Including Electric Motor Patents (Class 74/490.03)
  • Publication number: 20120279342
    Abstract: A motor including a driven unit; an actuator including a vibrating plate having, at an end thereof, a protrusion which is biased toward the driven unit and a piezoelectric body stacked on the vibrating plate; and a biasing unit biasing the actuator toward the driven unit, wherein an axis in a direction in which the biasing unit biases the actuator toward the driven unit intersects with a plane containing a vibrating surface of the vibrating plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji YASUKAWA, Osamu MIYAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20120279338
    Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided for actuation of an upper arm assembly for a dexterous humanoid robot. The upper arm assembly for the humanoid robot includes a plurality of arm support frames each defining an axis. A plurality of rotary actuator assemblies are each mounted to one of the plurality of arm support frames about the respective axes. Each rotary actuator assembly includes a motor mounted about the respective axis, a gear drive rotatably connected to the motor, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a spring input that is rotatably connected to an output of the gear drive and a spring output that is connected to an output for the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Joshua S. Mehling, Adam H. Parsons, Bryan Kristian Griffith, Nicolaus A. Radford, Frank Noble Permenter, Donald R. Davis, Robert O. Ambrose, Lucien Q. Junkin
  • Publication number: 20120272773
    Abstract: A device (1) for moving and positioning a member in space has a mobile member (2), first and second members (3, 4) attached to a frame (32), and first and second carriages (5, 6) slidable along the members (3, 4). A first pair of arms (7, 8) are hinged to the first carriage and to the mobile member, forming a first four-bar linkage. A second pair of arms (10, 11) are hinged to the second carriage (6) and to the mobile member, forming a second four-bar linkage. A third pair of arms (14, 15) are hinged to a third member (13) and to the mobile member (2), forming a third four-bar linkage. A fourth member (17) which is hinged to the frame (3, 4, 19, 32) of the device (1) rotatably bears the third member (13), with a first actuator (18) provided for moving the fourth member (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Patent number: 8292916
    Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Grace
  • Publication number: 20120255389
    Abstract: A multi-functional mobile laptop desk includes a base, on which a support member is set; the end of the support member far from the base is provided with a joint, the top of the joint is provided with a first upper arm, and the lower part of the joint is provided with a first A lower arm and a first B lower arm paralleling with the first upper arm; the end of the first upper arm far from the joint is connected with the top of a tooth tank; the ends of the first A lower arm and the first B lower arm far from the joint are connected with the lower part of the tooth tank; the top of the another end of the tooth tank is provided with a second upper arm, and the lower part of the end is provided with a second A lower arm and a second B lower arm paralleling with the second upper arm; the another end of the second upper arm far from the tooth tank is connected with the top of a connecting seat; the another ends of the second A lower arm and the second B lower arm far from the tooth tank are connected with the lower
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jianguo Wang
  • Patent number: 8283813
    Abstract: A drive section for a substrate transport arm including a frame, at least one stator mounted within the frame, the stator including a first motor section and at least one stator bearing section and a coaxial spindle magnetically supported substantially without contact by the at least one stator bearing section, where each drive shaft of the coaxial spindle includes a rotor, the rotor including a second motor section and at least one rotor bearing section configured to interface with the at least one stator bearing section, wherein the first motor section is configured to interface with the second motor section to effect rotation of the spindle about a predetermined axis and the at least one stator bearing section is configured to effect at least leveling of a substrate transport arm end effector connected to the coaxial spindle through an interaction with the at least one rotor bearing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulysses Gilchrist, Martin Hosek, Jairo Terra Moura, Jay Krishnasamy, Christopher Hofmeister
  • Patent number: 8272290
    Abstract: A parallel robot includes a base plate, two first actuators located on the base plate, a mobile platform, and two kinematic chains respectively interconnecting the base plate and the mobile platform. Each kinematic chain includes a driving bar assembly and a driven bar assembly. The driving bar assembly is connected to one of two first actuators. The driving bar includes two substantially parallel first transmission bars. Each of the first transmission bars includes a rotating portion rotatably connected to the base plate. The driven bar assembly interconnects the driving bar assembly and the mobile platform. Each of the two first actuators rotates two rotating portions of the two first transmission bars in the same direction simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guo-Qing Zhang, Zhi-Ming Zhao
  • Patent number: 8267636
