Joint Patents (Class 901/28)
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Publication number: 20120215353Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Tetsuro IZUMI, Tomohiro Matsuo
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Publication number: 20120210817Abstract: A programmable robot system includes a robot provided with a number of individual arm sections, where adjacent sections are interconnected by a joint. The system furthermore includes a controllable drive mechanism provided in at least some of the joints and a control system for controlling the drive. The robot system is furthermore provided with user a interface mechanism including a mechanism for programming the robot system, the user interface mechanism being either provided externally to the robot, as an integral part of the robot or as a combination hereof, and a storage mechanism co-operating with the user interface mechanism and the control system for storing information related to the movement and further operations of the robot and optionally for storing information relating to the surroundings.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Kristian KASSOW, Esben Hallundbæk ØSTERGAARD, Kasper STØY
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Publication number: 20120204671Abstract: A robotic system providing precision interfaces between a rotary actuator and a robotic structure. The robotic structure responsive to control by a rotary actuator via a connection means whereby interface design parameters are relayed to the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator for controlling the robotic structure includes an actuator shell, an eccentric cage and a primer mover portion, rigidly attached to the eccentric cage and capable of exerting a torque on a first prime mover. A cross-roller is also included having a first bearing portion rigidly fixed to the actuator shell and a second bearing portion, an output attachment plate attached to a second bearing portion, a shell gear rigidly attached to the actuator shell, an output gear attached to the output attachment plate and an eccentric gear attached to the eccentric cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Delbert Tesar
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Publication number: 20120198952Abstract: A nonparallel-axes transmission mechanism includes conical pulleys. A first conical pulley includes a first rotation axis and a first imaginary conical surface including a center line identical to the first rotation axis. A second conical pulley includes a second rotation axis not parallel to the first rotation axis, and a second imaginary conical surface including a center line identical to the second rotation axis. The first and second imaginary conical surfaces include matching apexes. Support shafts rotatably support the conical pulleys. A fan belt transmits power from the first conical pulley to the second conical pulley and contacts the first and second imaginary conical surfaces. The first conical pulley includes a shape of the first imaginary conical surface removing a shape of the contacting fan belt. The second conical pulley includes a shape of the second imaginary conical surface removing a shape of the contacting fan belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventor: Takashi MAMBA
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Patent number: 8234950Abstract: Designs of single-end-operative reconfigurable genderless connectors that include a base, a plurality of movable jaws that are formed on the base and can engage to the jaws of another connector, and an actuator that is mounted on the base and can engage and move the jaws of the reconfigurable connector to connect the reconfigurable connector with another connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: Wei-Min Shen, Robert M. Kovac
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Publication number: 20120192671Abstract: A motor-driven joint of a robot arm comprising a first segment (1), a second segment (2) movably mounted on the first segment, and a motor-drive device mounted between the segments and connected to a control unit, the motor-drive device comprising an actuator (5) arranged to transmit movement in reversible manner to the second segment relative to the first segment, and blocking means (6, 7, 8, 9; 31) that are interposed between the first segment and the second segment and that are controllable to make the transmission of movement temporarily non-reversible, the joint being characterized in that the motor-drive device includes an actuating element mechanically connected to a portion of the blocking means and mounted on one of the segments to be movable, under the effect of a driving force greater than a predetermined threshold, to actuate the blocking means.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Alain Riwan, Jonathan Van Rhijn
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Patent number: 8221050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Fabworx Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Kent
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Publication number: 20120174317Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly including a patient treatment couch, and a robotic arm coupled to the patient treatment couch. The robotic arm is configured to move the patient treatment couch along five rotational degrees of freedom and one substantially vertical, linear degree of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Saracen, Aaron W. Carrano, Toby D. Henderson
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Publication number: 20120152432Abstract: A fiber placement system is described. The system includes a motion system having a robotic arm, a fiber-placement layup mandrel mounted on the robotic arm, and a fiber-placement delivery system having a delivery head. The robotic arm is operable for movement of the mandrel with respect to and proximate the delivery head for fabrication of a composite fiber part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Samuel Francis Pedigo, Brice A. Johnson
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Patent number: 8197469Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Ross-Hime Designs, Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim
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Publication number: 20120137816Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Marco Carricato, Michele Conconi
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Publication number: 20120132829Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yun Wang
