Drive System For Arm Patents (Class 901/19)
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Patent number: 12151372Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm; and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source, the hose being attached, in a joint portion of the hose, to at least two adjacent arm sections of the plurality of arm sections mutually attached to a joint of the plurality of joints such that the joint portion of the hose remains substantially outside of any plane defined by motion of the mutually adjacent arm sections when rotated about the joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Calvin Toothaker, Alexander Paxson, Victoria Hinchey, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Christopher Geyer, Matthew T. Mason, Thomas Wagner
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Patent number: 12133707Abstract: The disclosure relate to systems and methods for a surgical tool or a surgical robotic system. An example computer-implemented method for evaluating calibrations of a surgical tool includes fixating a joint of the surgical tool at a first angle, the joint being driven by an actuator, measuring an actuator position corresponding to the first angle, accessing a calibrated offset corresponding to the first angle, determining an expected joint angle based on the measured actuator position and the calibrated offset, and reporting a first difference between the expected joint angle and the first angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.Inventors: Xiaobin Zhang, Alireza Hariri
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Patent number: 12127895Abstract: A cannula sterile adapter for attachment of a cannula to a robotic surgical system, the adapter comprising: a rigid barrier portion having a cannula interface defining an opening dimensioned to receive a cannula lug, a first cannula interface structure extending from the cannula interface, and a second cannula interface structure, the first cannula interface structure and the second cannula interface structure are dimensioned to interface with alignment structures of a cannula lug; and a flexible barrier portion molded to the rigid barrier portion, the flexible barrier portion defining a cavity around the opening of the rigid barrier portion that is dimensioned to receive a cannula lug inserted therein, the cavity having a first side defined by the first cannula interface structure and a second side along which the second cannula interface structure is positioned, and wherein the second cannula interface structure is entirely surrounded by the flexible barrier portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.Inventors: Matthew Vargas, Alec Gordon, Nathan Wang, Andrea Bajo
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Patent number: 12005569Abstract: A moisture intrusion detection system includes: an industrial robot that has a closed space defined thereinside; an air supply mechanism that supplies compressed air to the closed space; an air vent passage that is provided in the industrial robot to establish communication between an external space outside the industrial robot and the closed space, and guides, to the external space, air ejected from the closed space upon supply of the compressed air; a humidity sensor that detects a humidity of ejected air that is ejected from the air vent passage to the external space upon supply of the compressed air; and a controller that determines presence or absence of moisture intruding into the closed space based on a detected humidity of the ejected air, the detected humidity being detected by the humidity sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: OKUMA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroyuki Sugiura
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Patent number: 11793597Abstract: An apparatus for attachment of a cannula to a robotic surgical system, the apparatus comprising: a clamp operable to transition between an open position configured to receive a cannula and a closed position to attach the cannula to a robotic surgical system; an actuator operable to transition the clamp between the open position and the closed position; and a linking member pivotally coupled to the camp at a first pivot point and the actuator at a second pivot point, and wherein in the closed position, the second pivot point is over center relative to the first pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.Inventors: Matthew Vargas, Alec Gordon, Nathan Wang, Andrea Bajo
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Patent number: 11788581Abstract: A bearing unit is provided with a strain element for torque detection. The strain element is provided with a first annular part attached to a rotation-side member, a second annular part attached to a load-side member, and a plurality of ribs serving as strained parts linking the first annular part and the second annular part together. One of an inner race and an outer race is integrally formed on the first annular part of the strain element. Deformation, which occurs in the ribs of the strain element due to torque exerted on the rotation-side member from the load-side member, is detected by a strain gauge, etc., and converted to torque. The strain element for torque detection can be incorporated into a motor, a reducer, or another rotary propulsion unit without the need for a dedicated installation space and without the need for fastening fittings, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Yuki Kato, Douglas Olson, Brian Coyne
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Patent number: 11772263Abstract: A method for driving a hand includes: detecting a relative position of a first finger part and a second finger part as of when the first finger part and the second finger part pinch a target object therebetween, as a reference relative position, by a position detection unit; moving the relative position of the first finger part and the second finger part to a target relative position where the first finger part and the second finger part are spaced further apart from each other than at the reference relative position by an amplitude of vibration or more, by a drive unit, on accepting an instruction to release the target object pinched by the first finger part and the second finger part; and causing at least one of the first finger part and the second finger part to vibrate by the drive unit, when the target relative position is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Yusaku Nakamura, Noboru Asauchi, Mitsuhiro Yamamura, Michiko Kawaji