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a first shaftless rotary motor including a first stator and a first rotor, the first stator being linearly distributed and the first rotor being coupled to a first arm, a second shaftless rotary motor including a second stator and second rotor, the second stator being linearly distributed and the second rotor being coupled to a second arm, the second arm being connected to the first arm and a first substrate support being coupled to at least one of the first and second arms, wherein the first stator and second stator are configured so that the first and second arms and the first substrate support are inside the stators and a motor output at a connection between the first and second shaftless rotary motors and a respective one of the first and second arms is a resultant force disposed peripheral to the first and second arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Robert T. Caveney
  • Patent number: 8266979
    Abstract: A vertical articulated robot includes a base; a turning base provided on the base so as to be pivotable about a first rotation axis; a first upper arm provided on the turning base so as to be turnable about a second rotation axis that is in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a second upper arm provided on a distal end portion of the first upper arm so as to be pivotable about a third rotation axis that is perpendicular to the second rotation axis; a front arm provided on a distal end portion of the second upper arm so as to be turnable about a fourth rotation axis that is in a plane perpendicular to the third rotation axis; and a wrist assembly mounted on a distal end portion of the front arm. A motor that rotates the second upper arm is mounted on a frame of the second upper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Keisuke Yonehara, Takashi Sanada, Tomoyuki Shiraki, Ryuta Kagawa, Takashi Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 8256320
    Abstract: A device for handling and/or performing work operations on objects comprises: at least a first arm (2) comprising a first end (2a) for supporting a tool (3) for moving or working; means for supporting and moving (4) the first arm (2) which comprise at least a first linear electric motor (5), developing on a closed path (P), for moving the first arm (2) along a circular trajectory (91), and at least a second linear electric motor (6), to which the first arm (2) is directly connected, developing in an arched trajectory (92). The first (5) and the second (6) linear electric motors cooperate to move the first arm (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Motor Power Company S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Mignano, Claudio Bianchini
  • Publication number: 20120221146
    Abstract: A robot is provided with: a base section; three motors set on the base section; a support so set that an axial centerline is perpendicular to a surface of the base section; pulleys; three wires into which nonlinear springs are incorporated; an output shaft connected to a load; a differential mechanism having a pinion gear connected to the output shaft and also having an affixation member disposed at the upper end of the support; a universal joint disposed at the ring of the differential mechanism; and a wire guide disposed at the affixation member of the differential mechanism. Two side gears of the differential mechanism and two motors are connected in one-to-one correspondence by means of two wires through the pulleys, and the remaining motor and the universal joint are connected by means of the remaining wire which is passed through the wire guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Wennong ZHANG, Hiroshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120210817
    Abstract: A programmable robot system includes a robot provided with a number of individual arm sections, where adjacent sections are interconnected by a joint. The system furthermore includes a controllable drive mechanism provided in at least some of the joints and a control system for controlling the drive. The robot system is furthermore provided with user a interface mechanism including a mechanism for programming the robot system, the user interface mechanism being either provided externally to the robot, as an integral part of the robot or as a combination hereof, and a storage mechanism co-operating with the user interface mechanism and the control system for storing information related to the movement and further operations of the robot and optionally for storing information relating to the surroundings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Kristian KASSOW, Esben Hallundbæk ØSTERGAARD, Kasper STØY
  • Publication number: 20120210816
    Abstract: A robot according to the embodiment includes a motor, a speed reducer that transmits a driving force of the motor to a link, and a detecting unit that detects a rotation angle of an output shaft of the speed reducer, and the detecting unit is connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer via a shaft coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Tetsuro IZUMI
  • Publication number: 20120204670
    Abstract: A module of a center link pivotably connected to two outer links has continuously rotatable faceplates rotatably disposed on the two outer links, thereby creating four degrees of freedom (4-DOF). Modules may be connected via faceplates to produce a “snake” assembly. A single module may move forward in a straight line through simultaneous rotation of the two faceplates. By reversing the rotation of the faceplates, the module may turn in its own length. By sequentially pivoting the outer links relative to the center link, an “inch worm” movement may be used to move the module. Interconnections of two or more modules increase the number of available degrees of freedom, and increase the flexibility of the resultant assembly. Apertures in the faceplates and the outer links allow for interconnection of modules and allow for electrical power and signal connections. A battery housed in the center link provides power for each module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Graham Ryland, Harry H. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120192671
