Joint Between Elements Patents (Class 74/490.05)
  • Patent number: 8221050
    Abstract: A robotic is provided which comprises a hub (203); (b) a first lower arm (209) comprising first (213) and second (215) lower arm segments and having a first set of upper arms (229, 231) attached thereto; and (c) a first adjusting means (241) for adjusting the height of the first lower arm segment with respect to the second lower arm segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fabworx Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Kent
  • Patent number: 8220354
    Abstract: A robot has a robot arm, a support structure, and a movable platform. The platform includes a cantilevered member coupled to a guide of the support structure such that motion of the platform is directed along a first direction. The robot further includes first and second timing belts having portions that extend along the first direction and that are disposed on opposite sides of the cantilevered member, and first and second shafts movable with the movable platform. The shafts are coupled to the respective timing belts, to the robot arm such that rotation of the first shaft imparts angular motion to the robot arm and rotation of the second shaft imparts radial motion. The robot also includes a third timing belt to which the platform is coupled and by which it is moved. Motors are provided that impart movement to the timing belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Genmark Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Todorov
  • Publication number: 20120176007
    Abstract: An electric machine device includes: a rotor including a rotor magnet arranged along the outer circumference of a center shaft; a stator arranged on the outer circumference of the rotor; a rotating mechanism coupled to the rotor and used for transmission of rotation driving force; and a load connecting section that connects the rotating mechanism and a load. In the rotor, a housing space that is opened on one side in an axis direction of the center shaft and houses at least a part of the rotating mechanism is formed between the center shaft and the rotor magnet. The rotating mechanism includes: an input section connected to or formed integrally with the rotor; a fixed section connected to or formed integrally with the stator; and an output section connected to or formed integrally with the load connecting section. The rotting mechanism functions as a speed-increasing gear or a reduction gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kesatoshi TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8210068
    Abstract: A rotation mechanism includes a flange, a shaft, a first swing member, and a second swing member. The shaft extends along a first axis. The first swing member is rotatably connected to and received in the flange around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The second swing member is rotatably connected to and received in the first swing member around a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. The shaft extends through the flange, the first swing member, and the second swing member. The shaft is non-rotatably and slidably received in the second swing member. A robot using the rotation mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Feng
  • Patent number: 8210069
    Abstract: A wrist structure of a robot arm includes a forearm body, a first rotating assembly, a wrist body, and a second rotating assembly. The first rotating assembly is disposed in the forearm body and drives the wrist body to rotate with respect to the forearm body in a first rotation axis direction. The second rotating assembly is disposed in the wrist body and drives a workpiece to rotate with respect to the wrist body in a second rotation axis direction. The first rotating assembly has a first speed reducer directly connected to the wrist body, so as to directly drive the wrist body at a predetermined speed reduction ratio, thereby obtaining a predetermined torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jan Hao Chen, En Sheng Chang, Chun Chien Ting
  • Patent number: 8201473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a worm-like mechanism comprising a support structure, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism, and at least two actuating units, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the support structure and each of which has two supporting elements, which while extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the support structure are attached to the latter at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, and at least one actuating element, which is arranged between the supporting elements and by which the supporting elements can be moved in relation to one another. In order to provide a further worm-like mechanism, which provides precise open-loop or closed-loop control of its movements while in particular being of a simplified, slender construction, it is provided that the actuating elements can be activated individually or in group by way of a central line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Robotics Technology Leaders GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Knoll
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120146352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device, comprising a proximal member (10), a medial member (20), and a distal member (30), which are each pivotably supported on each other, and comprising an actuator (80), which is coupled to a slidably supported coupling element (50), wherein the coupling element (50) is arranged between the proximal member (10) and the distal member (30) and is connected in a force-transmitting manner both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30). According to the invention, at least one lever (40) is arranged on the coupling element (50), which lever is connected both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30) and kinematically couples the proximal member (10) with the distal member (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Haslinger
