Robotic Arm Patents (Class 74/490.01)
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Patent number: 8683884Abstract: Three or more displacement generation mechanisms, which allow some of a plurality of guide members that are provided respectively to a plurality of guide holding members that is capable of reciprocally moving substantially perpendicularly to shifting directions of a reciprocally movable linear motion structural member with respect to a base member, and a rocking member that is provided to an end of a linear motion member capable of reciprocally moving in directions substantially in parallel with the shifting directions of the guide holding members so as to rock around an axis substantially perpendicular to the respective shifting directions of the linear motion structural member and the linear motion member, to be made in contact with each other so that some of the guide holding members are displaced relatively to the linear motion structural member, are operation-controlled, with a result that a transmission gear ratio between a displacement velocity of the linear motion member and a displacement velocity ofType: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Katsuhiko Asai
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Patent number: 8677855Abstract: First and second parallel link mechanisms 36, 38 are connected via a short link 35 arranged on a rotational angle transmission mechanism 29 so that a rotation applied to the first parallel link mechanism 36 is transmitted to the second parallel link mechanism 38 via the rotational angle transmission mechanism 29. The rotational angle transmission mechanism 29, the second parallel link mechanism 38 and the driven side link of the first parallel link mechanism 36 are horizontally supported by the drive side link 30 of the first parallel link mechanism 36. The rotational angle transmission mechanism 29 transmits the rotational angle applied to the drive side link 30 of the first parallel link mechanism 36 to the drive side link 32 of the second parallel link mechanism 38 supported by the drive side link 30 via the guide means that is parallel to the short link 35.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Rorze CorporationInventor: Kouji Yokoyama
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Patent number: 8677853Abstract: In a robot arm is provided with a closed link mechanism between a base and a hand, and a temperature of a first link member from among a plurality of link members constituting the closed link mechanism is to reach a first temperature T1, and a temperature of a second link member is to reach a second temperature T2, the first link member and the second link member formed from differing materials. An elongation ratio of the first link member, in which a length of the first link member at the first temperature T1 is divided by length of the first link member at a pre-operation temperature T0 is approximately equal to an elongation ratio of the second link member, in which a length of the second link member at the second temperature T2 is divided by a length of the second link member at the pre-operation temperature T0.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Nabtesco CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Shimamoto, Takahiro Maekawa
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Patent number: 8677854Abstract: An apparatus for a robot arm of an industrial robot. A first module includes a first and a second member rotatable in relation to each other about a first axis of rotation. A second module includes a first and a second member rotatable in relation to each other about a second axis of rotation. The first member of the second module is attached to the second member of the first module. A third module includes a first and a second member rotatable in relation to each other about a third axis of rotation. The first member of the third module is attached to the second member of the second module. The second axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first and the third axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is offset from the first and the third axis of rotation when the first axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the third axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: ABB Researched Ltd.Inventor: Ivan Lundberg
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Publication number: 20140076087Abstract: The present invention is related to a motor system, a motor, and to a robot arm device comprising the same. According to the invention, a motor is provided comprising a rack having a periodic surface thereon which is engaged by a plurality of engaging elements. By driving the engaging elements back and forth towards the surface structure in a periodic and time shifted manner, a linear motion can be brought about.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Stichting Katholieke Universiteit more particular The Radboud UniversityInventors: Dennis George Hugo Bosboom, Johannes Jacobus Fütterer, Johan Bosboom
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Publication number: 20140076088Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for positioning with respect to a patient's body an observation and/or intervention device having a portion penetrating into the patient's body comprising a base disposed over the patient's body; a means for supporting the device formed of a first portion movably assembled on the base according to a connection with one degree of freedom, and of a second portion movably assembled on the first portion according to a connection with one degree of freedom and connected to the device; and means for actuating the first portion with respect to the base, and the second portion with respect to the first portion, in which the base surrounds at a distance at least partially the device, said device being detachably connected to the second portion to enable removal of the positioning system while leaving in place the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIERInventors: Peter Berkelman, Philippe Cinquin, Alain Jacquet, Jean Amault