    Abstract: A motor-driven joint of a robot arm comprising a first segment (1), a second segment (2) movably mounted on the first segment, and a motor-drive device mounted between the segments and connected to a control unit, the motor-drive device comprising an actuator (5) arranged to transmit movement in reversible manner to the second segment relative to the first segment, and blocking means (6, 7, 8, 9; 31) that are interposed between the first segment and the second segment and that are controllable to make the transmission of movement temporarily non-reversible, the joint being characterized in that the motor-drive device includes an actuating element mechanically connected to a portion of the blocking means and mounted on one of the segments to be movable, under the effect of a driving force greater than a predetermined threshold, to actuate the blocking means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Alain Riwan, Jonathan Van Rhijn
  • Patent number: 8225692
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a supporting structure, a work carrier, at least six length-adjustable struts arranged in strut pairs, each strut being moveably mounted to the supporting structure and to the work carrier and at least one drive configured to adjust a length of at least one of the struts. The struts of each strut pair are disposed parallel to each other and each strut pair has a pivot bearing disposed at a first end of each strut and a second bearing disposed at a second end of each strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Soenke Kock, Sven Soetebier, Wolfgang Waldi
  • Publication number: 20120180592
    Abstract: An electrical machine apparatus includes an electromagnetic coil, a rotor magnet, n (n is an integer not less than 2) magnetic sensors to detect an electric angle of the rotor magnet, and a position detection part to detect a position of the rotor magnet by using outputs of the magnetic sensors. Each of the magnetic sensors generates a sensor output signal having a curved line waveform and a period of electric angle 2? of the electrical machine apparatus. The respective n magnetic sensors are arranged to generate the sensor output signals with a phase difference other than an integer times ? in electric angle. The position detection part calculates a movement amount of the rotor magnet from a starting point as a position before movement by using the sensor output signals of the n magnetic sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kesatoshi TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20120152050
    Abstract: A three-axis robotic system. On the first and second axes, respective linear bearings have movable carriages, and backbone-free linear bases acting as exclusive support or linear bearing supports. A first motor is mounted to the first linear bearing support and coupled to the first carriage. The second linear bearing support is attached at one end to the first carriage and may be orthogonal to the first linear bearing support. A second motor is mounted to the second linear bearing support and coupled to the second carriage. A third axis member is attached to the second carriage. The third axis member may be orthogonal to the first and second linear bearing supports. A third carriage is slidable on the third axis member. A third motor is mounted to the third axis member and coupled to the third carriage. Each respective motor and carriage may be coupled by a belt or leadscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ACCEL BIOTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Richardson
  • Patent number: 8201472
    Abstract: A robot arm includes a base, a first arm, and a second arm. The base includes a first spindle and a first motor to rotate the first spindle in a first axis. The first arm is rotatably connected to the base around the first axis. The second arm is rotatably connected to the first arm around a second axis parallel to the first axis. The second arm includes a second spindle, a second motor to rotate the second spindle, third spindle, a third motor to rotate the third spindle, a threaded rod extending along a third axis parallel to the first axis and rotated by the second spindle, a nut threaded on the threaded rod, a fourth motor fixed relative to the nut, and a fourth spindle connected to and rotated by the fourth motor. The nut moves along the threaded rod to slide the fourth spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Feng
  • Publication number: 20120150322
    Abstract: A jointed mechanical device is provided. The device includes at least one element (204) having a fixed end and a deflectable end. The device also includes at least one actuating structure (206) having a first end coupled to at least the deflectable end of the element, where the actuating structure includes at least one elastic element (214) in series with at least one non-elastic element. The device further includes at least one force actuator (202) configured to apply an actuator force to a second end of the actuating structure. Additionally, the device includes a control system (315) for adjusting an operation of the force actuator based at least one actuation input, an amount of the actuator force, and an amount of displacement generated by the force actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Skyler Ashton Dalley, Huseyin Atakan Varol, Tuomas Emory Wiste