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Patent number: 8186254Abstract: A cutting device that, after a sheet is stuck on a wafer on a sticking table, cuts the sheet along the outer edge of the wafer. The cutting device includes a robot body disposed besides the sticking table and a cutter blade supported by a tool holding chuck positioned at the front end of the robot body. The cutter blade is detachably attached to the tool holding chuck so as to be replaceable and is arranged so as to cut the sheet in a state that the posture thereof is adjusted along a preset movement track.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Lintec CorporationInventors: Hideaki Nonaka, Kan Nakata, Yoshiaki Sugishita, Kenji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8185243Abstract: A robot arm, which is driven by an elastic body actuator and has a plurality of joints, is provided with an arm-end supporting member that supports the robot arm when made in contact with a supporting surface that is placed on an arm-end portion of the robot arm and a control unit that controls a force by which the arm-end supporting member and the supporting surface are made in contact with each other, and further controls a position and orientation of the arm-end portion of the robot arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yasunao Okazaki
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Publication number: 20120118097Abstract: 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 holloType: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: MAJAtronic GmbHInventor: Hartmut Ilch
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Patent number: 8168918Abstract: A laser processing head mounted on a robot arm moves from with a constant speed in a direction from a welding point to a next welding point, while a reflection mirror continuously turns in order to maintain laser beams focused on the welding point until the welding at the welding point is completed, and the reflection mirror quickly turns to shift the focus of the laser beams onto the next welding point when the welding at the welding point is completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Kawai
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Publication number: 20120090422Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Christoph MEYERHOFF, Kazushige AKAHA
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Publication number: 20120085191Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventor: BO LONG
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Publication number: 20120083920Abstract: A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Takashi Suyama, Junichi Imatome, Toru Kajiwara, Yoshiaki Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20120079908Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventor: BO LONG
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Publication number: 20120059515Abstract: A method of controlling a robotic manipulator of a force- or impedance-controlled robot within an unstructured workspace includes imposing a saturation limit on a static force applied by the manipulator to its surrounding environment, and may include determining a contact force between the manipulator and an object in the unstructured workspace, and executing a dynamic reflex when the contact force exceeds a threshold to thereby alleviate an inertial impulse not addressed by the saturation limited static force. The method may include calculating a required reflex torque to be imparted by a joint actuator to a robotic joint. A robotic system includes a robotic manipulator having an unstructured workspace and a controller that is electrically connected to the manipulator, and which controls the manipulator using force- or impedance-based commands. The controller, which is also disclosed herein, automatically imposes the saturation limit and may execute the dynamic reflex noted above.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Muhammad E. Abdallah, Brian Hargrave, John D. Yamokoski, Philip A. Strawser
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Publication number: 20120053000Abstract: A transmission assembly comprises: a motor; a shift actuator mechanism coupled to the motor; a sun gear coupled to an output shaft of the motor; a first magnet assembly coupled to the sun gear; a ring gear assembly coupled to a shift coupler, the shift coupler being configured to engage via the shift actuator mechanism; a second magnet assembly coupled to a housing face plate, the housing face plate being coupled to an output gear box; and a planet carrier coupled to an output pinion in communication with the output gearbox. The planet carrier comprises at least one planet gear. In a first mode, the ring gear is locked to the first magnet assembly and configured to rotate with the sun gear, the ring gear being configured to prevent the rotation of the at least one planet gear about its own axis causing the planet carrier to rotate at the same speed as the sun gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Mark Robert Claffee, Martin Buehler, David Brancazio
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Publication number: 20120041348Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Wataru Maekita
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Publication number: 20120034022Abstract: A robotic arm assembly includes a first segment, a second segment, a first driving device, a first transmission mechanism, a second driving device, and a second transmission mechanism. The second segment is rotatably connected to the first segment. The first driving device drives the second segment to rotate about a first axis relative to the first segment via the first transmission mechanism. The second transmission mechanism includes a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear. An output shaft is fixed to the second bevel gear, and the output shaft is capable of rotating about a second axis. Each of the second segment, the output shaft, and the second bevel gear defines a guiding hole, and the guiding holes are aligned in the second axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTDInventor: BO LONG
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Patent number: 8109170Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Munehiro Jinushi, Masahiro Morioka, Satoshi Adachi
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Publication number: 20120024091Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: KAWABUCHI MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: Ichiro Kawabuchi, Woo-Keun Yoon, Tetsuo Kotoku
