Wrist Patents (Class 901/29)
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Patent number: 12233546Abstract: A robot includes: a chest; a pair of right and left upper limbs; and a pair of right and left shoulders connecting the right and left upper arms rotatably to the chest with two rotational degrees of freedom, respectively. The shoulder includes: a shoulder joint connecting the upper arm rotatably; a chest-side main link attaching unit provided; an upper arm main link attaching unit provided in the upper arm; an upper arm drive main actuator including an upper arm drive main link having a variable length and a power source for generating force changing the length of the upper arm drive main link; a chest-side auxiliary link attaching unit provided in the chest; an upper-arm-drive-main-link-side auxiliary link attaching unit provided in the upper arm drive main link; and an upper arm drive auxiliary actuator including an upper arm drive auxiliary link having a variable length and a power source for generating force changing the length of the upper arm drive auxiliary link.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2024Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Noboru Kawaguchi, Hidetaka Yamauchi, Tomoya Hattori, Koji Hirose
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Patent number: 12205494Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a motion generator comprising an effector for applying forces, moments and movements to a payload relative to a surface connected to one or more elongate rigid struts, each strut being connected at one end thereof by a first joint to the effector and being connected at its other end by a second joint to an associated rocker, the rocker having a pivot axis, such that movement of a rocker about the pivot axis leads to movement of the effector, and forces applied to an associated rocker lead to forces being applied to the effector, in which the movement of a rocker and forces applied by the rocker are controlled by an actuator, the actuator being in the form of an elongate belt, cable, rope drive, or linear motor arranged to apply a force to a point on an associated rocker away from the pivot axis of the rocker.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: DYNISMA LTD.Inventors: Ashley William Hawker Warne, Matthew Peter Bell, Daniel Charmbury Ward
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Patent number: 12197820Abstract: A system for performing interactions within a physical environment including a robot base, a robot base actuator that moves the robot base relative to the environment, a robot arm mounted to the robot base, the robot arm including an end effector mounted thereon and a tracking system that measures a tracking target position indicative of a position of a target mounted on the robot base. A control system acquires an indication of an end effector destination, determines a tracking target position at least in part using signals from the tracking system, determines a virtual robot base position offset from the robot base and calculates a robot base path extending from the virtual robot base position to the end effector destination, using this to control the robot base actuator to cause the robot base to be moved along the robot base path.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: FASTBRICK IP PTY LTDInventors: Mark Joseph Pivac, James Gary Robertson
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Patent number: 12193778Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft, a proximal clevis on the distal end of the shaft, a distal clevis coupled to the proximal clevis, and an end effector assembly. The distal clevis includes a proximally extending portion and a pair of bosses in fixed positions on the proximally extending portion. A first pin couples the end effector assembly to the distal clevis. A second pin, which has an axis perpendicular to the axis of the first pin, extends through the bosses to couple the proximal and distal clevises. Tendons extend from the end effector assembly around pulleys disposed on the bosses and through the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Asensus Surgical US, Inc.Inventors: Curtis P. Hanson, Matthew Robert Penny
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Patent number: 12193650Abstract: Implementations described herein are directed toward an improved orthopedic arthroscopy system that reduces the number of necessary arthroscopic portals while at the same time improving endoscopic visualization and instrumentation capability within the joint space. Main embodiments of the disclosed system replace the traditional rod endoscope with a rotatable, optical cannula through which instruments can be used to manipulate tissue and perform surgery. By adding the cannula rotation capability, visualization of instrument tool tip can be easily adjusted. The disclosed system would eliminate the need for unnecessary wrist rotation by the surgeon thereby making it easier to coordinate hand position while performing surgical tasks.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: ResnENT, LLCInventors: Willard S. Noyes, Benjamin J. Gray, Philip J. Simpson
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Patent number: 12186897Abstract: An actuator of a robotic system and a robot are provided. The actuator may include a center shaft, an outer shell connected to the center shaft, an input flange, and an output flange coaxially installed on the center shaft, a torque sensor and a motor assembly. The input flange and the output flange are radially fixed with at least one of the outer shell and the center shaft through a plurality of bearings. The torque sensor is connected between the input flange and the output flange, and configured to measure a torque transmitted by the input flange and the output flange. The motor assembly is coupled to the input flange. Disturbances transmitted from either side of the torque sensor may be isolated from the torque sensor. Therefore, the reliability of the readings of the torque sensor may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: FLEXIV LTD.Inventors: Shiquan Wang, Ran An