  • Patent number: 8197469
    Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a manipulable support, and a plurality of hinged doubled pivoting links rotatably coupled to the base support and rotatably coupled to the manipulable support. A plurality of force imparting members has at least one coupled to one of the plurality of doubled pivoting links so as to be able to cause it to rotate. Also, at least one is coupled to the base support so as to be able to cause that base support to move toward or away. This joint can be used with a similar control joint, coupled thereto by coupling shafts held apart by a slidable separator, to form an extended length inserter for inserting an object positionable by the insertion joint in an obstructed location reached along a constricted passageway. These structures, positioned within a barrel, can rotate together but an activator slider, positioned at least partially about that barrel though not rotatable therewith, is coupled to the separator to cause sliding thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ross-Hime Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim
  • Patent number: 8196492
    Abstract: A robotic module comprising a housing having opposed first and second sides, and comprising a base, a first end comprising a first drive feature on one of the first and second sides, and a second end comprising a second drive feature on one of the first and second sides. A first rotatable hub is mounted on the first end of the housing and comprises a third drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the first drive feature. A second rotatable hub is mounted on the second end of the housing and comprises a fourth drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the second drive feature. The robotic module is further comprised of a coupling for synchronously rotating the first and second rotatable hubs. A first robotic module may be engaged with a second robotic module to form a robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: David Sutton Denu
  • Publication number: 20120137815
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a robot includes a support member, and a fixing member. The fixing member is placed on the support member, and includes a V-shaped resilient clip with a fixing groove. A robot securely configured with the support mechanism is also provided when the robot is being transported or stowed when not in service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: HUA-SHUAI WANG, YONG FENG
  • Publication number: 20120137816
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism having the necessary conditions in order that the rotational motion of a body can be actuated in a decoupled and homokinetic way by motors (M1, M2, M3) installed on the same frame, by means of transmission based on homokinetic joints (CV). In particular, decoupled and constant relations are generated between the motors speeds (q1, q2, q3) and the time derivatives of the variables describing the body orientation (?1, (?2, ?3), thus maintaining the homokinetic condition of the transmission during the simultaneous movements of more motors. The invention therefore concerns new architectures of decoupled and homokinetic joints, with two or three degrees of freedom. They are characterised by uniform input-output kinetostatic relations and suitably wide working spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Marco Carricato, Michele Conconi
  • Publication number: 20120132829
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a robotic arm including a supporting member, a cavity body and a telescopic member. The cavity body includes a gate. The cavity body accommodates the supporting member. The telescopic member is connected with the supporting member for driving the supporting member to extend out of or back to the cavity body through the gate. The present invention discloses a transporting device with the robotic arm. The robotic arm and the transporting device with the robotic arm utilizes the structure of the cavity body to maintain the cleanliness during transporting plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 8190294
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting condition changes in a robot system. The method includes logging a work cycle representative signal at a first and a second occasion, logging, synchronously with the logging of the work cycle representative signal, a reference signal associated with work cycles at the first and second occasions, selecting the reference signal from signals having the following characteristics: a signal influenced by the path performed by the robot, a signal calculated by the robot system, and a signal that is identical at both the occasions if a manipulator of the robot performs a movement along exactly the same path at the first and second occasions, synchronizing the representative signals utilizing the logged reference signals, and comparing the synchronized signals to determine if any condition changes have occurred between the first and second occasions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Niclas Sjöstrand, Ivan Lundberg, Johan Gunnar, Shiva Sander-Tavallaey
  • Patent number: 8182418
    Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Durant, Joshua Oen, David Mintz, Keith Phillip Laby
  • Publication number: 20120118097
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot having parallel kinematics, the industrial robot, comprising a robot base (1, 38), a carrier element (2, 42) for accommodating a gripper or a tool, several movable, elongated actuating units (4,36), which are connected at one end thereof to drive units (6, 39) arranged on the robot base (1, 38), and the other end of which is movably connected to the carrier element (2, 42), an elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54), which has a continuous cavity and which is flexibly connected to the robot base (1, 38), a joint (35, 49, 65), which has a continuous cavity and which has several degrees of freedom, by means of which joint the elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54) is movably connected to the carrier element (2, 42), and at least one supply line (26, 51, 64) for a gripper arranged on the carrier element (2, 42) or a tool arranged on the carrier element (2, 42), the supply line being guided through the cavity of the elongated hollow body (20, 43, 54) and the cavity of the hollo