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Publication number: 20120017718Abstract: 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 aType: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: THE SHADOW ROBOT COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Richard Martin Greenhill
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Publication number: 20120011956Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Ivan Lundberg
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Publication number: 20120000312Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Andreas Collmer
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Publication number: 20110320038Abstract: A working device and a working method wherein an articulated robot controls vertical movement of a balancer arm by commanding vertical movement for a balancer, and moves the balancer arm horizontally by applying an external force to the balancer arm in the horizontal direction by means of a robot arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hitoe Motoki, Ryo Nakajima, Masaru Maruo, Mitsugu Takahashi, Takao Shibayama
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Patent number: 8079800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Oyabe-Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Tanaka, Masanao Suzuki, Hironobu Suna
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Publication number: 20110296944Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: TROY ALEXANDER CARTER, AKHIL J. MADHANI, ARTHUR STANLEY BRIGHAM
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Publication number: 20110297461Abstract: A robot 1 is equipped with a leg 2 including a knee joint 16 connecting a thigh link 32 and a crus link 34. The knee joint 16 is equipped with a connecting rod 44, one end of which is connected so as to be freely rotatable with respect to an axis 40 of the crus link 34 and the other end of which is connected so as to be freely rotatable to an axis 42 of the thigh link 32, and a distance varying mechanism 50 which changes the distance between an axis 60 of the crus link 34 and an axis 56 of the thigh link 32 by a driving force of an electric motor 40. When a bending angle of the knee joint 16 is 0 degree, a sum of the distance between the axis 40 and axis 42 and the distance between the axis 60 and the axis 56, is smaller than the distance between the axis 40 and the axis 56.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Susumu Miyazaki
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Publication number: 20110290049Abstract: A deceleration device includes a driving device and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first active subassembly, a second active subassembly, a first transmission member, a second transmission member and two regulatory mechanisms. The driving member is connected to the driving device. The first transmission member connects the driving member to the first active subassembly, and is driven by the driving device, and rotates the first active subassembly. The second transmission member connects the first active subassembly to the second active subassembly, and is driven by the first active subassembly, and rotates the second active subassembly. The two regulatory mechanisms elastically resist the first transmission member and the second transmission member, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: Wen-Sheng CHEN, Zhi-Ming ZHAO
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Patent number: 8065037Abstract: A control method and system for controlling a hydraulically actuated mechanical arm to perform a task, the mechanical arm optionally being a hydraulically actuated excavator arm. The method can include determining a dynamic model of the motion of the hydraulic arm for each hydraulic arm link by relating the input signal vector for each respective link to the output signal vector for the same link. Also the method can include determining an error signal for each link as the weighted sum of the differences between a measured position and a reference position and between the time derivatives of the measured position and the time derivatives of the reference position for each respective link. The weights used in the determination of the error signal can be determined from the constant coefficients of the dynamic model. The error signal can be applied in a closed negative feedback control loop to diminish or eliminate the error signal for each respective link.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George Danko
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Patent number: 8047094Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Lonnie J. Love, Randall F. Lind
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Publication number: 20110264265Abstract: A system and the like capable of maintaining the continuity or smoothness in the motion of a controlled object. According to a control system 1 and a robot R, which is a controlled object thereof, of the present invention, a desired position trajectory is generated by performing an interpolation process of generating a line segment represented by a linear combination of point sequences disposed in a model space with a basis function for spatial interpolation as a coupling coefficient. Therefore, a line segment, which continuously and smoothly connects the starting point and the end point, represented by a linear combination of a plurality of points (control points), instead of a broken line passing through the plurality of points disposed in the model space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshiki Kanemoto
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Publication number: 20110257786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Louis Joseph Caron L'Ecuyer, Charles Deguire
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Publication number: 20110241369Abstract: The robot hand includes a planetary gear unit into which a rotational power is input from a motor, first and second drive shafts to which a rotational power output from the planetary gear unit is transmitted, a finger having first and second joints respectively driven by the first and second drive shafts. The planetary gear unit includes a sun gear, a planetary gear meshing with external teeth of the sun gear, a planetary arm connected to the planetary gear to coordinately move with a rotation of the planetary gear on its on axis. The sun gear is connected to the motor. The planetary arm is connected to the first drive shaft. An internal gear is connected to the second drive shaft. A resistance generating unit is disposed for making the motion resistance of the internal gear lager than the motion resistance of the planetary arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masayuki Kamon, Yuuki Takayama