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Patent number: 8668428Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a first arm and a second arm respectively supported at their base end portions by a body and the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a first joint and a second joint; and a fork including its base end portion supported by the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a third joint. The first arm includes a first enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with an upper surface positioned higher than an upper surface of the base end portion of the first arm. The second arm includes a second enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with a lower surface positioned lower than a lower surface of the base end portion of the second arm. The first and the second enlarged portion are at least partially overlapped with each other horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventor: Kazunori Hino
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Patent number: 8667860Abstract: An active gripper for a haptic device including a parallel kinematics structure providing at least three degrees of freedom including three translational degrees of freedom, wherein the gripper comprises a first contact surface being adapted for contact by a first portion of a hand of a user, a second contact surface being adapted for contact by a second portion of the user's hand, which hand's second portion being moveable in relation to the hand's first portion, and a moveable member arranged between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and being adapted to actively move the first contact surface and the second contact surface in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Force Dimension S.a.r.l.Inventors: Patrick Helmer, Francois Conti, Sébastien Grange, Patrice Rouiller
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Publication number: 20140060230Abstract: A parallel link robot, including a base part having actuators; a part movable with respect to the base part; link parts with first ends linked with the plurality of actuators rotatably around rotary shafts with respect to the base part and with other ends linked with the moving part; and fixtures attached to the base part to measure rotational positions of the link parts. The base part has reference flat surfaces, and the link parts have moving flat surfaces extended in parallel with respect to the rotary shafts, wherein positional relationships between the moving flat surfaces and the reference flat surfaces become predetermined positional relationships when the link parts rotate to reference positions for calibration of position. The fixtures have measuring devices arranged at measurement positions with known positional relationships with respect to the reference flat surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoaki NAGAYAMA
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Publication number: 20140060229Abstract: An automatic commodity transportation system, adapted for transporting glass substrate of a TFT-LCD of a liquid crystal display device, wherein the automatic commodity transportation system includes a plurality of storing cabinets, a plurality of storing trays removeably disposed within the cabinet, and a transporting apparatus, wherein the transporting apparatus is used to move the trays between different storing cabinets, the transporting device which includes a chassis. A robot arm is rotatably mounted onto the chassis. A protective arrangement is provided on the robot arm to stop the operation of the robot arm when the protective arrangement is triggered to sending out a signal. As the automatic commodity transportation system is arranged with an anti-collision device such that a collision with other moving or stationary part is therefore effectively lowered. As a result, the halt and maintenance resulted of a damaged rotary arm can be avoided, and the production will not be affected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zenghong Chen, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Minghu Qi, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang
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Patent number: 8661926Abstract: A robot manipulator includes a plurality of joint shafts including at least first and second joint shafts. If the robot manipulator extends vertically with respect to a rotation center of the first joint shaft that rotates in a horizontal plane, a rotation center of the second joint shaft that rotates in another horizontal plane is offset from the rotation center of the first joint shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Masato Ito, Manabu Okahisa
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Patent number: 8656803Abstract: A mechanical joint includes a first axial bracket, a first bearing, a second bearing, a sleeve, a second axial bracket, and an anti-jamming mechanism. The first axial bracket includes a rotary shaft. The first bearing, the second bearing, and the sleeve sleeve on the rotary shaft of the first axial bracket in turn, the sleeve being sandwiched between the first and second bearings. The second axial bracket is rotatably assembled to the first axial bracket via the first and second bearings. The anti-jamming mechanism is resiliently assembled within the second axial bracket and sleeves on the sleeve. One end of the anti-jamming mechanism resists the second axial bracket and the opposite second bearing.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bo Long