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: MAJAtronic GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Ilch
  • Patent number: 8176809
    Abstract: A torsion spring comprises an inner mounting segment. An outer mounting segment is located concentrically around the inner mounting segment. A plurality of splines extends from the inner mounting segment to the outer mounting segment. At least a portion of each spline extends generally annularly around the inner mounting segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Adam H. Parsons, Joshua S. Mehling, Bryan Kristian Griffith
  • 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: 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: 20120103126
    Abstract: A joint mechanism is for a robot. The joint mechanism includes a base; a first drive device mounted on the base including a first drive shaft; a second drive device including a second drive shaft; a joint body defining a plurality of toothed grooves and a guiding groove. A sliding board mounted on first drive shaft, the sliding board slidably located in the guiding groove to guide the joint body to swing relative to the base. A gear mounted on the second drive shaft, the gear meshes with the toothed grooves; a limiting assembly for rotatably mounting the joint body on the base. When the first drive device is started, the first drive shaft is rotated to drive the joint body rotating around the first drive shaft; when the second drive device is started, the second drive shaft is rotated to drive the gear rotating so the joint body swings relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun LI, Hsien-Chuan LIANG, Shou-Kuo HSU
  • 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: 20120085191
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20120079908
    Abstract: A parallel robot includes a base, a movable platform, an actuator, and four control arms. The actuator is positioned on the movable platform. The control arms are interconnected between the base and the movable platform. Each control arm includes a driving member connected to the base, an action pole driven by the driving member, and a four-rod linkage assembly interconnected between the action pole and the movable platform. One end of the four-rod linkage assembly is connected to the action pole via a first rotary joint, and the other end of the four-rod linkage assembly is connected to the movable platform via a second rotary joint. An axis of the first rotary joint is substantially parallel to an axis of the second rotary joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Patent number: 8123015
    Abstract: In a robot hand overload safety apparatus, a first magnetically attracting bearing face 3 is provided at a robot hand mounting portion, and a second magnetically attracting bearing face 9 is provided on the robot hand 4, so that the second magnetically attracting bearing face 9 is magnetically attracted by the first magnetically attracting bearing face 3 and the robot hand 4 is mounted and supported, and in which a shaft 10 projecting from the first or second magnetically attracting bearing face 3, 9 is fitted into a hole or groove 11 opening on the other bearing face, so that the robot hand 4 rotates in the lateral direction, moves in the vertical direction or inclines in the fore-and-aft direction against the magnetically attracting force via the fitting between the shaft and the hole or groove 11 due to an overload exerted to the robot hand 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Katsuya Yanai, Fumio Urushibara
  • Publication number: 20120041348
    Abstract: A rotation restricting device for restricting the rotation of a rotating part with respect to a base part, comprising a stopper supported so as to be capable of rotating around an axis of rotation of the base part, a lock mechanism capable of switching between a state preventing and a state allowing the rotation of the stopper with respect to the base part, a first block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with a rotation path of the stopper, and a second block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with the rotation path of the stopper. In a state where the rotation of the rotating part with respect to the base part is not restricted, both the first block and the second block are in the position interfering with the rotation path of the stopper, and the stopper is positioned between the first block and the second block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wataru Maekita
  • Patent number: 8109172
    Abstract: A wrist assembly (311) for a robotic arm or other mechanical device is provided. The wrist assembly comprises a first arm (313) which terminates in a first radius (317), a second arm (315) which terminates in a second radius (319), and a first band (331) that is devoid of weld joints and that extends around a portion of each of said first and second radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fabworx Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Kent
  • Patent number: 8109170
    Abstract: An umbilical member motion limiting device is provided on a robot which has a forearm, a wrist portion, an operating tool attached to the end of the wrist portion, and the umbilical member connected to the operating tool through the forearm, for limiting the motion of the umbilical member corresponding to the motion of the robot. The motion limiting device comprises a swing portion attached to the wrist portion so as to swing around a swing axis and a limiting portion arranged on the swing portion for limiting the motion of the umbilical member. Thus, the motion limiting device can minimize interference due to surplus length of the umbilical member and avoid contact of the umbilical member with external equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Munehiro Jinushi, Masahiro Morioka, Satoshi Adachi