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Patent number: 12178493Abstract: An end effector for a surgical tool includes a distal clevis, first and second jaws rotatably mounted to the distal clevis at a first axle, a proximal clevis rotatably coupled to the distal clevis at a second axle, and an electrical conductor extending through and electrically bypassing the proximal clevis and terminating at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to at least one of the first and second jaws via conduction. A portion of the electrical conductor provides a conductive spring member that allows the electrical conductor to flex as the distal clevis articulates.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventor: Barry Christian Worrell
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Patent number: 12172299Abstract: A gripping system is provided comprising: gripping fingers of a first type, gripping fingers of a second type, a gripping device for handling sample containers, wherein the gripping device comprises base portions, wherein a gripping finger of the first type and a gripping finger of the second type are releasably fixable to the base portions, and a drive, wherein the drive is adapted to move at least one of the base portions relative to the other base portions to cause a gripping or a releasing of a sample container, and a gripping finger change device, wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to store gripping fingers of the first type and gripping fingers of the second type, and wherein the gripping finger change device is adapted to replace a gripping finger of the first type fixed to a base portion by a gripping finger of the second type.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Marius Kraetschmer, Andreas Decool
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Patent number: 12151370Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of mechanical joint assemblies with broad ranges of motion. The joint assemblies can be used to control the position of a mounting surface, with the motion and position of the joint assembly being precisely controllable, for instance by one or more stepper motors.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2024Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Inventor: Drew Jordan Palser
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Patent number: 12145229Abstract: A nut runner, an attachment unit, and a sliding member are provided in a second arm that is a leading arm of the robot and has a leading end shaft movable along the direction of an elevation axis. The nut runner includes a screw fastening driver, a drive shaft rotationally driven by the screw fastening driver, and an extension bar that is so connected to rotate together with the drive shaft in the circumferential direction and to move in the axial direction. The attachment unit fixedly connects the screw fastening driver to the second arm so that a screw fastening axis parallel to the elevation axis serves as a rotation axis of the screw fastening driver. The sliding member is connected to the leading end shaft and supports the extension bar so as to move together in the axial direction and are rotatable relatively in the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: ESTIC CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Tsuchida
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Patent number: 12128558Abstract: An apparatus includes a spindle platform; a traversing platform configured to move in a first direction; a lift system connected to the spindle platform and the traversing platform, the lift system configured to move the spindle platform in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a movable arm connected to the spindle platform, the movable arm including a first link connected to the spindle platform, a second link connected to the first link, and a third link connected to the second link, and a first actuator connected to the spindle platform and configured to cause a rotation of the first link, and a second actuator in the movable arm and configured to cause a rotation of the second link. The first actuator extends from the spindle platform into the first link to occupy a combined thickness of the spindle platform and the first link.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Persimmon Technologies CorporationInventor: Martin Hosek
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Patent number: 12114893Abstract: A colpotomy device for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The device includes a flexible drive tube having a proximal end and a distal end and bendable therebetween. The device also has a rotatable cutting implement at the distal end of the flexible drive tube at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. Furthermore, the device includes couplings located within the flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. The couplings can be in a series that includes inter-coupling joints and transmits a rotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle between the couplings. The variable angle can correspond to bending of the drive tube in order to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of the flexible drive tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey MacDonald, Jeffrey Radziunas, Lynn MacDonald, Zev Kartiganer
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Patent number: 12116846Abstract: A coupling mechanism for securing a tool to a tool arm may include a housing and an engaging lock. The engaging lock may be arranged within the housing and configured for rotation by the tool arm. Rotation of the engaging lock may drive locking mechanisms partially through the housing to establish a longitudinally secured connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventor: Dominick Mancuso
