Power Elements As Controlling Elements Patents (Class 74/490.07)
  • Patent number: 7475584
    Abstract: A servo drive system of a press machine has a pair of servo motors which can generate necessary ram pressure by compositing and using a torque based on the same speed-torque characteristics. The servo motors are symmetric with each other in a mirror image manner. The servo motors are opposed to each other at opposite ends of an operation shaft which vertically moves a ram. The servo motors are integrally operated, thereby directly driving the operation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kinshiro Naito, Tokuzo Sekiyama, Toshiaki Otake, Haruhiko Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7409882
    Abstract: An exoskeleton interface apparatus includes five rigid links (2-6) arranged in series, capable of rotating reciprocally at the respective ends for monitoring angular movements of the arm, of the forearm and the wrist of an user (60) and having at the tip an handgrip (30) for engaging with the user (60) by reflecting a force feedback. The rigid links (2-6) can rotate at their ends about rotational joints (11-14) having rotational axes (31-34) incident in the intersection point of the physiological axes of the shoulder. The rotational joints (11-14) are brought into rotation about the respective rotational axes (31-34) by means of respective motors (21-24), for example servo-motor such as torque motors. All the motors (21-24) are mounted on the fixed base link (2) in order to minimize the mass of the parts in movement and the inertia reflected on the user (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Bergamasco Massimo, Fabio Salsedo, Andrea Dettori, Marco Franceschini, Antonio Frisoli, Fabrizio Rocchi
  • Patent number: 7357049
    Abstract: Machine for machining large parts of the type that comprises a parallel kinematics machining device that moves freely in the X, Y and Z Cartesian axes, characterized in that the said device is mounted on a platform which moves in the Z axis and is in turn mounted on a bridge that slides along corresponding guides in the X and Y axes. The invention put forward affords the significant advantage of combining the high machining precision and speed of the parallel kinematics machine with the fact that the machine can access large work areas owing to the support platform which is mounted on the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Loxin 2002, S.L.
    Inventor: Julian Biagorri Hermoso
  • Patent number: 7334304
    Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool for machining a workpiece by a relative movement between the workpiece and a tool, comprising a first receiving device for the workpiece or the tool, a compound slide system with a second receiving device for the tool or the workpiece and comprising a drive device for moving the second receiving device in relation to the first receiving device, which drive device acts at at least two spaced-apart points of application by at least three drive struts extending parallel to at least two different directions and each with a pivot joint, and with which drive device the at least two points of application can be positioned by means of the at least three drive struts, in such a way that exact positioning of the second slide element can be achieved by structural measures, it is proposed that four drive struts of invariant length, each with a pivot joint, act on the slide element, each of which struts is pivotally connected to a guiding slide, which is guided in a linearly movable mann
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn Tessky
    Inventor: Walter Grossmann
  • Publication number: 20070295138
    Abstract: A toggle-type positioning platform including a first platform, a motor, a screw rod, a second platform and a linkage is provided. The motor and the screw rod are disposed on the first platform; the motor is coupled to the screw rod and suitable for driving the screw rod to rotate. The second platform is above the first platform and is suitable for moving back and forth alternately along a predetermined path, wherein an included angle exists between an extended direction of the predetermined path and the screw rod. The linkage is disposed between the first platform and the second platform, and is connected between the second platform and the screw rod. The linkage is driven by the rotation of the screw rod, to drive the second platform to move along he predetermined path. Accordingly, the positioning precision of the toggle-type positioning platform is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Wang, Chih-Peng Yang
  • Publication number: 20070248428
    Abstract: In a three degrees of freedom parallel mechanism, a spindle head is carried by first and second movable support members to be movable along a Z-axis and to be pivotable along each of A and B-axes. The spindle head is jointed through three rods to drive sliders which are movable along three parallel linear guides secured stationarily. For jointing, there are employed spherical joints and universal joints. Kinematic parameters used in converting each command position of the movable body to target operational positions for three actuators of the Z, A and B-axes are compensated based on inversely converted command positions and inversely converted actually measured positions which have been gathered with the spindle head being located at positions of a suitable number, so that the kinematic parameters can be updated to those newest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Ota
  • Patent number: 7284459
    Abstract: A system for positioning an object about a remote center of rotation. A non-movable part provides a stationary reference structure. A movable part moves relative to the non-movable part. A connector coupled between the movable part and the object positions the object adjacent the remote center of rotation and rotates it about the remote center of rotation responsive to movement of the movable part. Movement of the connector responds movement of the movable part. First and second force transmitting components coupled to the movable part move the movable part and the connector in first and second directions, respectively. Movement of the connector in the first direction rotates the object about a first axis passing through the remote center of rotation. Movement of the connector in the second direction rotates the object about a second axis passing through the remote center of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventor: Yves Bellouard