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Patent number: 11691281Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method includes: receiving an endpoint impedance matrix representing a desired stiffness or damping at the robot endpoint; reflecting the endpoint impedance matrix to an equivalent joint-space matrix associated with one or more of the robot joints, the equivalent joint-space matrix having a nullspace corresponding to near-zero-valued eigenvalues; generating a nullspace-filled impedance matrix from the equivalent joint-space matrix based in part on replacing the near-zero-valued eigenvalues with selected finite positive real values; generating a robot control law using the nullspace-filled impedance matrix; and using the robot control law to control the robot.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: David Verdi, Neville Hogan
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Patent number: 11607218Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector, a shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis extending proximally from the end effector, a first drive operatively connected to a first portion of at least one of the end effector or the shaft assembly, and an activating mechanism operatively connected to the first drive. The first drive longitudinally translates relative to the longitudinal axis from a first drive position toward a second drive position to respectively actuate the first portion from a first portion position toward a second portion. The activating mechanism selectively direct translation of the first drive from the first drive position toward the second drive position by rotating from a first rotational body position toward a second rotational body position or translating from a first translational body position toward a second translational body position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventor: Charles J. Scheib
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Patent number: 9021900Abstract: Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation Yonsei UniversityInventors: Hyun Seok Yang, Woong Sun Jeon
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Patent number: 9022714Abstract: A substrate processing system and substrate transferring method capable of transferring a substrate bi-directionally through the use of substrate transferring device provided between two rows of processing chambers arranged linearly, thereby improving the substrate-transferring efficiency, the substrate processing system includes a transfer chamber having at least one bi-directional substrate transferring device for bi-directionally transferring a substrate; and a plurality of processing chambers for applying a semiconductor-manufacturing process to the substrate, wherein the plurality of processing chambers are linearly arranged along two rows confronting each other, and the transfer chamber is interposed between the two rows of the processing chambers, wherein the bi-directional substrate transferring device have a moving unit inside the transfer chamber, and horizontally moved by a linear motor; and a bi-directional substrate transferring unit in the moving unit, the bi-directional substrate transferring uType: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoo Hwan Lee, Duck Won Moon, Jae Wook Choi
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Publication number: 20150120042Abstract: A robot includes a tool shaft, a first supporting mechanism attached to one portion of the tool shaft and tiltably supporting the tool shaft, a second supporting mechanism attached to a different portion of the tool shaft and tiltably supporting the tool shaft, a first in-plane movement mechanism that moves the first supporting mechanism in a first plane, a second in-plane movement mechanism that moves the second supporting mechanism in a second plane, and a controller that controls an in-plane position and an inclination angle of the tool shaft to control the first in-plane movement mechanism and the second in-plane movement mechanism. The first supporting mechanism or the second supporting mechanism supports the tool shaft movably in an axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: IKUO TAKEDA
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Publication number: 20150114149Abstract: A robot includes a base; a trunk linked to the base; a multi-joint robot arm rotatably linked to the trunk; and an elevating mechanism capable of bringing the trunk to a low position and a high position higher than the low position, and a time taken when a tip of the multi-joint robot arm is moved by a predetermined distance when the trunk is at the high position is longer than a time taken when the tip of the multi-joint robot arm is moved by a predetermined distance when the trunk is at the low position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Akihiro GOMI, Masaki MOTOYOSHI
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Patent number: 9014856Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a control system for a robotic surgical instrument is provided including a torque saturation limiter, a torque to current converter coupled to the torque saturation limiter, and a motor coupled to the torque to current converter. The torque saturation limiter receives a desired torque signal for one or more end effectors and limits the desired torque to a range between an upper torque limit and a lower torque limit generating a bounded torque signal. The torque to current converter transforms a torque signal into a current signal. The motor drives an end effector of one or more end effectors to the bounded torque signal in response to the first current signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Scott Manzo, Nitish Swarup