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Patent number: 12076038Abstract: A medical device includes a lever with an applied force position, a load position, and a fulcrum position. A first cable extends from the applied force position of the lever to a first capstan, the first cable wrapping around the first capstan. A second cable extends from the applied force position of the lever to a second capstan, the second cable wrapping around the second capstan. A rod couples the load position of the lever and a surgical end effector. The first and second capstans may be fixed to an axle. The axle may receive a rotational input from a rotary actuator. A hand wheel may be coupled to the axle. There may be a spring between a support structure and the lever to bias the lever to rotate about the fulcrum position of the lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: S. Christopher Anderson, Thomas G. Cooper
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Patent number: 12064868Abstract: A method for operating a joint and a joint for connecting a first joint element to a further joint element are provided. The joint includes the two joint elements, a head element, a socket element, and at least two drive devices. The head element is connected to or formed by the first joint element and the socket element is connected to or formed by the further joint element. The head element and the socket element are mounted movably on one another, and the drive devices are connected via at least one flexible connecting element to the head element or the first joint element, or to the socket element or the further joint element. The at least one connecting element is guided at least section-wise along the head element.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbHInventor: Nils Haverkamp
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Patent number: 12053185Abstract: A medical instrument comprising: (a) a first joint comprising a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be repositionable with respect to the second member in a first degree of freedom; (b) a second joint operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint comprising a third member and a fourth member, the third member configured to be repositionable with respect to the fourth member in a second degree of freedom; (c) a pair of repositionable jaws operatively coupled to the first joint and the second joint; (d) an open-ended occlusion clip detachably mounted to the pair of repositionable jaws; and, (e) a controller operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint, and the pair of repositionable jaws, the controller including a first control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the first member and the second member, and a second control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the third member and the fourth member, and a third control configType: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Keith Edward Martin, Frank M. Fago, David Wilson
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Patent number: 12048449Abstract: An articulating ultrasonic surgical end effector includes a clevis, a transducer housing pivotably coupled to the clevis, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the transducer housing, a waveguide extending distally from the ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic blade disposed at the distal end of the waveguide, a shaft extending distally from the transducer housing about at least a portion of the ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm pivotably coupled to the shaft and movable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a clamping position. Ultrasonic energy produced by the ultrasonic transducer is transmitted along the waveguide to the ultrasonic blade for treating tissue therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Michael B. Lyons
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Patent number: 12042936Abstract: A robot joint structure includes a motor configured to be used for a robot joint shaft capable of turning about a vertical axis, a motor-side gear mounted on a shaft of the motor, an auxiliary bearing configured to axially support the shaft supplementally, an adapter configured to integrate the motor, the motor-side gear, and the auxiliary bearing, and a moving mechanism configured to move a unit structure integrated by the adaptor in a radial direction of the motor such that the motor-side gear approaches a mating gear meshing with the motor-side gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Kunihiko Murakami
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Patent number: 12036670Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods directed to an industrial robot that can perform mobile manipulation (e.g., dexterous mobile manipulation). A robotic arm may be capable of precise control when reaching into tight spaces, may be robust to impacts and collisions, and/or may limit the mass of the robotic arm to reduce the load on the battery and increase runtime. A robotic arm may include differently configured proximal joints and/or distal joints. Proximal joints may be designed to promote modularity and may include separate functional units, such as modular actuators, encoder, bearings, and/or clutches. Distal joints may be designed to promote integration and may include offset actuators to enable a through-bore for the internal routing of vacuum, power, and signal connections.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Timothy Geating, Geoffrey Peyton, Christopher Everett Thorne, Jacob Webb
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Patent number: 12029507Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes an elongated slide, a carriage for supporting an instrument drive unit, a drive motor operably coupled to the carriage and configured to drive a movement of the carriage relative to the slide, and a motor release mechanism configured to selectively disengage the drive motor from the carriage to permit a manual movement of the carriage along the slide.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Jaimeen Kapadia