  • Patent number: 7146872
    Abstract: Provision of a 3-DOF micro manipulator easy to operate and capable of executing accurate positioning, wherein the link mechanisms of the micro manipulator whose main operation is parallel 3-DOF operation are implemented by cutting, folding, and moding a sheet of metal plate. Base and end effector are connected by three link mechanisms. The three link mechanisms are manufactured by cutting and folding a flexible plate material, and are equipped with plate-like arm portions each having a spread in the axially peripheral direction of the end effector, with hinge portions that are formed longitudinally across each arm portion in order to function as revolving joints R, and with a hinge portion also formed at the middle position of the arm portion in order to function as revolving joints R. Also, a parallelogrammatic link is formed between one longitudinal end of the arm portion and the middle portion thereof in order to function as a prismatic joint pair P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Morita, Motohide Ukiana, Kazuhiro Fujii, Shigeto Isakozawa, Hidemi Koike, Tamio Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 7120995
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting semiconductors contains a bonding station, whereby the bonding station comprises a wafer table for presenting the semiconductor chips, a substrate table and a pick and place system with a bondhead with a chip gripper. Part of the wafer table is located underneath the substrate table. The pick and place system has a first linear motor that comprises a rigidly arranged stator and a shuttle that can be moved in a first direction guided by first guide elements, and a second linear motor that comprises a rigidly arranged stator and a shuttle that can be moved in a second direction. The shuttle of the first linear motor has second guide elements that guide the shuttle of the second linear motor. The bondhead with the chip gripper is arranged on the shuttle of the second linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: ESEC Trading SA
    Inventor: Dieter Vischer
  • Patent number: 6983670
    Abstract: A pinion gear type rotating device, in particular, is used in electromagnetic interference characterization of a fiber optics transceiver, by which a member, such as a fiber optics transceiver can be held and rotated by at least 360 degrees about x, y and z axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Choy-Yim Kor
  • Patent number: 6923085
    Abstract: A robotic portion 1 has X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis modules 2, 3, 4 and can move in three axial directions. This robotic portion 1 is mounted in such a manner as to move on a second base 10 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the second base is mounted in such a manner as to move on a first base 12 in the Y-axis direction. Then, the robotic portion 1 can be moved on either the first or second base 12, 10 on pins 7, 8 provided on the Z-axis module 4 which act as fulcrums by moving the robotic portion 1 in the Y-axis direction or the X-axis direction with the pins 7, 8 being inserted into hole portions 14, 11 formed in the first or second base 12, 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6837125
    Abstract: A manipulator for accurately positioning a test head in automatic test systems supports the test head internally and reduces the overall size of the manipulator. The manipulator includes an elongated blade that extends into a central region of the test head. A spherical bearing is disposed within an opening of the elongated blade, and has an outlet race attached to the elongated blade. A shaft passes through the inner race of the spherical bearing and attaches to the body of the test head via a transition insert. The test head can thus be supported internally and made to rotate in compliance on the spherical bearing, about all axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Herrera-Abella, Robert Keus, Janusz Kunda
  • Publication number: 20040211285
    Abstract: A system for manipulating a planar substrate such as a semiconductor wafer is provided. The manipulator is typically used in conjunction with an XY stage to focus and planarize a wafer with respect to a tool. The manipulator employs redundant actuators of different types and a control system that uses low-bandwidth, high efficiency actuators to provide low frequency forces and high-bandwidth, but less efficient, actuators to provide all other forces. The manipulator provides support and manipulation of a substrate while minimizing errors due to thermal distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6761518
    Abstract: A machine tool for at least triaxial machining of work pieces comprises a column of the type of a casing with side walls. In an interior space, provision is made for a work spindle which projects into a working area and which is connected via couplers and hinges to a driving skid that is displaceably guided on each side wall straight in a y direction. The driving skids are displaceably guided on two guides which are spaced from each other in the z direction. Provided between the guides are linear motors, a first part of which is mounted on the driving skid and a second part on the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hüller Hille GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Stengele, Thomas Hoffman, Waldemar Haus
  • Publication number: 20040115019
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining large-area workpieces. A column can be moved along one coordinate axis over a long bed. A machining unit, movable at the movable column along at least two other coordinate axes, has a pivotable working spindle. At least one approximately plate-like work carrier can be pivoted from a horizontal set-up position into a vertical machining position. A tripod configuration of the machining unit has a central support pipe and three telescopic legs spaced about 120° with respect to one another. The movable column has, in a central recess, a universal bearing supporting the central support pipe. In each of two lower and one upper recesses a universal bearing for the telescopic legs is provided. A retainer supporting the pivotable working spindle is positioned next to the work area on one end of the central support pipe and is rotatable about an axis of the central support pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Gronbach