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Patent number: 9002518Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a control system for a robotic surgical instrument is provided including a torque saturation limiter, a torque to current converter coupled to the torque saturation limiter, and a motor coupled to the torque to current converter. The torque saturation limiter receives a desired torque signal for one or more end effectors and limits the desired torque to a range between an upper torque limit and a lower torque limit generating a bounded torque signal. The torque to current converter transforms a torque signal into a current signal. The motor drives an end effector of one or more end effectors to the bounded torque signal in response to the first current signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Scott Manzo, Nitish Swarup
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Patent number: 8983659Abstract: A robot system according to the embodiments includes a robot that includes a hand including a gripping mechanism that grips a thin plate-shaped work and an arm that moves the hand, and a robot control apparatus that controls the robot. The robot control apparatus, when causing the robot to transfer the work at a predetermined work transfer position by controlling the robot, performs a presence/absence confirmation of the work by operating the gripping mechanism while causing the hand to retract after the hand reaches the work transfer position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventor: Yoshiki Kimura
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Patent number: 8968332Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetically coupleable robotic surgical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to robotic surgical devices that can be inserted into a patient's body and can be positioned within the patient's body using an external magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of NebraskaInventors: Shane Farritor, Amy Lehman, Nathan A. Wood, Mark Rentschler, Jason Dumpert, Dmitry Oleynikov
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Patent number: 8961099Abstract: A robot for use in semiconductor vacuum chambers is disclosed. The robot may include two independently-driven arms configured for wafer handling. The robot may include three motors or drive systems and a tri-axial seal to realize independent extension/retraction of each arm and overall simultaneous rotation of the arm assembly. The robot may provide enhanced throughput efficiency over other robot designs.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Blank, Matthew J. McLellan
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Patent number: 8920103Abstract: A rotary end effector for use for the high speed handling of workpieces, such as solar cells, is disclosed. The rotary end effector is capable of infinite rotation. The rotary end effector has a gripper bracket, capable of supporting a plurality of grippers, arranged in any configuration, such as a 4×1 linear array. Each gripper is in communication with a suction system, wherein, in some embodiments, each gripper can be selectively enabled and disabled. Provisions are also made to allow electrical components, such as proximity sensors, to be mounted on the rotating gripper bracket. In another embodiment, an end effector with multiple surfaces, each with a plurality of grippers, is used.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Jason Schaller, Robert Vopat
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Publication number: 20140331806Abstract: Provided is a parallel link robot which has increased rigidity and which can be reduced in size. The parallel link robot includes: a base (1); a movable portion (2); a plurality of link portions (5) connecting the base (1) and the movable portion (2); and a plurality of actuators (6) for driving the plurality of link portions (5), wherein each of the plurality of actuators (6) is a linear actuator (6) supported on the base (1) to be rotatable about a predetermined axis (A1) and has a main body portion (8) and a shaft portion (7) for linearly moving relative to the main body portion (8), and each of the plurality of link portions (5) has a driving link (3) supported on the base (1) to be rotatable about a predetermined axis (A2) and connected to the linear actuator (6) and a driven link (4) connecting the driving link (3) and the movable portion (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: THK CO., LTD.Inventor: Masaki Nagatsuka
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Publication number: 20140311271Abstract: In one aspect, a translational parallel manipulator is provided and includes a fixed platform including three guide members. The three guide members include first ends and second ends, and the first ends of the three guide members are all coupled to each other and the second ends of the three guide members are all spaced-apart from each other. The manipulator also includes a movable platform spaced-apart from the fixed platform and three serial subchains coupled between the three guide members and the movable platform. In one aspect, a translational parallel manipulator is provided and includes a fixed platform, a movable platform spaced-apart from the fixed platform, and a plurality of subchains coupled between the fixed platform and the movable platform. At least one of the plurality of subchains includes no more than four one degree-of-freedom joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jian Cao, Kornel F. Ehmann, Qiang Zeng
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Patent number: 8868231Abstract: In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Moore, Douglas K. Herrmann, Derek A. Bryl, Paul N. Richards, Richard Scarlata
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Patent number: 8857877Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos, Roland J. Menassa, Hyunshik Shin, Shinho Kang, Yong-Hyun Ju, Ki-Beom Kim, Sang-Yul Ju