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Patent number: 11993406Abstract: A device for orienting a load about a main axis X and a secondary axis Y is disclosed having a first shaft, called transmission shaft, intended to support the load and configured to be rotated about the main axis and the secondary axis, a second shaft configured to be rotated about the main axis X, a third shaft configured to be rotated about a third axis of rotation, in the same direction as the main axis, a first connection component between the transmission shaft and the second shaft, configured to prevent relative movements between the transmission shaft and the second shaft in, on the one hand, a degree of rotational freedom about the main axis X and, on the other hand, three degrees of translational freedom.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SASInventors: Thierry Blais, Alain Gossant, Victor Pires
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Patent number: 11975443Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device, comprising a step of moving at least one part by a manipulator (I) provided with gripping means (2), the gripping means (2) comprising at least one first finger (3) delimiting a triangular shape, said part comprising an element of shape complementary to the trian-gular shape of the finger of the manipulator, termed counter shape, so that, during the movement step, the manipulator (I) grasps the part using the gripping means (2), the counter shape of the part en-gaging with the triangular shape of the finger (3).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventors: Cyril Gontier, Alexis Pigeon, Yves Rousseau, Julien Mikhel
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Patent number: 11964381Abstract: A device for controlling a handling device comprising a carrier housing which can be arranged on the handling device with a tactile sensor body arranged on the outside of the carrier housing and a tool carrier movably mounted on the carrier housing, wherein the sensor body can be actuated by the tool carrier when load is acting on the tool carrier, wherein the sensor body is formed by a gas-filled chamber which is surrounded by a flexible shell, which can be deformed by collision with an obstacle, and further comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the gas pressure prevailing inside the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: BLUE DANUBE ROBOTICS GMBHInventors: Andreas Baldinger, Tobias Ferner, Walter Wohlkinger, Michael Zillich, Daniel Byberg, Patrick Frager
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Patent number: 11938621Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of robot joints, and discloses a robot dual-joint unit, and a legged robot and a cooperative manipulator using the same. The robot dual-joint unit includes a first joint consisting of a first motor and reducer assembly, a second joint consisting of a second motor assembly and a second reducer; a first output connecting rod is fixedly provided on an output shaft of the first motor and reducer assembly, the second reducer is provided in the first output connecting rod, and the second motor assembly drives the second reducer through a transmission rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: HANGZHOU YUSHU TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xingxing Wang, Zhiyu Yang
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Patent number: 11938624Abstract: A parallel kinematic robot including a base unit, a platform movable in relation to the base unit about a plurality of main axes, two independently movable actuating arms connected between the base unit and the movable platform for moving the platform in relation the base unit, a tool holder rotatably connected to the platform to allow rotation of the tool holder in relation to the platform about a first auxiliary axis, a motor for driving the first auxiliary axis, located in the base unit, and a gear unit. The gear unit includes a first gearbox located in the base unit and a second gearbox located in the platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Mats Olsson, Tommy Thors, Daniel Lundbäck, Jeroen Derkx, Johan Ernlund
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Patent number: 11925819Abstract: The treatment couch includes a couch panel, a main supporting structure, an auxiliary supporting structure and a supporting beam. Both ends of the supporting beam are respectively connected to the main supporting structure and the auxiliary supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignees: SHENZHEN OUR NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD., OUR UNITED CORPORATIONInventors: Zhao Guo, Hongbin Zhao, Yueming Yang
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Patent number: 11896333Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, and an end effector assembly. The shaft assembly has a proximal segment coupled to the housing, a clevis supporting the end effector assembly, and an articulating link pivotably coupled to and interconnecting the proximal segment and the clevis such that the end effector assembly is configured to articulate relative to the proximal segment via the articulating link in at least two directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Dylan R. Kingsley, Jason G. Weihe, William R. Whitney, Russell W. Holbrook, Zachary S. Heiliger, Curtis M. Siebenaller, Crystal A. Adams, Kurt J. Anglese