  • Publication number: 20040086351
    Abstract: The present invention is related to micro-motion machine and micro-element fabricating machine using a 3-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism. A micro-motion machine achieves a 3-degree-of-freedom micro movement by connecting two arms connected to prismatic flexible joints respectively, adapted to conduct vertical movements, by revolute flexible joints, and one arm connected to another prismatic flexible joint, adapted to conduct vertical movements by universal joint, to a platform by universal joint. This micro-motion machine has a relatively simple and inexpensive construction, high stiffness, and high accuracy, while exhibiting reduced inertia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jong Won Kim, Xin Jun Liu, Kun-Ku Oh
  • Patent number: 6729201
    Abstract: A traction drive speed reducer which comprises circumscribed axes 20A and 20B, a plurality of intermediate axes 30A and 30B arranged contacting around the outer periphery of the circumscribed axes, and inscribed cylinders 40A and 40B inscribing the outer periphery of the intermediate axes, and in which a supporting member 10 to rotatably support the intermediate axes is fixed, a drive motor is connected to at least one of the plurality of intermediate axes, and an output is taken from the circumscribed axis having the larger diameter than the outer diameter of the intermediate axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Mori, Tetsuya Watanabe, Chohei Okuno, Takahiro Maekawa
  • Publication number: 20040067117
    Abstract: The invention concerns a very high-speed machining machine-tool (M) consisting of a parallel structure including link bars (100) whereof one first end (110) is linked to a mobile member (200) supporting at least a tool and whereof the second end (120) is linked to at least means (300) setting it in motion relative to a frame (B). The said machine-tool is characterized in that the linkages (400) to the ends (100 [sic, should be 110.—Translation Editor) and 120) of the said bars (100) consist in an association of fictitious pivots (410, 420, 430) so as to form a joint whereof the degrees of freedom enable the parallel structure to be set in motion. The said feature enables to avoid all drawbacks related to ball linkages. The invention is applicable to high-speed machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Fioroni
  • Publication number: 20030182782
    Abstract: A machining system has a frame defining at least one work station, a guide extending in a first direction on the frame, first and second slides movable independently of each other on the guide, and a support having a pair of sides. Respective first and second main links each have one end pivoted on the support at a respective one of the sides and an opposite end pivoted on a respective one of the slides. A machining unit is carried on the support. Actuators connected to the slides can independently move them and thereby pivot the support and unit about an axis perpendicular to the guide and move the support and unit parallel and transverse to the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: EMAG Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Hessbruggen, Jurgen Walz, Christoph Wernz, Hans Georg Boehringer
  • Patent number: 6622586
    Abstract: Conventional positioning devices in which a body is displaceable in a plane and rotatable by three drives have the drawback that at least one of the drives is displaced together with the body, whereby these apparatus are relatively heavy and sluggish. In the case of the positioning device according to the invention, three straight guide elements, arranged radially, are rigidly connected to the body. Each guide element is accepted in a linear bearing in a longitudinally displaceable way, and each linear bearing is disposed on a separate rotor in a way pivotable about a pivot axis directed perpendicular to the plane. Through independent displacement of the linear bearings on a common circular path, the body can be shifted and rotated as desired in a region. This construction has the advantage that it is built simply and that it is able to execute quick and precise positioning movements in particular owing to small masses in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Liechti Engineering AG
    Inventors: Andreas Scheidegger, Ralph Liechti
  • Publication number: 20030172764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lift/swivel drive comprising a working element (2) which can traverse rotationally and linearly in relation to a housing element (1). In order to displace the working element in a controllable linear and rotative manner in relation to the housing element (1), at least one linear motor (5) and at least one rotative motor (7) are assigned to the working element (2) and/or the housing element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Wittenstein, Thomas Bayer
  • Publication number: 20030150288
    Abstract: Known component suspensions either use six parallel double-jointed members (hexapods) that while being adjustable with six degrees of freedom and high accuracy can only be adjusted in mutual dependency of one another, or double-jointed members that are mounted in series via connecting bodies and whose joints can be rotated about one axis, that allow only two rotational deflections, under error summation, and that meet in a virtual point as the point of origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. The aim of the invention is to design a suspension that allows a movement of the component in all six degrees of freedom in a highly accurate, reproducible manner while maintaining the axial rigidity of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Tino Noll, Wolfgang Gudat, Heiner Lammert
  • Patent number: 6575676
    Abstract: This invention relates to the parallel structure of a spatial 3-axis machine tool with three degrees of freedom (3 DOF), which have two translational DOF and one rotational DOF. The machine tool includes a base, a mobile platform to which a tool may be attached, and three kinematic legs. Two of the three legs are in a same plane, and each have one 3-DOF spherical joint and two 1-DOF joints. The third leg has one 1-DOF joint and two universal joints. Compared with traditional machine tools, this invention possesses several advantages such as simple structure, high stiffness, low inertia, low cost, and high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jinsong Wang, Xin-Jun Liu, Peiqing Ye, Guanghong Duan