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Patent number: 8849455Abstract: A robot system according to embodiments includes a position command generating unit that corrects a position command of a motor based on a rotation angle of the motor, which drives a link of a robot via a speed reducer, and a rotation angle of an output shaft of the speed reducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Tetsuro Izumi, Tomohiro Matsuo
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Publication number: 20140251702Abstract: Systems and methods related to construction, configuration, and utilization of humanoid robotic systems and aspects thereof are described. A system may include a mobile base, a spine structure, a body structure, and at least one robotic arm, each of which is movably configured to have significant human-scale capabilities in prescribed environments. The one or more robotic arms may be rotatably coupled to the body structure, which may be mechanically associated with the mobile base, which is preferably configured for holonomic or semi-holonomic motion through human scale travel pathways that are ADA compliant. Aspects of the one or more arms may be counterbalanced with one or more spring-based counterbalancing mechanisms which facilitate backdriveability and payload features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Willow Garage, Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Berger, Keenan Wyrobek
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Publication number: 20140230594Abstract: The invention relates to a robot for handling loads, comprising an end effector, three actuators, each with a single degree of freedom, three arms, each of them pivotably connected to an actuator and on pivotably connected to the end effector, a frame carrying the actuators; and a control unit connected to the actuators. The invention also relates to an assembly of plural of these robots.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Oldin Beheer B.V.Inventor: Peter Paul De Bie
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Publication number: 20140150593Abstract: A precision tripod motion system is provided. The tripod motion system in one example includes a bottom plate including three spaced-apart bottom single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) hinge portions, a top plate including three spaced-apart top three-degrees-of-freedom (TDOF) joint portions, with the top plate configured to receive a workpiece, and three linear actuators pivotally coupled to the three bottom SDOF hinge portions of the bottom plate and coupled to the three top TDOF joint portions of the top plate, with each linear actuator of the three linear actuators configured to change length over a linear actuation span.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ALIO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Lyons Brown, Clement William Hennessey, Daniel Fording Crews
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Publication number: 20140137691Abstract: A robot includes a base, an arm portion, and a wrist portion with a multi-joint structure. The wrist portion includes a first wrist element, a second wrist element, a third wrist element, a first bevel gear set, and a second bevel gear set. The first wrist element is supported around a first axis line orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The second wrist element is supported swingably around a second axis line orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The third wrist element is supported rotatably around a third axis line along the longitudinal direction of the wrist portion. The first bevel gear set is configured to reduce a rotation speed of a first driving motor driving the first wrist element. The second bevel gear set is configured to reduce a rotation speed of a second driving motor for driving the second wrist element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventors: Kazuyoshi NOGAMI, Nobukazu MIYAUCHI
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Patent number: 8683883Abstract: A rotary actuator mechanism for applying torque to a shaft and comprising an actuator housing forming an actuator path that includes an actuator pinion rotatably supported in said housing and having said shaft secured thereto. The pinion having peripheral notches of a selected shape and positioned within the actuator path. The mechanism having a train of discrete actuator elements having opposite ends and positioned in the actuator path, each of the actuator elements being of said selected shape to enable reception in the peripheral notches, a plurality of the elements engaging the notches. The mechanism having at least one linear actuator supported by the housing and engaging one of the ends of the train of actuator elements, the linear actuator being selectively activated to push the train of discrete actuator elements through the actuator path to thereby serially engage the actuator elements with the notches of the pinion and thereby apply torque to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Brett W. Kraft
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Publication number: 20140076088Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for positioning with respect to a patient's body an observation and/or intervention device having a portion penetrating into the patient's body comprising a base disposed over the patient's body; a means for supporting the device formed of a first portion movably assembled on the base according to a connection with one degree of freedom, and of a second portion movably assembled on the first portion according to a connection with one degree of freedom and connected to the device; and means for actuating the first portion with respect to the base, and the second portion with respect to the first portion, in which the base surrounds at a distance at least partially the device, said device being detachably connected to the second portion to enable removal of the positioning system while leaving in place the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIERInventors: Peter Berkelman, Philippe Cinquin, Alain Jacquet, Jean Amault