  • Patent number: 8176808
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly a base unit with a shoulder assembly rotatably disposed on the base unit. A lower robot arm is pivotably attached to the shoulder assembly. An upper robot arm is pivotably attached to the lower robot arm. The base unit includes a first motor which rotates a main shaft fixed to the shoulder assembly to rotate the shoulder. A second motor in the base unit rotates a second shaft in the shoulder assembly extending through the main shaft to pivot the lower robot arm with respect to the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan T. Fisk, Jonathan Hastie, Hans Hug, Lance Andrus, Michael Johnson, David Hoadley
  • Patent number: 8177048
    Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber capable of keeping a first pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure, a driving source disposed in the vacuum chamber, an electric power supply mechanism including a primary side mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber for supplying electric power to the driving source and a secondary side mechanism disposed in the vacuum chamber for receiving the electric power from the primary side mechanism in a contactless relationship, and a vessel capable of accommodating airtightly the secondary side mechanism under a second pressure higher than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yushi Sato, Toshio Miki, Yosuke Muraguchi, Katsumi Yasuda, Kazunari Kitaji, Yasushi Muragishi, Minoru Maeda
  • Publication number: 20120111135
    Abstract: A robot wrist structure includes a first wrist arm rotatable about a first axis, a second wrist arm provided in a tip end portion of the first wrist arm and configured to swing about a second axis substantially intersecting the first axis, a wrist flange provided in a tip end portion of the second wrist arm and configured to rotate about a third axis in a skew position with respect to the second axis, an intermediate member fixed to the wrist flange, and a cable bundle connected to an end effector fixed to the intermediate member. The cable bundle extends through the second wrist arm, the wrist flange and the intermediate member and drawn out from the intermediate member to reach the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Atsushi Ichibangase, Takashi Sanada, Kei Kamohara
  • Patent number: 8175747
    Abstract: A robot component is provided as assembly units for assembling a robot toy with a great variety of configuration. The robot component has three connectors, i.e., a rotatable connector of a gear shaft, a laterally protruding connector of the gear shaft, and a receivable connector of a middle housing. These connectors are engaged with various joint members so several robot components are joined to each other to realize the complete robot toy. The robot toy has a master main-processor unit board provided in one of the robot components and joint control systems respectively provided in the other robot components. Each joint control system operates the robot component according to a predefined operation pattern when the master main-processor unit board transmits robot control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: IROBOU Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam-Yong Lee, Dae-Kyung Kim, Chang-Bae Park
  • Publication number: 20120096973
    Abstract: A variable pliability actuator for moving a movable component and including rotary electric motors, an output shaft rotated by the motors, around a rotation axis an elastic transmission system for transferring motion from the motors to the output shaft and for varying the pliability of output shaft, a control unit for adjusting that pliability through the elastic transmission system, and a holding structure defining an outer surface and an inner volume for holding the electric motors, elastic transmission system, output shaft and control unit. The holding structure has a driving output controlled by the output shaft and rotates the movable component, at least one stiff coupling element for enabling a stiff connection of the holding structure, and a support output opposite to the driving output and substantially coaxial with the rotation axis to partly house and stabilize the rotation of the movable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITA DI PISA CENTRO INTERDIPARTOMENTALE DI RICERCA "E. PIAGGIO"
    Inventors: Antonio Bicchi, Manuel Giuseppe Catalano, Manolo Garabini, Giorgio Grioli
  • Patent number: 8156840
    Abstract: There is provided a robot for carrying a substrate in which a contact type vacuum seal is cooled, the vacuum seal is prevented from exceeding a heat resistance temperature, and a trouble of leaking the atmosphere into a carrying chamber maintained in airtight is prevented from being brought about.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Tange
  • Publication number: 20120089254
    Abstract: A manipulator joint includes an encoder having a body and shaft. The encoder body may be fixed to a first housing and the encoder shaft may be fixed to a second housing. The second housing is separate from, distal to, and rotatable with respect to the first housing. Rotation of the second housing may be about a common axis shared with the first housing. A hollow driveshaft, rotatably coupled to the second housing, extends across the joint from the second to the first housing. A torque limiter may be fixedly coupled to the second housing and releasably coupled to the driveshaft. The encoder may be configured to output an absolute angular position of the first housing with respect to the second housing. A method of detecting an over-torque condition of the manipulator joint includes transmitting commands from a processor to the drive motor and receiving data from the encoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Shafer, William Robertson