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Patent number: 11890756Abstract: A leg assembly and a legged robot having same are provided. The leg assembly includes a first leg, a second leg, a motor, an output flange and a transmission component. The motor is arranged at a first end of the first leg, and an output shaft of the motor is connected to the output flange to drive the output flange to rotate. The first leg is pivotably connected to the second leg, and the transmission component is connected to the output flange and the second leg to drive the second leg to rotate relative to the first leg. The output flange is provided with a first limiting portion, the first leg is provided with a first stop portion and a second stop portion spaced apart and configured to stop the first limiting portion, and the first leg is provided with a second limiting portion configured to stop the second leg.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI ROBOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yiyang Liu, Wenping Guo, Xiaomao Wei, Fang Zhi, Shuang Li
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Patent number: 11883111Abstract: Surgical robot for tracking and compensating bone movement, the robot comprising: a robot arm (3) and a tool guide (5) at the arm's end-effector, a tracker (1) attached to the robot arm at the same plane as the tool guide, the tracker comprising an assembly of articulated segments (1a-1d) and encoders (2) associated to the segments such that movement of the tracker is allowed and monitored in at least six degrees of freedom. The tracker base and the tool guide share the same frame, that is, are on the same plane, so that the system is able to determine directly the exact positioning of the tool guide with respect to the tracked bone without any intermediate device. This way, an optical tracker and the associated cameras can be dispensed with.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Cyber Surgery, S.L.Inventors: Jorge Presa Alonso, Jon Oñativia Bravo, Álvaro Escudero Martínez De Ibarreta, Alfonso Urzainqui Glaria, Emilio Sanchez Tapia
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Patent number: 11857282Abstract: Provided is a multi-segment rotation robotic arm which contains a plurality of concatenated robotic arm segments which can rotate 360 degrees along an adjacent oblique section thereof. Any one of the concatenated robotic arm segments of the multi-segment rotation robotic arm can be arbitrarily concatenate in accordance with use requirements. When the concatenated robotic arm segments rotate relatively, they can rotate 360 degrees without affecting the electric supply, and can also reduce the volume increase by rotated joints. Therefore, the multi-segment rotation robotic arm of the present invention can effectively adapt to complex and tortuous spaces in the body cavity to reduce the possibility of expanding the opening of the minimally invasive surgery and causing damage to organs or tissues in the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Inventors: Han-I Huang, Hung-Jen Lin
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Patent number: 11850733Abstract: To substantially eliminate torsional freeplay in a robotic tool changer having a ball-lock coupling mechanism, scallop-like features in the form of cross-contact recesses are formed in at least one of, and preferably both of, a bearing race in a tool assembly at the points of contact of rolling members, and in the opposing inner surfaces of bores containing the rolling members in a master assembly. The cross-contact recesses are sized and shaped to receive a rolling member, but have a central void, or channel, perpendicular to the rolling member's motion in torsional freeplay, which does not contact the rolling member. The cross-contact recess contacts the rolling member at contact areas on either side of the central void.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.Inventors: Baron Kendrick, Daniel Allen Norton, Dustin Christopher Simons
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Patent number: 11850737Abstract: A joint structure for a robot according to the present disclosure includes a first link and a second link rotatably coupled to each other via a joint part. The joint part has a first rotary member disposed so that an axial center thereof is oriented in a first direction and connected to the first link, a pair of second rotary members disposed so that an axial center thereof is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and so as to engage with the first rotary member, and a shaft member formed in a T-shape and having a first shank and a pair of second shanks. The joint structure further includes a pressing member connected to the second shank and configured to press the second rotary member inwardly.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masayuki Kamon, So Yukizaki, Junichi Karasuyama
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Patent number: 11834202Abstract: A device for deploying and pointing an equipment item is disclosed including a mobile platform for receiving the equipment item, a carrier integrally secured to a wall of a spacecraft, and three identical linear actuators which connect the carrier to the mobile platform and are suitable for moving the platform in translation along one axis and for orienting the platform in rotation about two axes. Each linear actuator including a first portion connected to the platform by a universal joint, a second portion connected to the carrier by a pivot connection, a motor, and a screw/nut joint interconnecting the two portions, each universal joint being suitable for preventing the screw/nut joint from rotating about the axis, such that driving the motor causes a translational movement between the first and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SASInventors: Florent Tajan, Gilles Pupille