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Publication number: 20140017056Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a lower linearly driven effector structure with spaced paddles, and an upper linearly driven end effector structure with spaced paddles and no rotating joints above a paddle of the lower end effector structure. A drive subsystem is configured to linearly drive the lower end effector structure and to linearly drive the upper end effector structure independent of the lower end effector structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: PERSIMMON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Martin Hosek, Dennis Poole, Christopher Hofmeister
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Patent number: 8607659Abstract: A robotic arm assembly includes a support body, a first segment, a second segment, a first driving device, a second driving device, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a third bevel gear, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The first segment is rotatably connected to an end of the support body. The second segment is rotatably connected to the first segment. The first driving device and the second driving device are received in the support body. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are rotatably sleeved on opposite ends of the first segment, and mesh with the third bevel gear fixed to the second segment. The first transmission mechanism transmits the power of the first driving member to the first bevel gear, and the second transmission mechanism transmits the power of the second driving member to the second bevel gear.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guo-Qing Zhang
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Publication number: 20130304087Abstract: A manipulator, such as for use in medical procedures, is provided. The manipulator includes a body and a first actuator system connected to the body at a first attachment point and capable of moving the first attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A second actuator system is connected to the body at a second attachment point and capable of moving the second attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A third actuator system is integrated with the body and is capable of moving at least a portion of the body with at least one degree of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: MicroDexterity Systems, Inc.Inventor: J. Michael STUART
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Patent number: 8583285Abstract: A method for stopping a manipulator includes the steps of advance simulation of stopping distances for different states and/or braking force profiles of the manipulator, estimating of an upper limit as the stopping distance on the basis of the stopping distances simulated in advance, monitoring a zone, and decelerating the manipulator when a zone is violated, wherein the monitored zone is defined variably during operation on the basis of the stopping distance of the manipulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbHInventors: Andreas Aurnhammer, Markus Eisensehr, Andreas Hagenauer, Manfred Huttenhofer
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Patent number: 8555744Abstract: The present gear mechanism includes a base body member, a first gear supported on the base body member so as to rotate about a first rotational axis, a second gear capable of being meshed with the first gear, a support member supporting the second gear so as to rotate about a second rotational axis and placed on the base body member so as to be movable in approaching and leaving directions respectively toward and away from the first rotational axis, and a retaining member engaged in a threaded hole formed in the base body member and capable of being turned so as to move in the approaching and leaving directions, and directly or indirectly engaged with the support member to restrain the support member from moving in the leaving direction away from the first rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Hirooka, Yasuhiko Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8495927Abstract: A hexapod platform and a jack that can be used in the hexapod platform are provided. The jack includes a body, a piston capable of translational movement with respect to the body and a rod connected to the piston to follow its translational movement and by means of which the jack applies load. The rod is connected to the piston by means of a ball joint. The hexapod platform comprises six jacks according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: BIAInventors: Fayçal Namoun, Ramzi Sellaouti, Fathi Ben Ouezdou
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Patent number: 8479607Abstract: A work transfer apparatus includes a work carrying mechanism, a driving source that drives the work carrying mechanism, a sealed box that accommodates the driving source in a hermetically sealed state, and a coolant circulation path provided in the sealed box for cooling the driving source. The sealed box includes a box body with an opening, and a partition lid for closing the opening. The partition lid includes an outer plate member and an inner plate member superposed on the outer plate member. The coolant circulation path is disposed at the interface between the outer plate member and the inner plate member.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: DAIHEN CorporationInventors: Kunio Fukuma, Hideki Matsuo