  • Publication number: 20120067157
    Abstract: A robot includes a base; a swivel unit rotatably arranged on the base; a lower arm having a base end portion, a tip end portion and a side surface, the base end portion rotatably supported on the swivel unit to enable the lower arm to swing in a front-rear direction; and first and second cable bundles arranged on the side surface of the lower arm to extend along a longitudinal direction of the lower arm. The robot further includes a cable bundle support mechanism including a guide unit for supporting the first and second cable bundles to move in the longitudinal direction of the lower arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Hidetoshi SUZUKI, Ryuta Kagawa, Takashi Sanada
  • Publication number: 20120060637
    Abstract: A parallel robot includes a movable-section drive mechanism, and a wrist-section drive mechanism. The wrist section includes a first rotary member supported on the movable section and rotatable about a fourth rotation axis different from axes of the three-axis translational motion of the movable section, a second rotary member connected to the first rotary member and rotatable about a fifth rotation axis orthogonal to the fourth rotation axis, and a third rotary member connected to the second rotary member and rotatable about a sixth rotation axis orthogonal to the fifth rotation axis. The third rotary member is provided with an attachment surface to which a tool is attached. The attachment surface is inclined with respect to the sixth rotation axis at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Satoshi KINOSHITA, Hikaru YAMASHIRO
  • Publication number: 20120048047
    Abstract: A robot arm system includes a support base, a first robot arm, a first driving mechanism, a second robot arm, a second driving mechanism, and a wrist assembly. The first driving mechanism drives the first robot arm to rotate around the first rotation axis. The second driving mechanism drives the second robot arm to rotate around the second rotation axis. The robot arm system further comprises a first wheel positioned on the support base, a second wheel positioned on the second robot arm, a third wheel positioned on the wrist assembly and rotatably connecting to the second robot arm, a first flexible belt connecting the first wheel with the second wheel, and a second flexible belt connecting the third wheel with the second wheel. The first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel have the same radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: GUO-QING ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20120048051
    Abstract: A robot arm mechanism includes a first shaft assembly, a second shaft assembly, a first motor, a second motor, and an air tubing assembly. The second shaft assembly is rotatably assembled with the first shaft assembly. The first motor is selectively assembled within the first shaft assembly or the second shaft assembly. The air tubing assembly is assembled within the first shaft assembly or the second shaft assembly, and surrounds the first motor for cooling down the first motor, surrounds the second motor for cooling down the second motor, and cooling down the inner temperature of the robot. A robot using the robot arm mechanism is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Patent number: 8113083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacing and positioning an object in a space, having at least three actuating arms that can pivot about a transmission axis. Each arm is connected to a motor unit/transmission unit. A carrier element is provided in order to arrange at least one gripping element for gripping the object. Each actuating arm, on the free ends thereof, has a first articulated axis that is parallel to the transmission axis with first articulated parts arranged at a distance from each other, of a first ball joint. The carrier element has a second articulated axis associated with each actuating arm with first articulated parts that are arranged at a distance in relation to each other, of a second ball joint. The first articulated axis is connected to the second articulated axis by a pair of connecting bars which include terminal second articulated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Breu
  • Publication number: 20120031218
    Abstract: According to one aspect, this invention provides an apparatus for varying the stiffness of a leg of a robotic system. The apparatus includes a compliant spine assembly including a compliant spine mounted for movement adjacent the leg and a rack coupled to the compliant spine. It also includes a motor assembly positioned to move the compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly with respect to the leg, the motor assembly including a gear engaging the rack of the compliant spine assembly and a motor coupled to drive the gear. The compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly is configured to vary the stiffness of the leg of the robotic system as it is moved by the motor assembly with respect to the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin C. Galloway, Jonathan E. Clark, Daniel E. Koditschek
  • Patent number: 8109171