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Patent number: 8650981Abstract: A robot is provided in a Cartesian space. The robot is provided with a linear movement rail, a movable body, a swing arm, a linear movement arm. The linear movement rail extends in parallel with the X-axis direction. The movable body is linearly moved in the X-axis direction along the linear movement rail. The swing arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the movable body around an R-axis (which is a swing axis) extending in a horizontal direction which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the second end extends radially from the R-axis. The linear movement arm, which is connected to the second end of the swing arm, moves a wrist unit in the Y-axis direction which is in parallel with the R-axis. A task tool is loaded to the wrist unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Denso Wave IncorporatedInventor: Takamasa Tokumitsu
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Patent number: 8651796Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a drive section having at least one drive shaft and at least two scara arms operably coupled to the at least one drive shaft, the at least one drive shaft being a common drive shaft for the at least two scara arms effecting extension and retraction of the at least two scara arms, wherein the at least two scara arms are coupled to each other so that, with the at least one drive shaft coupled to the at least two scara arms, rotation of the drive shaft effects extension and retraction of one of the at least two scara arms substantially independent of motion of another of the at least two scara arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Martin Hosek, Ulysses Gilchrist
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Patent number: 8628290Abstract: A handling device which has a first bearing device forming a pivot point for two inner pivot arms, to each of which one outer pivot arm is pivotally attached. The two outer pivot arms support a platform. The platform is pivotally connected to the outer pivot arms by an outer three-ring bearing.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Joerg-Oliver Hestermann
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Patent number: 8627740Abstract: An industrial robot adapted for a harsh environment involving exposure to salt water. A robot arm includes a plurality of arm parts movable relative each other about a plurality of joints. Electrical motors move the arm parts. A salt water proof coating on at least a portion of an exterior of the robot arm parts.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Charlotte Skourup, Johan Gunnar, John Pretlove
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Patent number: 8627741Abstract: A process turning disc connectable to an output shaft of a motor configured to rotate the process turning disc about a first center axis of the process turning disc. The process turning disc being configured to guide a cable or hose. A first flange is connectable to an end part of a robot arm. A second flange is connectable to a tool element. The flanges are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate connecting member. The connecting member is connected to the flanges. The connecting member provides a passage between the flanges. The passage is configured to receive and guide the cable/hose. The passage has an inlet side for the cable/hose and an outlet side for the cable/hose. A robot arm including the process turning disc, a robot including the robot arm and a method that utilizes the process turning disc.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: ABB Technology ABInventors: Lars Barkman, Mattias Lindevall, Pascal Cabanne, Peter Bylund, Joachim Ljungkvist
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Publication number: 20140007483Abstract: Disclosed is a remote contrivance refurbishment apparatus and related methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Richard Worrall, William Rearick
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Patent number: 8621953Abstract: A delta robot includes a base plate and at least three drives fastened thereon, which are connected to an arm, with at least one drive connected at an opposite end relative to the arm to two rods. The rods run parallel and are connected at one end by an additional ball joint to a movable parallel plate. The two ball joints are oriented mirror-symmetrically to each other and each hollow ball segment is pressed onto a ball segment head by tensioning a permanently elastic element between two rods that are parallel to each other. The center point of a ball segment head is displaced relative to the longitudinal support axis of the rod with the direction of displacement pointing away from the hollow ball segment with the displacement always being smaller than the radius of the spherical segment head.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventors: Christian Hombach, Felix Böttcher
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Patent number: 8621954Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that may compensate for the effect of gravity on certain haptic devices, such as haptic-robot devices. An example embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods may take the form of a gravity-compensation system that includes (a) a carriage coupled to a rod having a first axis, wherein the carriage is configured to move along the first axis, (b) a displacement mechanism coupled to the carriage, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to move the carriage along the first axis of the rod based on a displacement of an extendable arm along the first axis, and (c) a restorative-force mechanism configured to exert, on the carriage, a restorative force that acts along a second axis. The gravity-compensation system acts in a primarily passive manner, helping to ensure the safety of users at the point of human-robot interaction (pHRI).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: University of Washington Through Its Center for CommercializationInventors: Brian Dellon, Yoky Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8607658Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm provided rotatably around a first rotation axis on the base, a second arm provided rotatably around a second rotation axis on the first arm, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis, and a main shaft provided in the second arm to be extended in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis. A distance between the second rotation axis and the main shaft is shorter than a length of a straight line connecting the first and the second rotation axes. Additionally, the first arm has a recessed portion formed so as to include a position on a rotation path where a rotation radius around the second rotation axis is equivalent to the distance between the second rotation axis and the main shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Masatoshi Ono, Christoph Meyerhoff