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Publication number: 20130167683Abstract: A robotic limb is described. The robotic limb has a closed tubular casing made of viscoelastic material defining a chamber containing an incompressible fluid. The closed tubular casing has a sheath formed by substantially inextensible intertwined wires. In the chamber there are groups of transverse actuators axially spaced from each other, connected to the sheath and adapted to reversibly contract the closed tubular casing at least partly in the radial direction. The robotic limb also has longitudinal actuating means adapted to reversibly contract the closed tubular casing at least partly in the axial direction being connected to each of the groups of transverse actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Matteo Cianchetti, Maurizio Follador, Andrea Arienti, Cecilia Laschi, Barbara Mazzolai, Paolo Dario
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Patent number: 8473103Abstract: A method of and apparatus for achieving dynamic robot accuracy includes a control system utilizing a dual position loop control. An outer position loop uses secondary encoders on the output side of the gear train of a robot joint axis, while the inner position loop uses the primary encoder attached to the motor. Both single and dual loop control can be used on the same robot and tooling axes.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.Inventors: Jason Tsai, Eric Wong, Jianming Tao, H. Dean McGee, Hadi Akeel
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Publication number: 20130118287Abstract: An active compliant parallel device includes a movable body; a base body; and a plurality of linking members. The plurality of linking members are coupled to the movable body and the base body by a plurality of joints and include at least one compliant linking member, having a compliant element, and at least one actuating linking member, having an actuating element. The device may further include at least one damping linking member having a damping element and/or at least one passive linking member. The actuating, compliant, passive, and/or damping linking members are arranged in a parallel arrangement or structure such that each linking member makes a connection, using a connection element, such as a joint, with the base body and the movable body. The potential configurations of the device allow for movement and positioning of one or more unrestricted and externally loaded elements in space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: SpringActive, Inc.Inventor: SpringActive, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130087004Abstract: A parallel-kinematical machine (20) that includes three setting devices (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) each of which can be lengthened and shortened individually, wherein each setting device (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) is connected to a first, a second and a third respective inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) of universal gimbal joints (UGJ) and that each inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) is mounted in bearings (25, 26, 27) for rotation in gimbal holders (21, 22) which are rotationally mounted in outer gimbal bearings (28, 29, 39) in an outer mounting (290) wherein the first inner gimbal ring (23.1) and the third inner gimbal ring (23.3) are mounted for rotation in a common outer gimbal holder (21) which is mounted for rotation about a common gimbal axis (32, 52) and in that the second inner gimbal ring (23.2) is mounted for rotation in a single gimbal holder (22) which is mounted in two opposite bearings for rotation about a second gimbal axis (31, 51) which is not aligned with said common gimbal axis (32, 52).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: EXECHON EMIRATES ABInventors: Karl-Erik Neumann, Thomas Andersson, Kristoffer Larsson, Fredrik Palmquist
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Patent number: 8412376Abstract: A method is provided for distributing tension among tendons of a tendon-driven finger in a robotic system, wherein the finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons. The method includes determining a maximum functional tension and a minimum functional tension of each tendon of the finger, and then using a controller to distribute tension among the tendons, such that each tendon is assigned a tension value less than the maximum functional tension and greater than or equal to the minimum functional tension. The method satisfies the minimum functional tension while minimizing the internal tension in the robotic system, and satisfies the maximum functional tension without introducing a coupled disturbance to the joint torques. A robotic system includes a robot having at least one tendon-driven finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons, and a controller having an algorithm for controlling the tendons as set forth above.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Muhammad E. Abdallah, Robert Platt, Charles W. Wampler, II
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Publication number: 20130068060Abstract: A flexspline protective structure includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member and a plurality of fixing members. The second rotation member is sleeved on the first rotation member. The plurality of fixing members fix the first rotation member and the second rotation member together and are capable of breaking off in the event of jamming or other mischance to enable the second rotation member to rotate freely relative to the first rotation member. The disclosure presents a robot arm mechanism equipped with the flexspline protective structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: XIAO-MING XU, CHIA-PENG DAY, ZHEN-XING LIU
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Publication number: 20130062153Abstract: A robot has a track assembly having tracks configured to move the robot in a first direction and a wheel assembly having wheels configured to move the robot in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A toggling assembly switches between the track assembly and the wheel assembly. The robot modules can mate with each other. The robot module has an elongated shaft with a head and a narrow neck. The shaft extends outward from the side of the robot module. A mating robot module has a clamping mechanism with opposing clamps which in an opened position receive the shaft. In a closed position, the clamps define an opening which matches and engages the cross-section of the neck of the elongated shaft. The clamping mechanism has a drive mode to drive the module, a clamping mode for docking, and neutral mode for alignment prior to clamping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Paul Marie Moubarak