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Publication number: 20110224689Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Q Larkin, David C. Shafer
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Publication number: 20110224687Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Q. Larkin, David C. Shafer
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Publication number: 20110219906Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Kazuhiro HANIYA, Manabu Okahisa, Atsushi Ichibangase
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Publication number: 20110213599Abstract: A method of configuring a biomimetic mechanical joint for the efficient movement of a support member about a pivot device. The method includes providing a first fractional actuator and a second fractional actuator being operable with the support member and the pivot device, sizing the first fractional actuator for rated operation at a first boundary condition, and sizing the second fractional actuator so that the first and second fractional actuators, when recruited in combination, are rated for operation at a second boundary condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, Brian J. Maclean
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Publication number: 20110185837Abstract: The invention relates to a humanoid robot using a spherical joint with coupled actuators and a method using the spherical articulation. The invention is of particular utility in the production of humanoid robots coming closest to human anthropomorphism. The joint connects two elements of the robot. The joint is moved by three actuators of which a first joint and a second joint act in parallel and are coupled together, and of which a third actuator acts in series with the first two actuators about an axis. According to the invention, the axis of the third actuator is the axis of which the angular range of movement must be the greatest in order to come close to human anthropomorphism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: BIAInventors: Samer Alfayad, Fathi Ben Ouezdou, Faycal Namoun
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Patent number: 7987742Abstract: A transportation apparatus operable to linearly transport an object includes a first transmission unit provided in a first intermediate table and which is operable to transmit torque from one of a pair of first links to one of a pair of second links. The transmission unit includes a pair of pulleys supported by a pair of first intermediate shafts and fixed to the one of the first links and the one of the second links; and an upper belt and lower belt are partially wound around the pulley in opposite directions with each other and fixed to the pulleys so as to transmit the torque. One of the pulley is divided into an upper part fixed with the upper belt and a lower fixed with the lower belt in an axial direction of the first intermediate shafts.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sachio Tachibana, Yasushi Taniyama
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Publication number: 20110182655Abstract: An integrated locking device that includes both a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The locking device includes a housing where the linear locking mechanism and the rotary locking mechanism are mounted to different sides of the housing so as to reduce the height of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos
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Publication number: 20110174108Abstract: An elongate robotic arm comprising articulated segments and a channel that extends along the longitudinal axis of the arm and contains a stiffening member which includes a sensor for measuring the shape of the arm. Using the central channel for this purpose improves the ease and accuracy of shape measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Andrew Crispin Graham, Robert Oliver Buckingham
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Patent number: 7971505Abstract: In a bearing detachment prevention structure provided in a rotation pair portion of a link mechanism, play filling-up and pre-load adjustment for the bearing are realized with ease. As a means for therefor, there is provided a link actuating device having three or more sets of link mechanisms in each of which end link members are rotatably connected to input and output members respectively arranged on the input and output sides, the respective end link members on the input and output sides being rotatably connected to intermediate link members to form four rotation pair portions, the input and output sides being geometrically the same with respect to a cross section in a central portion of each link mechanism, in which each rotation pair portion of the link mechanisms has a bearing structure consisting of two bearings, with a play filling-up means for regulating axial movement of the two bearings being provided in the rotation pair portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Keisuke Sone
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Publication number: 20110154938Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first joint, a second joint and a flange. The second joint is rotatably connected to the first joint. The flange is fixed on the second joint. The first joint includes a rotary connecting portion located on an end of the first joint and a limiting portion adjacent to the rotary connecting portion. The flange defines a through hole in a middle portion of the flange and an open ring groove around the through hole. A curve of the open ring groove is less than 360°. The rotary connecting portion passes through and is received in the through hole. The limiting portion slides in the open ring groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: JUN LIU, CHUN-MING ZHANG
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Publication number: 20110142534Abstract: A method for manufacturing a joint. A ball is mounted on a pin. Spherical surfaces on at least two socket parts are machined. Grinding paste is applied on the ball and/or on the surfaces of the socket parts. The pin is connected to an equipment that rotates the ball. The ball is assembled between the socket parts. A pressure is applied between the socket parts and the ball. The ball is rotated and tilted over the working range of the joint. The ball and the socket parts are cleaned from the grinding paste. The joint is assembled by mounting the socket parts on a ball. A robot obtainable with the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY ABInventors: Torgny Brogårdh, Ove Kullborg, Ove Ode