  • Publication number: 20120024091
    Abstract: A linear-motion telescopic mechanism according to the present invention includes a plurality of block members (22) by which an arbitrary arm length is achieved in such a manner that the plurality of block member (22) are rigidly connected to each other so as to elongate a linear-motion telescopic joint (J3). On the other hand, by separating the plurality of block members (22) one by one from a rigid alignment of the plurality of block members (22), the linear-motion telescopic joint (J3) is contracted. The block members (22) unfixed from the rigid alignment are still serially connected but not in a rigid manner. That is, the block members (22) thus unfixed can be flexed in any directions, and therefore can be housed inside a support member (1) in a compact manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: KAWABUCHI MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Ichiro Kawabuchi, Woo-Keun Yoon, Tetsuo Kotoku
  • Patent number: 8104372
    Abstract: A horizontal multijoint type robot is so constructed that it comprises a first arm connected through a first joint shaft to a base, a second arm connected through a second joint shaft to the first arm, and a working shaft provided rotatably and movably up and down on the distal end of the second arm, and that the arm length L1 of the first arm and the arm length L2 of the second arm are equal to each other so that the second arm is able to overlap the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Christoph Meyerhoff, Kazushige Akaha
  • Publication number: 20120017718
    Abstract: A robotic musculo-skeletal jointed structure comprising: (a) first and second joint parts coupled together for relative angular movement about a hinge axis there between; (b) an air muscle; (c) spaced first and second attachment sites, being sites respectively located at said joint first and second parts, and about which the tubular braiding, at least, of said air muscle extends to form an endless loop; (d) first and second attachment means respectively located at said first and second air muscle spaced attachment sites, said first attachment means being such as to secure said tubular braiding against lengthwise movement thereof with respect to said joint first part at said first attachment site, and said second attachment means being such as to secure said tubular braiding against lengthwise movement thereof with respect to said joint second part at said second attachment site, the endless tubular braiding being thereby partitioned into first and second tubular braiding segments contiguous with one another a
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE SHADOW ROBOT COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Martin Greenhill
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8091448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulator having distributed mechanism for maximizing the performance of the manipulator. The manipulator is comprised of a first link; a second link; a joint for rotatably joining the first link and the second link each other; a connector having a first movable node at one end and a second movable node at the other end; a driver for providing power to linearly move the first movable node and the second movable node; and a guide for guiding the first movable node and the second movable node linearly. The first movable node is connected to the first link and is capable of linearly moving and rotating with respect to the first link. The second movable node is connected to the second link and is capable of linearly moving and rotating with respect to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: KyungSoo Kim, YoungJune Shin
  • Publication number: 20120000312
    Abstract: A robot, such as a painting robot for painting components such as motor vehicle body components, is disclosed having a plurality of robot elements that are pivotable relative to each other. At least one flexible supply line may run from a proximal robot element to a distal robot element. The supply line may be axially displaceable in the proximal robot element relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply line, so that the supply line can perform an axial compensating motion during a pivot motion of the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas Collmer
  • Publication number: 20110314950
    Abstract: A robot includes an articulation mechanism that includes a pair of opposing bevel gears, a pair of motors that rotate the pair of opposing bevel gears independently of each other, an output bevel gear that is engaged with each of the pair of opposing bevel gears and is supported so as to be rotatable and so as to be swingable in rotational directions of the pair of opposing bevel gears, and an output body that is secured to the output bevel gear, a cover-and-support structure that is a supporting member and functions as a cover covering the outside of the entirety of the articulation mechanism, and a swing mechanism that supports the cover-and-support structure such that the cover-and-support structure is swingable in the rotational directions of the pair of opposing bevel gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventor: Takashi Mamba
  • Patent number: 8079800
    Abstract: An articulated robot includes a first arm which is horizontally angularly movable, a sectorial support plate coaxial with a center about which the first arm is angularly movable, an auxiliary arm parallel to the first arm, and a joint member connected to respective distal ends of the first arm and the auxiliary arm. An arcuate rail is mounted on the support plate. The first arm, the auxiliary arm, and the joint member make up a parallel link mechanism. The arcuate rail engages an engaging assembly mounted on an upper surface of the first arm. A second arm is angularly movably connected to the joint member, and a third arm is angularly movably connected to the distal end of the second arm. An end effector for attracting a workpiece is connected to the distal end of the third arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Oyabe-Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tanaka, Masanao Suzuki, Hironobu Suna