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Patent number: 8607659Abstract: A robotic arm assembly includes a support body, a first segment, a second segment, a first driving device, a second driving device, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a third bevel gear, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The first segment is rotatably connected to an end of the support body. The second segment is rotatably connected to the first segment. The first driving device and the second driving device are received in the support body. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are rotatably sleeved on opposite ends of the first segment, and mesh with the third bevel gear fixed to the second segment. The first transmission mechanism transmits the power of the first driving member to the first bevel gear, and the second transmission mechanism transmits the power of the second driving member to the second bevel gear.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guo-Qing Zhang
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Patent number: 8601897Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Universite LavalInventors: Nicolas Lauzier, Clement Gosselin, Dalong Gao, Martin Grenier, Robin Stevenson
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Patent number: 8601898Abstract: A deceleration mechanism comprises a driving wheel, a driven wheel of a diameter exceeding that of the driving wheel, a transmission member coiling around the driving wheel and the driven wheel; and a tension assembly fixed to the driven wheel. The transmission member coils around the driving wheel, criss-crosses, and coils around the driven wheel. The tension assembly is arranged between the transmission member and the driven wheel and elastically resists the transmission member and the driven wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhi-Ming Zhao, Guo-Qing Zhang, Chia-Peng Day
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Patent number: 8596159Abstract: A deceleration mechanism includes a transmission assembly and a driving device. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first driven assembly, a second driven assembly, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The first transmission member coils around the driving member and the first driven assembly. The second transmission member coils around the first driven assembly and the second driven assembly. The driving device rotates the driving member, the driving member rotates the first driven assembly, and the first driven assembly rotates the second driven assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guo-Qing Zhang, Zhi-Ming Zhao
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Publication number: 20130312563Abstract: A compact, lightweight manipulation system that excels in operability and has a force feedback capability is provided. When automatic operation of a slave manipulator 105 that follows manual operation of a master manipulator 101 is bilaterally controlled by means of communication, the force acting on the slave manipulator is fed back to the master manipulator by operating the master manipulator primarily under electrically-driven speed control and the slave manipulator primarily under pneumatically-driven force control. Therefore, in the master manipulator, it is not necessary to compensate for the dynamics and the self-weight of the master manipulator in the motion range of a user, allowing highly accurate, broadband positional control, which is specific to an electrically-driven system, and in the slave manipulator, nonlinearity characteristics specific to a pneumatically-driven system presents passive softness, provides a high mass-to-output ratio, and produces a large force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kenji KAWASHIMA, Kotaro TADANO
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Publication number: 20130310975Abstract: The invention relates to a microrobot that is microfabricated using micro-electromechanical system technology, including i pairs of drive modules wherein i ranges from 1 to n, where n is no less than 1, the microrobot comprising: a mounting arranged so as to support at least two drive modules aligned in a first direction (x), said drive modules forming a pair of drive modules; i pairs of primary connecting-rod assemblies, each primary connecting-rod assembly being pivotably connected to the drive pin of a drive module of the ith pair of drive modules; a pair of secondary connecting-rod assemblies, each secondary connecting-rod assembly being pivotably connected to the primary connecting-rod assembly of the nth pair of drive modules and to the mounting; and an actuating member pivotably connected to each secondary connecting-rod assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicants: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Ecole Nationale Superieure de Mecanique et des Microtechniques, Universite de BesanconInventors: Vincent Chalvet, Yassine Haddab, Philippe Lutz, Artur Zarzycki
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Patent number: 8584547Abstract: A robot part, such as a robot arm or a robot joint, surrounded by an impact absorbing structure is provided. According to the invention, the impact absorbing structure has a shroud surrounding the robot part. The shroud is mounted on two spacing elements such that an interspace is formed between the shroud and the robot part. At least one of the spacing elements mounts the shroud elastically. Also provided is a method of protecting a robot part by providing the robot part with an impact absorbing structure according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Sirkett, Ivan Lundberg, Timothy Vittor
