17), in which the containers (12) are subjected at least to washing and are disposed in a second orientation able to promote the fall due to gravity of the dirt and/or washing liquid present in the containers (12). The machine (10) comprises, downstream of the washing station (17) and outside it, a manipulator device (41) which automatically rotates the containers (12) exiting form the washing station (17) so as to reposition the containers (12) according to the first determinate orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Steelco SpA
    Inventor: Fabio Zardini
  • Patent number: 8881380
    Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hatase Takayuki
  • Patent number: 8858411
    Abstract: A system for loading/unloading sheets is disclosed, some of which also being of metal, and handling method thereof, serving a laser cutting center. The system includes a pair of rails (1, 2), supported at a preset height above a feeding tray (T) of the cutting center, whereon at least one Cartesian robotized hand is movably mounted, capable of moving along horizontal axes X and Y as well as along a vertical axis Z, mutually orthogonal, and including at least two bridge cranes (3, 4) sliding along the rails (1, 2) each of which supports at least one pair of robotized hands (5-8), and the robotized hands (5-8) have an electromagnetic pick-up head which may be coupled with a suction-cup device (103). Feeding tray (T) consists of bars whereon small tesserae (204) of ceramic material are fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Travers International, S.A.
    Inventor: James Mossi
  • Publication number: 20140301809
    Abstract: The recording medium delivery mechanism includes a slider, a holding lever, a biasing portion, a lever-opening operation portion, and a housing and discharging drive unit. The slider is supported on a chassis to be movable in housing and discharging directions of a recording medium. The holding lever is rotatably supported by the slider and configured to hold the recording medium. The biasing portion is configured to bias the holding lever toward the recording medium. The lever-opening operation portion is provided to the holding lever, is engaged with a lever engagement portion provided to the chassis by a movement of the slider in the discharging direction of the recording medium, and configured to rotate the holding lever in a direction away from the recording medium. The housing and discharging drive unit is configured to move the chassis and the slider in the housing and discharging directions of the recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Nonaka, Osamu Shimizu, Keiji Jitsukawa
  • Publication number: 20140301818
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus for transporting substrates, the substrate transport apparatus including a frame, at least one transfer arm connected to the frame, at least one end effector mounted to the at least one transfer arm and at least one substrate support pad disposed on the at least one end effector, the at least one substrate support pad has a configuration that effects increased friction force, resulting from an increased friction coefficient, in at least one predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc,
    Inventors: Ulysses Gilchrist, Jairo Terra Moura
  • Publication number: 20140271084
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatic pitch conversion for pick and place heads, comprising at least one auto pitch station for adjusting a pitch in a X-coordinate direction and/or adjusting a pitch in a Y-coordinate direction of pickers/grippers of a pick and place heads; a first actuator, operated by a motor gear assembly of the at least one auto pitch station, wherein the first actuator changes the pitch in the X-coordinate direction distance between rows of pickers/grippers of the respective pick and place head; and a second actuator operated by the same motor gear assembly, wherein the second actuator changes the pitch in the Y-coordinate direction between the pickers/grippers within a row of the respective pick and place head. A method for automatic pitch conversion of pick and place heads and a pick and place head and a pick and place device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Bert Vangilbergen, Erik De Block, Jimmy Vermeulen, KW Cheung, KC Leung, Bruno Accou, Carl Truyens, Karel Van Gils
  • Patent number: 8834091
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring component panes from a component pane storage station to a vacuum table assembly are disclosed. The system includes a number of component pane handlers, for instance two handlers, and a pick and place mechanism or arm. The handler transfers the component panes from the station to the mechanism. The system includes an alignment module configured to facilitate spatial alignment of the component pane while the component pane is coupled to the handler. The module can be carried by the mechanism. Spatial alignment of the component pane can be substantially completed before transfer of the component pane from the handler to the mechanism. The mechanism includes a set of vacuum elements or pads that enables pick up of the component pane from the handler as well as release and pick up of the component pane at the vacuum table assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Technologies & Instruments Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Jian Ping Jin, Lee Kwang Heng
  • Publication number: 20140250678
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus comprises a substrate holder capable of holding a substrate, a link unit which extends/retracts the substrate holder, a driving unit which generates a driving force to operate the link unit, a guide bar provided to one of the substrate holder and the link unit; and a support unit which is provided to the other of the substrate holder and the link unit, and slidably supports the guide bar when the substrate holder moves by the operation of the link unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CANON ANELVA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhito WATANABE
  • Patent number: 8831769
    Abstract: A robot and a method for controlling the same are provided. The robot includes a first control unit to control the overall operation of the robot and a second control unit to supplement the function of the control unit in preparation for the malfunction of the first control unit such that the second control unit controls the robot to perform a predetermined safety-considered motion when the first control unit malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Owan Kim
  • Publication number: 20140241843
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: LUXVUE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dariusz Golda, John A. Higginson, Andreas Bibl, Paul Argus Parks, Stephen Paul Bathurst
  • Publication number: 20140241844
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: LUXVUE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dariusz Golda, John A. Higginson, Andreas Bibl, Paul Argus Parks, Stephen Paul Bathurst
  • Publication number: 20140241845
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method of batch assembly. The apparatus for batch assembly may include a plurality of spring units, a plurality of handling units, and a control unit. The method of batch assembly may include aligning an array of devices with a plurality of handling units, attaching the array of devices onto the handling units, expanding the handling units so as to expand the array of devices from a first area to a second area, and transferring the array of devices to a destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: IMEC TAIWAN CO.
    Inventors: Kevin Huang, Chihchung (Gary) Chen
  • Publication number: 20140234066
    Abstract: A picking system for the automated picking of articles, comprising a detection station for detecting the position of an article to be picked on a supplying conveyor, and an articulated arm gripper for picking up the article from the storage loading implement from the supplying conveyor and for depositing the article in the order loading implement on a discharge conveyor. The articulated arm gripper comprises an essentially upright longitudinal arm and an articulated arm which can be bent about an angle of articulation and on which a gripping device for gripping the article is provided. The articulated arm gripper is designed for picking up the at least one article to be picked from a storage loading implement which is transported on the supplying conveyor. The longitudinal arm of the articulated arm gripper is at least twice as long as the articulated arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Knapp AG
    Inventors: Franz Mathi, Florian Hoffmann