  • Patent number: 6543987
    Abstract: A robot for handling products in a three-dimensional space is described. The robot comprises a base (1) on which three arms (9) are pivotably supported to pivote around three pivote axes (3) arranged in a common axes plane (4). The three axes form a triangle with three corners. Each arm is mounted on a shaft (2) of a servo motor (6). All motors (6) are connected to a controller (8). Three connecting linkages (19) connect the free ends of the arms (9) to a carrier (22) which is movable in space in all three linear dimensions and prevented from rotation around all three rotative dimensions. A telescopic fourth linkage (43) connects a gripper (30) rotatably supported on the carrier (22) by two joints (42, 46) with a fourth serve motor (48) fixed to the base (1). In the axes plane (4) the base has an opening (52) through which the fourth linkage (43) extends. The upper joint (46) of the fourth linkage (43) is on an opposite side of the axes plane (4) than the carrier (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AG
    Inventor: Matthias Ehrat
  • Patent number: 6540458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine-tool, especially a milling center, comprising a housing (2), a holder (54) for tools and/or workpieces, a coupling guide departing from the housing (2) to guide the holder (54) and a drive device departing from the housing (2) to move and fix the holder (54) guided by the coupling guide. The invention is characterized in that the coupling guide has first means for guiding the holder (54) on a first plane where it brushes over the surface and second means for pivoting the holder 54) on a second plane where it cuts the first plane, wherein the drive device has third means for moving and fixing the holder (54) guided by the coupling guide in an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heckert Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Ponisch
  • Publication number: 20030049088
    Abstract: A machine tool for at least triaxial machining of work pieces comprises a column of the type of a casing with side walls. In an interior space, provision is made for a work spindle which projects into a working area and which is connected via couplers and hinges to a driving skid that is displaceably guided on each side wall straight in a y direction. The driving skids are displaceably guided on two guides which are spaced from each other in the z direction. Provided between the guides are linear motors, a first part of which is mounted on the driving skid and a second part on the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald Stengele, Thomas Hoffmann, Waldemar Haus
  • Publication number: 20020073797
    Abstract: A plurality of shock absorbers 14 are disposed in parallel to each other in different positions on the left and right in a slide table 13 with push rods 14a for expanding and contracting projecting outside from opposite end faces of the slide table 13 in a moving direction of the slide table 13 and a plurality of stoppers 15 with which the respective push rods 14a collide at stroke ends of the slide table 13 are disposed in such positions at opposite end portions of the rail base 11 to face the respective shock absorbers 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Kudo, Hidehito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6387100
    Abstract: A positioning determining arrangement used for finding directions for perforations in bone structure surgery is attachable to a machine with a movable arm. The arrangement is provided with a first plate and a second plate, the first and second plates are substantially transparent to X-ray radiation in an orthogonal direction. The first and second plates are mounted in an orthogonal configuration and the first plate is provided with four round elements. The second plate can be mounted to a turnable and tiltable support for attachment t a machine. In this arrangement the X-ray magnification factor relating to two orthogonal X-ray radiographs, comprising the four round elements, taken of a bone structure is determined when two of the four round elements cover each other in both radiographs, the magnification factor being determined by a distance between two uncovered round elements of the four round elements and dependent on movement of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Robotics i Stockholm AB
    Inventor: Stig Lindequist
  • Patent number: 6336375
    Abstract: A coordinate positioning machine comprises a fixed structure including a table and a supporting frame, rigidly connected together. A movable arm is suspended from the frame by means of three powered telescopic struts, each of which is universally pivotally connected to both the arm and the frame. As a consequence, the movable arm is able to move with three rotational degrees of freedom. Movement of the arm with each of these degrees of freedom is constrained by a passive device, connected to the arm and the fixed structure, and which eliminates all rotational movement of the arm, while simultaneously permitting translation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Renishaw, PLC
    Inventors: David R McMurtry, Nicholas A James
  • Patent number: 6227776
    Abstract: A machine tool in which a feed member is fed in a feeding direction relative to a fixed member wherein the feed member is guided by a linear linkage mechanism including a first arm linked to the fixed member at its one end so as to swivel about a first axis, a second arm having the same length as the first arm and being linked to the first arm at its one end so as to swivel about a second axis and also linked to the feed member at its other end so as to swivel about a third axis. A first gear is secured on the fixed member at the one end of the first arm and is coaxial with the first axis. A second gear is secured on the second arm at the other end thereof and is coaxial with the second axis. A chain is provided around the first and the second gears. The first gear has a diameter twice that of the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kitamura, Kousaku Kitamura, Shigeru Yamada