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Patent number: 8573919Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus having a frame, a drive section and an articulated arm. The drive section has at least one motor module that is selectable for placement in the drive section from a number of different interchangeable motor modules. Each having a different predetermined characteristic. The articulated arm has articulated joints. The arm is connected to the drive section for articulation. The arm has a selectable configuration selectable from a number of different arm configurations each having a predetermined configuration characteristic. The selection of the arm configuration is effected by selection of the at least one motor module for placement in the drive section.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Ulysses Gilchrist, Christopher Hofmeister
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Publication number: 20130283957Abstract: A robotic two-wheeled vehicle comprising a connection body interposed between the two wheels are described. A drum can be coaxially located in a central region of the connection body and can support a hollow arm projecting radially from the drum. A tether can be inserted in the arm and connected to a second drum. Instruments and sensors can be accommodated in a case housed inside each wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Issa A.D. NESNAS, Jaret B. MATTHEWS, Jeffrey E. EDLUND, Joel BURDICK, Pablo ABAD-MANTEROLA
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Patent number: 8567281Abstract: A rotating device includes a communication unit including a transmitting portion having a first ring-shaped coil, a first ring-shaped magnetic body covering the first ring-shaped coil and a first terminal connected to the first ring-shaped coil, and a receiving portion having a second ring-shaped coil, a second ring-shaped magnetic body covering the second ring-shaped coil and a second terminal connected to the second ring-shaped coil, and a bearing connecting a hollow fixed portion to a hollow rotating portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takeshi Nakajima
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Patent number: 8561496Abstract: An industrial robot includes a mounting base, a turning base rotatable relative to the mounting base about a rotation axis, and a stopper mechanically limiting an operating angle of the turning base. The stopper includes a fixed section attached to the mounting base, a connecting base attached to the turning base, and a swing lever pivotally connected to the connecting base and capable of swinging between a first position and a second position. The turning base is maintained in the first position and the second position, respectively, by the stopper when the swing lever contacts the fixed section, thereby limiting the operating angle of the turning base.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xiao-Peng Pan
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Patent number: 8562594Abstract: Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Cooper, Todd R. Solomon
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Publication number: 20130269465Abstract: A robot includes a base unit hoisted up from below a bottom surface portion of a chamber defining a work space and connected to the bottom surface portion of the chamber. The robot further includes an arm unit carried into the chamber from above the chamber and connected to an upper portion of the base unit connected to the bottom surface portion of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Nobuyuki FURUKAWA, Yuuki OHARA
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Patent number: 8555744Abstract: The present gear mechanism includes a base body member, a first gear supported on the base body member so as to rotate about a first rotational axis, a second gear capable of being meshed with the first gear, a support member supporting the second gear so as to rotate about a second rotational axis and placed on the base body member so as to be movable in approaching and leaving directions respectively toward and away from the first rotational axis, and a retaining member engaged in a threaded hole formed in the base body member and capable of being turned so as to move in the approaching and leaving directions, and directly or indirectly engaged with the support member to restrain the support member from moving in the leaving direction away from the first rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Hirooka, Yasuhiko Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8549949Abstract: A backlash adjustment mechanism includes a first cylindrical gear fixed in an axial position, a second cylindrical gear moveable along the axis and meshed with the first cylindrical gear, and an elastic member biasing the second cylindrical gear towards the first cylindrical gear. The addendum modification coefficients in the first and second cylindrical gears are linearly changed along their axes, respectively, an end of the first cylindrical gear with higher addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly lower addendum modification coefficient, and an end of the first cylindrical gear with lower addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly higher addendum modification coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bo Long
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Patent number: 8551114Abstract: A robotic surgical device for use in laparoscopic surgery, includes two robotic arms in parallel relationship with each other. Each arm has at least six joints providing a total of fourteen degrees of movement that accurately reproduce the movements of a human torso complete with arms. The robotic arms are connected to a support via a connection element.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Human Robotics S.A. de C.V.Inventor: Alejandro Ramos de la Peña