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Publication number: 20130042714Abstract: An industrial robot includes a support body, a moving platform, a pivot shaft, a plurality of driving devices, a plurality of transfer branch joints, and a base. The support body includes a main body, and an installing portion opposite to the main body; the pivot shaft is rotatably connected with the main body and the moving platform; the driving devices are positioned at a bottom of the main body; each transfer branch joint is movably connected with the moving platform and one corresponding driving device; the installing base includes a bottom base, and two supporting arms extending from opposite sides of the bottom base; the bottom base and the two supporting arms cooperatively forming a receiving space; the bottom base and the two supporting arms are detachable in relation to the installing portion and the main body; the main body is received in the receiving space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhen-Xing LIU, Xiao-Ming XU
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Publication number: 20130039726Abstract: Substrate transport systems, apparatus, and methods are described. The systems are adapted to efficiently put or pick substrates at a destination by rotating a boom linkage to a position adjacent to the destination and then independently actuating an upper arm link housing and one or more wrist members to put or pick one or more substrates at the destination wherein the wrist member is independently actuated relative to the forearm link housing and the motion of the forearm link member is kinematically linked to the motion of the upper arm link housing. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc,Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brodine, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Izya Kremerman
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Publication number: 20130025946Abstract: A robot hand (20) and has: a measurement instrument (22); a hollow shaft unit (24b) attached to a distal end of the measurement instrument coaxially with the distal shaft; a suction unit (26) attached to a distal end of the hollow shaft unit and holds the object; a hollow member (32) that surrounds the hollow shaft unit rotatably in the circumferential direction; a hollow member connecting unit (31, 31a) that extends from a casing (12) supporting the distal shaft (11) and is connected to the hollow member; and a suction unit drive unit (37, 42) that is connected to the hollow member in a position corresponding to the peripheral surface of the hollow shaft unit and drives the suction unit, and the suction unit drive unit communicates with the inner space of the hollow shaft unit through one opening (25).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: FANUC CorporationInventor: Yasuyoshi TANAKA
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Patent number: 8355817Abstract: A robot system including a robot arm driven by a servo motor; and a robot controller controlling an operation of the robot arm. The robot system further comprises a first detection section detecting a rotation amount of the servo motor; a second detection section attached to a tip portion of the robot arm, and detecting a velocity or acceleration of the tip portion of the robot arm; a computation section computing the velocity or acceleration of the tip portion of the robot arm based on values detected by the first detection section, and computing a deviation between this computed velocity or acceleration and the velocity or acceleration detected by the second detection section; and an emergency stop section for bringing the servo motor to an emergency stop when a magnitude of the deviation computed by the computation section is greater than a reference value.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: FANUC CorporationInventors: Ryo Nihei, Tetsuaki Kato, Takeaki Aramaki, Tomoyuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8307732Abstract: A parallel link robot (10) provided with a base (11), a moving part (12), three links (20a to 20c) coupling the base and the moving part and having respectively single degrees of freedom with respect to the base, and three actuators (13a to 13c) respectively driving the links, each of the links comprised of a drive link (21a to 21c) coupled with the base and two driven links (22a to 22c, 23a to 23c) coupling the drive link and the moving part and parallel to each other, and further provided with a posture changing mechanism (15) which changes a posture of an element (19) attached to the moving part, an additional actuator (13d to 13f) arranged between the two driven links of at least one link in parallel to these driven links, and a power transmission shaft (39) which extends coaxially from the additional actuator and transmits rotational drive force to the posture changing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Satoshi Kinoshita, Tomoaki Nagayama, Masahiro Yamamoto, Hidenori Kurebayashi, Katsumi Fujimoto, Tokitaka Uemura
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Patent number: 8291789Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a support member, a first rotating member rotatably connected to the support member, a second rotating member rotatably connected to the first rotating member, and a driving mechanism to drive the first rotating member. The driving mechanism includes a gear transmission mechanism directly coupled to the first rotating member, a driver mounted on the support member and provided with an output shaft coupled to the gear transmission mechanism, and a support mechanism supporting the gear transmission mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bo Long