  • Patent number: 8079284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for swiveling an object around a stationary axis (16) which lies outside the space occupied by the device. The inventive device is characterized by unusually great rigidity. A supporting coupler (5) and a guiding coupler (10) are guided parallel to the frame (1) with the aid of cross-sliding elements. The supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) are connected to a crank (4) by means of one respective revolute joint, the crank (4) guiding the supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) along concentric, non-identical circular paths. The supporting coupler (5) and the guiding coupler (10) are provided with a second revolute joint located at the same distance from the first revolute joint, i.e. a revolute joint (5b) for the supporting coupler at the output end and a revolute joint (10b) for the guiding coupler at the output end, via which the two couplers (5, 10) are jointly connected to an output member (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: ESAB Cutting Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Günther Reiss
  • Publication number: 20110303042
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a first link, a second link, and a joint connecting the first and second links. The joint includes a main body coupled to the first and second links, a first actuator mounted on the main body to rotate the first link, a second actuator to rotate the main body relative to the second link, a number of cables connected to the second actuators, a protective cover secured to the main body to receive the first and second actuators and the cables, and a number of fasteners fixing the protective cover to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-PENG PAN, HUA-SHUAI WANG
  • Publication number: 20110296944
    Abstract: A robotic joint configured as a 3-axis joint. The joint includes an input roll assembly and a pitch-output roll assembly. The pitch-output roll assembly includes: a housing; a differential mechanism including left and right input gears, an output gear, a cross element interconnecting the gears, and a clevis supporting the gears and the cross element; a left four-bar linkage coupled to the left input gear; a right four-bar linkage coupled to the right input gear; and first and second linear actuators connected to the left and right four-bar linkages. The first and second linear actuators selectively drive the left and right input gears to rotate the output gear about an output roll axis and to rotate the cross element about a pitch axis passing through the cross element and input gears. A linear actuator in the input roll assembly rotates the pitch-output roll housing about an input roll axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: TROY ALEXANDER CARTER, AKHIL J. MADHANI, ARTHUR STANLEY BRIGHAM
  • Patent number: 8069746
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for a mechanical arm includes a supporting base, two reciprocating engines, a rotational plate, and four suction members. The reciprocating engine includes a cylinder and a driving rod. The cylinder is configured for driving the driving rod linearly and reciprocating along its longitudinal axis. The cylinder is rotatably fixed to the supporting base, thereby defining a first rotational axis therebetween. The driving rod is rotatably fixed to the rotational plate, thereby defining a second rotational axis therebetween. The rotational plate is also directly and rotatably fixed to the supporting base to be rotatable about a third rotational axis defined therebetween. The three rotational axes are parallel. The four suction members are fixed to the rotational plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rong-Mou Bao, Ga-Lei Hu, Tao-Jun Huang, Jian-Long Xing, Chun-Nan Ou
  • Patent number: 8066088
    Abstract: A biologically inspired climbing device with toes and spines is provided. The device has toes capable of moving independently from each other. Each toe distinguishes a compliant linkage, which has non-compliant parts and compliant parts. Spines are distributed over each of the toes. The spines have a diameter that is less than or equal to a diameter of an asperity of a surface. The toes with spines could be arranged into one or more feet. The feet could then be organized in legs enabling the device to climb a surface in a gait pattern. The device uses low power and is quiet, leaves no traces or tracks behind, works well on smooth, rough, uneven, porous and dirty surfaces, and is able to carry and support its own body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Alan T. Asbeck, Sangbae Kim, Mark R. Cutkosky
  • Publication number: 20110277581
    Abstract: Delta robot for increased requirements on dynamics, hygiene and protection against the consequences of collision, comprising a stationary housing, in which at least three drives are installed and on which at least three upper arms are mounted such that they are pivotable about an axle in each case and are in each case connected to a drive, and at their free ends are connected to a pair of elongate and mutually parallel lower arms via one ball joint in each case, and at their other end are connected to a movable parallel plate via a further ball joint in each case, a ball head or a ball socket being fixed at both ends of each underarm as part of a ball joint, the lower arms comprising in each case a stainless steel tube, the inner space of which is sealed in a watertight manner, by means of a ball head or a ball socket at both ends of the stainless steel tube, and which is plastically deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jens Bunsendal, Christian Hombach
  • Publication number: 20110271786