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Publication number: 20130255425Abstract: A robotic arm for a minimally invasive surgical system includes a parallel spherical five-bar linkage adapted to spherically rotationally move a robotic surgical tool coupled to the parallel five-bar spherical linkage about a remote center of spherical rotation. The five-bar spherical linkage is posed in only a range of compact poses. A constraint limits the parallel five-bar spherical linkage to only the range of compact poses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
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Publication number: 20130255424Abstract: A shaft member (12) has a hollow pipe (13) extending coaxially with its axis of center of rotation and a tool mounting surface (12c) positioned at the front end of the shaft member. An umbilical member guide mechanism (10) includes an umbilical member fastening part (20) attached to a tool mounting surface side of the shaft member, a plurality of umbilical members (30) are guided from the arm side of the robot through the hollow pipe of the shaft member and fastened at the end of the hollow pipe at the tool mounting surface side by an umbilical member fastening part in parallel with the axis of center of rotation, and attaching parts (48a to 48d) which attach the umbilical member fastening part to the front end of the shaft member at one phase of at least two predetermined phases around the axis of center of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Hirokazu KUME
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Publication number: 20130255428Abstract: A robot includes an arm. The arm includes a long-shaped arm body having a storing section configured of a concave section which is formed to open to a side surface thereof; a driving mechanism which is stored in the storing section and has a motor; and a sealing section airtightly sealing the storing section. The sealing section includes a frame body which has a frame shape along an edge of the opening section opened to the side surface of the storing section and is adhered to the edge with adhesive, and has a plurality of female screws in which a plurality of bolts are screwed, respectively; a cover which is detachably installed on the frame body by the bolts which are screwed in the female screws and covers the storing section in a installed state; and a packing interposed between the frame body and the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Seiji HAHAKURA, Takuya OWA
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Patent number: 8544359Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first shaft base, a second shaft base rotatably connected to the first shaft base, a wire harness, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the wire harness. The first shaft base defines a first through hole along a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft base defines a second through hole. The clamping mechanism includes a main body connected to the second shaft base, and a locking member engaged with the main body. The second shaft base rotates relative to the first shaft base around the longitudinal axis. The main body further comprise a clamping portion on an end thereof, and the clamping portion is capability of radial deformation. The locking member resists the clamping portion to clamp the wire harness. The wire harness extends through the first through hole, the second through hole, and then the clamping mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chao-Qiang Liu
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Patent number: 8534155Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, and the support arm includes a mounting base and a connecting portion defining a hollow portion. The robot arm assembly further includes a first arm, a second arm, a first input shaft, a second input shaft coaxial with and rotatable relative to the first input shaft, a first gear transmission mechanism coupled to the first input shaft to rotate the first arm, a second gear transmission mechanism coupled to the second input shaft to rotate the second arm, and a first backlash adjust mechanism to adjust the positions of the connecting portion, of the first and second input shafts relative to the mounting base, and providing the adjustment of the backlash between the first input gear pair and the second input gear pair.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bo Long
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Patent number: 8534153Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first arm, a second arm; a first transmission assembly and a second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly includes a first rotation shaft having a first bevel gear portion, a second rotation shaft having a second bevel gear portion engaging with the first bevel gear portion, and a third rotation shaft non-rotatably connected to the second rotation shaft. The second transmission assembly includes a forth rotation shaft and a fifth rotation shaft. The forth rotation shaft is rotatably sleeved on the first rotation shaft and includes a forth bevel gear potion. The fifth rotation shaft is rotatably sleeved on the second rotation shaft and includes a fifth bevel gear portion engaging with the forth bevel gear portion. An end of the fifth rotation shaft opposite to the fifth bevel gear portion is connected to the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bo Long