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Patent number: 11833674Abstract: A bi-directional robotic crawler includes a first drive system having a first drive member, a second drive member, and a support member. The first drive member includes a first pair of wheels and the second drive member includes a second pair of wheels. A second drive system includes a third drive member and a fourth drive member. The third drive member includes a first drive element and the fourth drive member includes a second drive element. A linking member selectively pivots the third drive member and the fourth drive member relative to the support member. A motor is mounted to the first drive system. The motor selectively operates the first and second pairs of wheels to move the bi-directional robotic crawler along a first axis and the first and second drive elements to move the bi-directional robotic crawler along a second axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Honeybee Robotics, LLCInventors: Shazad Sadick, Jack Wilson, Jonathan Bohren
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Patent number: 11813709Abstract: A symmetrical tri-axial parallel spindle head capable of multi-directional fixed-point rotation, comprising three branch chains (2), a moving base (5), and a fixed base (1). A machining spindle (6) is fixedly connected onto the moving base (5). Each of the branch chains (2) comprises a servo motor (22), a branch chain rod (21), a lead screw (23), and a guide nut (25). The lead screw (23) and a linear guide rail (24) are provided in an inner cavity on one end of the branch chain rod (21). One end of the lead screw (23) is connected to the servo motor (22), the lead screw (23) passes through the guide nut (25), and the other end of the lead screw (22) is connected to the branch chain rod (21) by means a rotating pair. The guide nut (25) is mounted on the linear guide rail (24) and is rotatably connected to the fixed base (1) through a first support disc (26). The other end of the branch chain rod (21) is rotatably connected to the moving base (5) through a second support disc (28).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: YANSHAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Ziming Chen, Kun Zhao, Wenjiang Yan, Xuechan Chen, Chen Zhao, Zongguo Xu, Haijiao Jia, Zixuan Liu
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Patent number: 11759955Abstract: A calibration method, in a robot having a robot arm, of obtaining a position relationship between a first control point set for an end effector attached to a distal end of the robot arm and a second control point set on the distal end of the robot arm, includes a sixth step of calculating a second position relationship between a second reference position obtained from a position of the second control point in a third state and a position of the second control point in a fourth state and a first feature point in the fourth state, and a seventh step of calculating coordinates of the first feature point in a robot coordinate system based on a first position relationship and the second position relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventors: Kentaro Tsukamoto, Kenji Matsuura
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Patent number: 11759946Abstract: A vertical articulated robot includes a first joint axis portion including a first motor configured to rotationally drive a tool flange, and a second joint axis portion including a second motor configured to rotationally drive the first joint axis portion. The first motor includes a portion that overlaps the second motor in a direction orthogonal to both a direction in which a first rotation axis extends and a direction in which a second rotation axis extends.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshifumi Manome
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Patent number: 11752645Abstract: A drive system includes a linear actuator with a drive shaft and having an actuation axis extending along a length of the linear actuator. A motor assembly of the drive system couples to drive shaft and is configured to rotate the drive shaft about the actuation axis of the linear actuator. The drive system further includes a nut attached to the drive shaft and a carrier housing the nut. A linkage system of the drive system extends from a proximal end away from the motor assembly to a distal end. The proximal end of the linkage system rotatably attaches to the carrier at a first proximal attachment location where the first proximal attachment location offset is from the actuation axis. The drive system also includes an output link rotatably coupled to the distal end of the linkage system where the output link is offset from the actuation axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Daniel Webb
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Patent number: 11745365Abstract: A 3-axis parallel linear robot has three drivers disposed around a central axis and a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism has three linkage assemblies connected to an end effector in parallel. The three assemblies are respectively driven by the three drivers in a linear or rotary manner for enabling the end effector to linearly move in a three-dimensional space. Each linkage assembly has three linkage rods and three rotating joints. An inner angle defined between each rotating joint and an imaginary plane being perpendicular to the central axis is an acute angle. A first center distance between the first rotating joint and the second rotating joint is equal to a second center distance between the second rotating joint and the third rotating joint. The overall height of the movement mechanism is reduced for increasing the working stroke and for improving the movement stability of the 3-axis parallel linear robot.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITYInventor: Chao-Chieh Lan
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Patent number: 11728081Abstract: A planar actuator device, including a base plate including a first, second, and third pair of planar coils, each pair of planar coils having an inner coil and an outer coil, each pair of planar coils arranged along a first, second, and third linear motion axis, respectively, the first, second, and third linear motion axis arranged in a star configuration, and an actuation mechanism including a first, second, and third planar legs and a centerpiece, the first, second and third planar legs pivotably connected to the centerpiece, the planar legs including a first, second, and third sliding element and a first, second, and third middle section, respectively, a sliding element and middle section of a respective leg pivotably connected to each other, each sliding element including a permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)Inventors: Marco Salerno, Amir Firouzeh, Jamie Paik, Stefano Mintchev