    Abstract: An end effecter is positioned with high precision by stabilizing its attitude. Included are arms each having a pair of rods arranged in parallel, a bracket having the end effecter attached thereto and retained by the pair of rods, ball joints and each including a first joint element having a ball and displaceably connecting the bracket with the arm and a second joint element having a socket for retaining the ball, a connecting member for connecting the pair of parallel rods together and restricting rotation of the rods about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof, and a biasing member for providing a biasing force for retaining the ball in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakao, Tatsuhiko Nishida, Hideaki Nakanishi, Daigoro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120011956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ivan Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20110271785
    Abstract: A parallel robot of the SCARA type includes a base or a body to which two articulated elements are attached, each including an arm and a forearm that are connected by a joint and are mounted in a manner allowing rotation about one and the same geometrical axis. The two articulated elements are attached to two annular segments, respectively, that form two movable parts of a circular motor whose stator at least partially forms the body, these two movable parts being assigned to one and the same circular path of the stator. Preferably, the two movable parts are guided through one and the same guideway in order to ensure that these two movable parts rotate very precisely about the same geometrical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Hervé Stämpfli, Ralph Coleman, Didier Blanc
  • Patent number: 8047093
    Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section; and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a rotational motion with respect to the movable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Satoshi Kinoshita, Hikaru Yamashiro
  • Publication number: 20110262257
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Kazunori Hino
  • Publication number: 20110219906
    Abstract: An articulated manipulator includes a base body, a first arm body, a second arm body having a second arm center axis, and a third arm body. A first joint part connects the base body and a first end portion of the first arm body rotatably around a first rotation axis. A second joint part connects a second end portion of the first arm body and a third end portion of the second arm body rotatably around a second rotation axis. A third joint part connects a fourth end portion of the second arm body and a fifth end portion of the third arm body rotatably around the third rotation axis. When the first, second and third arm bodies are all erected with respect to a installation surface, the first rotation axis, the second arm center axis, and the third rotation axis are substantially aligned with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Kazuhiro HANIYA, Manabu Okahisa, Atsushi Ichibangase
  • Patent number: 8006586
    Abstract: An articulated robot includes a wrist carrying a flange for attachment of an apparatus to be carried by the robot. The wrist comprises a first support mounted on a robot component that is rotatable about a first axis, a second support rotatably mounted on the first support about a second axis inclined with respect to the first axis, and a third support rotatably mounted on the second support about a third axis, inclined with respect to the second axis. A first motor carried by the first support drives the rotation of the second support, and a second motor carried by the second support drives the rotation of the third support, which ends with the flange for attachment of the apparatus to be carried by the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventors: Igor Tealdi, Mauro Amparore
  • Patent number: 8001868
    Abstract: A robot structure that has a base, at least a first arm that moves with respect to the base both in translation and in rotation, a movement mechanism for moving the first arm with respect to the base, a member for accepting a tool, and a power supply assembly. The movement mechanism includes a hollow member which moves in translation with respect to one of either the base or the first arm, while being incapable of translational movement independently of the other of the base or the first arm, and the hollow member being movable in rotation with respect to one of either the base or the first arm, while at the same time being incapable of rotational movement independently of the other of the base or the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Joseph Palau, Vincent Gerat, Eric Sallet
  • Patent number: 7997161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to move and orient an object in space and to the use thereof in rapid machining. The inventive device (1) comprises an object support which is borne by an intermediary mobile support (13) which is connected to a fixed frame (2) using articulated connecting means (7a, 7b, 7c). The invention also comprises means for moving the aforementioned intermediary mobile support (13) in relation to the fixed frame (2), which maintain the orientation of said intermediary mobile support (13) in relation to the fixed frame (2). The invention further comprises a mechanism (14) which is used to orient the object support in relation to the intermediary mobile support (13). The above-mentioned means for moving the intermediary mobile support (13) comprise actuators (5a, 5b, 5c) which are used to move an end part of each of the articulated connecting means (7a, 7b, 7c) borne by the fixed frame (2) translationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Ecole Centrale de Nantes