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Patent number: 8528438Abstract: The invention provides a robotic arm for transporting a substrate in an ultrahigh vacuum including a carrier module and a drive module. The drive module includes a magnetic coupling, a first transmission module, a second transmission module, and a third transmission module. The magnetic coupling includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The first transmission module drives the first active unit of the magnetic coupling to turn a first passive unit of the inner shaft by magnetic force. The second transmission module drives the second active unit of the magnetic coupling to turn a second passive unit of the outer shaft by magnetic force. The third transmission module drives the magnetic coupling and the carrier module to perform vertical movement. The carrier module will achieve rotational motion or extending motion when the inner shaft and the outer shaft are driven by the first transmission module and the second transmission module of the drive module.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Armaments Bureau, Ministry of National DefenseInventors: Hsien-Chung Chen, Kun-Feng Huang
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Patent number: 8525460Abstract: An SEA architecture for controlling the torque applied by an SEA that has particular application for controlling the position of a robot link. The SEA architecture includes a motor coupled to one end of an elastic spring and a load coupled to an opposite end of the elastic spring, where the motor drives the load through the spring. The orientation of the shaft of the motor and the load are measured by position sensors. Position signals from the position sensors are sent to an embedded processor that determines the orientation of the load relative to the motor shaft to determine the torque on the spring. The embedded processor receives reference torque signals from a remote controller, and the embedded processor operates a high-speed servo loop about the desired joint torque. The remote controller determines the desired joint torque based on higher order objectives by their impedance or positioning objectives.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Matthew J. Reiland, Brian Hargrave, Robert Platt, Muhammad E. Abdallah, Frank Noble Permenter
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Patent number: 8516917Abstract: An exemplary translational branch joint for a parallel robot includes a swing arm connected to a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes two parallel connecting bars, a first link member, a second link member, and joint members. The first link member and the second link member connect the connecting bars. Each joint member comprises a first joint portion and a second joint portion extending from the first joint portion. The first joint portion has a first axis, and the second joint portion has a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first joint portions of the joint members are rotatably connected to ends of the first link member and the second link member, and the second joint portions of the joint members are rotatably connected to ends of the connecting bars.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zhi-Ming Zhao
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Patent number: 8516918Abstract: A biomimetic mechanical joint for generating a variable torque between support members of a biomimetic robotic device, including a base support member, a rotary support member rotatably coupled to the base support member, and a variable-radius pulley operably coupled between the base support member and rotary support member. The variable-radius pulley comprises a sheave body having a variable radius and one or more tendon grooves formed in the circumferential outer surface. The mechanical joint further includes one or more flexible tendons and antagonistic actuator pairs, with each actuator pair being coupled to one or more tendons and configured to operate the tendon around the variable-radius pulley in either direction to create a variable torque between the base and rotary support members.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, Brian J. Maclean
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Publication number: 20130213169Abstract: A calibrated mass damper for use with end effectors for semiconductor wafer handling robots is described. The calibrated mass damper reduces vibrational response in an end effector carrying a semiconductor wafer without requiring modification of the end effector structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventors: Mark K. Tan, Nicholas M. Kopec, Richard M. Blank
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Publication number: 20130213170Abstract: An arm module having a structure capable of precisely moving each link unit while flexibly moving with sufficient stiffness includes a plurality of link units each having a ring shape, a plurality of joint units each disposed in a middle portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of link units to connect the plurality of link units, wherein the plurality of link units includes a first link unit, a second link unit disposed while being rotated with respect to the first link unit, the second link unit linked at an upper side of the first link unit while passing through a middle portion of the first link unit, and a third link unit disposed while being rotated with respect to the second link unit, the third link unit linked at an upper side of the second link unit while passing through a middle portion of the second link unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8511195Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member fitted to a tip end of the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude, and a drive unit housing to which a base end of the spindle guide section is connected. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle then holding a tool. The spindle guide section includes a hollow outer shell pipe, a rotary shaft and a guide pipe, and an attitude altering member for altering an attitude of the distal end member is inserted within the guide pipe. A hollow of the outer shell pipe includes a round hole portion at a center and a grooved portion depressed radially outwardly from the round hole portion. The rotary shaft is arranged within the round hole portion whereas the guide pipe is arranged within the grooved portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Takayoshi Ozaki, Yoshitaka Nagano, Yukihiro Nishio