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HUNG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20110265597
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, a connecting arm, and an end arm. The support arm is rotatably assembled with the connecting arm along a first axis, and is located at one end of the connecting arm. The end arm is rotatably assembled to the other end of the connecting arm along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, such that the connecting arm is rotatably assembled between the support arm and the end arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Patent number: 8047094
    Abstract: Mechanical joints are provided in which the angle between a first coupled member and a second coupled member may be varied by mechanical actuators. In some embodiments the angle may be varied around a pivot axis in one plane and in some embodiments the angle may be varied around two pivot axes in two orthogonal planes. The joints typically utilize a cam assembly having two lobes with an involute surface. Actuators are configured to push against the lobes to vary the rotation angle between the first and second coupled member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie J. Love, Randall F. Lind
  • Publication number: 20110259138
    Abstract: A delta robot includes a stationary base plate and at least three drives fastened thereon, which are each connected to at least one arm, of which at least one drive is also connected at an opposite end relative to the arm to two rods by way of a ball joint. The rods run parallel to each other and are connected at one end, by way of an additional ball joint, to a movable parallel plate, in which each ball joint has a ball segment head and a hollow ball segment designed complementary thereto. The two ball joints, which adjoin each other on parallel rods, are oriented mirror-symmetrically to each other and each hollow ball segment is pressed onto the associated ball segment head by tensioning at least one permanently elastic element between two rods that are parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Hombach, Felix Böttcher
  • Publication number: 20110259137
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm and a second robot arm; the second robot arm is rotatably connected to the first robot arm. The first robot arm includes a first sleeve, a first input shaft, and a second input shaft. The first input shaft and the second input shaft are seated in the first sleeve. The second robot arm includes a second sleeve and an output shaft; the output shaft is received in the second sleeve. The first input shaft is connected to the second sleeve via a pair of bevel gears, and drives the second sleeve to swing relative to the first sleeve. The second input shaft is connected to the output shaft via a plurality of bevel gears meshing with each other, and drives the output shaft to rotate relative to the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20110257786
    Abstract: A portable robotic arm comprises a base, a plurality of motorized joints, a plurality of body members and a manipulator. Each motorized joint is operative to rotate in its respective rotation plane and on its respective joint axis, which is normal to the respective rotating plane. Each body member is sequentially connected to one other body member through one of the motorized joints. A last body member is connected to the base through a last motorized joint. A manipulator is connected to a first body member through a first motorized joint. At least two consecutive rotation planes are placed at an angle from each other that is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees. Optionally, the manipulator comprises three fingers and a tool port centered between the three fingers. A tool connected in the manipulator's tool port may be gripped with the three fingers. The robotic arm and a wheelchair support for the robotic arm may also be provided as a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Louis Joseph Caron L'Ecuyer, Charles Deguire
  • Publication number: 20110232411
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm and a second robot arm rotatably connected to the first robot arm. The first robot arm includes a first sleeve, a first input shaft, and a second input shaft. The first input shaft and the second input shaft are seated in the first sleeve. The second robot arm includes a second sleeve and an output shaft received in the second sleeve. The first input shaft is connected to the second sleeve via a pair of bevel gears, and drives the second sleeve to rotate relative to the first sleeve. The second input shaft is connected to the output shaft via at least two pairs of bevel gears, and drives the output shaft to rotate relative to the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Patent number: 8020465
    Abstract: A parallel spherical mechanism with two degrees of freedom for connecting a body to a fixed base in such a manner as to enable it to be oriented in three dimensions by turning about a first axis that is fixed relative to said fixed base, and about a second axis that is fixed relative to said body for orienting, these two axes intersecting at a center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting, wherein: it comprises at least four links, each of said links being connected to said fixed base via a first connection point and to said body for orienting via a second connection point, and each link belonging to a first type or a second type, there being at least one link of each type, in which: in the link(s) of the first type, the first connection point is at any point of said fixed base, and the second connection point coincides with said center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting: and in the link(s) of the second type, the first connection point lies on said first axis and the sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventors: Rocco Vertechy, Carlo Menon, Vincenzo Parenti Castelli
  • 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