    Inventors: Damien Chablat, Philippe Wenger
  • Publication number: 20110192246
    Abstract: A robot arm includes a circular rack, an elongated first mounting member attached to the rack, and a second mounting member attached to the first mounting member. The first mounting member extends in a radius direction of the rack and moves in a circular trace along the rack. The second mounting member slides relative to the first mounting member along the radius direction, thereby defining a polar coordinate system in a plane defined by the rack to allow the second mounting member to flexibly locate at any desired positions in the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu, Yung-Chieh Chen, Hsien-Chuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20110192247
    Abstract: A robot includes a base, a plurality of link mechanisms, at least one drive device, and a controller. The plurality of link mechanisms are provided on the base. Adjacent link mechanisms among the plurality of link mechanisms are connectable to each other. The at least one drive device is to bend and extend the plurality of link mechanisms. The controller is configured to control the at least one drive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kenji MATSUKUMA, Takayuki Nakamura, Kazuhiko Yokoyama, Kazuhiro Fukudome
  • Patent number: 7984663
    Abstract: A robot head, for example for use in surgery, provides a back-drivable system allowing a surgeon to closely control the position of a cutter or other tool. The cutter is mounted at the end of a telescopic arm (20) which can be rotated about two independent perpendicular axes. Rotation about each axis is controlled by a separate motor (30?) which turns a lead screw (32). A bearing (34) travels along the lead screw and changes the angle of an offset crank (36) to cause the required rotation about the axis. The current rotational position about each axis is determined by a sensor at the output. A second sensor independently determines the position of the corresponding motor (30) and the two measured positions are compared. If they differ, the power to the cutter is immediately switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: The Acrobot Company Limited
    Inventor: Alastair Dent
  • Patent number: 7975568
    Abstract: A robotic arm assembly is provided comprising a driving mechanism including a rotor which is rotatable relative to a stator. The rotor is coaxially rotatable about a columnar shaft having a substantially hollow central longitudinal axis. A first arm having proximal and distal pivotal ends is rigidly mounted on the rotor such that the first arm is drivable to rotate by the driving mechanism. A proximal pivotal end of a second arm having proximal and distal pivotal ends is pivotally connected to the proximal pivotal end of the first arm. A first timing pulley is mounted coaxially onto the columnar shaft, and a second timing pulley which is spaced from the first pulley is drivable to rotate together with rotation of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Dongsheng Zhang, Ajit Gaunekar, Gang Ou
  • Publication number: 20110162805
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an angle adjusting structure for a Cartesian robot arm, comprising an angle adjusting element, a base, and a clamp. A motor transmission unit is disposed on the base, and an upper pulley, a lower pulley and a driving wheel are disposed on the base adjacent to the angle adjusting element. The driving wheel is connected to the motor transmission unit. The upper and lower pulleys clamp the angle adjusting element, and a drive belt is wound around peripheries of the upper pulley and the driving wheel. The clamp is secured to a face of the angle adjusting element opposite to the base, and a glue dispensing needle is disposed at one end of the clamp. The motor transmission unit rotates the driving wheel to drive the drive belt, so that the angle adjusting element is displaced and thus to change a glue dispensing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: EVERPRECISION TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUAN-LUNG CHENG
  • Patent number: 7971504
    Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator that can facilitate a teaching method, improve the operation speed of an arm, and mount a heavy load in a narrow space. The manipulator includes a plurality of arm bodies provided in series, joint parts rotatably connecting two adjacent arm bodies, and the joint parts in which slope of rotation axes of the adjacent joints are 90 degrees, at least one linear body disposed in the joint parts coaxially with the rotation axes. The joint parts are composed of a servo motor, and a speed-reduction mechanism. The rotation axes of the servo motor, the speed-reduction mechanism and the joint parts become the same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Haniya, Manabu Okahisa, Atsushi Ichibangase
  • Publication number: 20110154934
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd........
    Inventors: Charlotte Skourup, Johan Gunnar, John Pretlove
  • Patent number: 7963188
    Abstract: Since the rotating unit is disposed so that the drive part, which constitutes the rotating unit, is located in the inner side of the bent portion with the curved surface of the CABLEVEYOR in the side of the straight axis, there is no problem occurs by locating the drive part connected with the rotating unit in the inner side of the bent portion of the CABLEVEYOR. Therefore, the dead space formed in the inner side of the bent portion of the CABLEVEYOR can be used effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Wave Incorporated
    Inventor: Shigeru Takeda