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Patent number: 11717364Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having jaws is energized and actuated using a length of cable. The cable is formed of a conductive inner portion coated with a dielectric polymer. The cable extends through a pass-through in a portion of the jaw and is crimped to create a mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive inner portion and the conductive jaw material.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Asensus Surgical US, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Robert Penny, Nicholas J. Jardine, Paul Wilhelm Schnur
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Patent number: 11691298Abstract: An arm joint is provided with a first coupling part with a first axis and a second coupling part with a second axis. Further, the arm joint includes a third coupling part connected in a manner rotatable around a third axis with the first coupling part. The third axis includes an angle with the first axis in the range of 30-60 degrees, preferably of 45 degrees. The third coupling part is connected in a manner rotatable around a fourth axis with the second coupling part. The fourth axis includes an angle with the second axis in the range of 30-60 degrees, preferably of 45 degrees. The third and the fourth axis mutually include an angle in the range of 60-120 degrees, preferably of 90 degrees. A robot arm with a number, preferably three, of such arm joints is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Inventor: Henricus Johannes Adrianus Stuijt
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Patent number: 11691295Abstract: A robot hand includes a motor with a rotary shaft, an accommodating member accommodating a distal end of the rotary shaft, a plurality of swing members swinging with respect to the accommodating member due to rotation of the rotary shaft, and a plurality of claw members swinging with the plurality of swing members.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: SHINANO KENSHI CO., LTD.Inventor: Yukio Shinozuka
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Patent number: 11685058Abstract: A soft gripper including tentacles, each tentacle includes lower and upper members connected by a connector. Each member includes guide discs, and each guide disc includes a ring with passthrough holes, and a spacer located in a donut hole of the ring with passthrough holes, the passthrough holes collectively define cable pathways. The connector includes a center thru-hole and transfer channels. Cables have proximal ends attached to actuators and extend through apertures of a baseplate located at a proximal end of the lower member. A set of lower cables extend through the lower ring passthrough holes to couple to a distal lower guide disc. A set of upper cables extend through the lower spacer passthrough holes, through the transfer channels to the upper ring passthrough holes to couple to a distal upper guide ring, and an end cap is attached to the distal end of the upper member.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES INC.Inventors: William Yerazunis, Erin Solomon, James McAleenan
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Patent number: 11662001Abstract: A redundant load transmission includes an input shaft configured to receive a rotational torque from a primary drive, an output shaft configured to transmit the rotational torque to an actuator, and a coupling assembly configured to connect the input shaft to the output shaft to transmit the rotational torque. The input shaft is configured to receive the rotational torque from the primary drive and transmit the rotational torque through the coupling assembly when the coupling assembly is in a primary drive configuration. The coupling assembly is configured to be disconnected from the input shaft and transmit a rotational torque to the output shaft from a secondary drive when the coupling assembly is in a secondary drive configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: CEF Industries, LLCInventors: Douglas Leipprandt, Spence Stockbridge, Matthew Burzawa
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Patent number: 11633253Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various modular medical devices for in vivo medical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Virtual Incision CorporationInventors: Shane Farritor, Chris Santoro, Jeff Shasho, Nishant Kumar, Mateusz Szczesiak, Jason Herman
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Patent number: 11628028Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic manipulator includes an end effector assembly having one or two end effector members, each having a distal treatment end, a proximal end, and a tendon pass-through. Each end effector member is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of pulley members that, when assembled define an annular tendon pathway that is between the pulley members and that is aligned with the pass-through. For each end effector member, a tendon having a distal loop portion ends through the tendon pass-through, with its legs passing proximally from the pass-through, extending in opposite directions around the tendon pathway and proximally through the instrument's shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Asensus Surgical US, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Robert Penny, Nicholas J Jardine, Paul Wilhelm Schnur, Curtis P. Hanson, Robert Henson
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Patent number: 11607815Abstract: The present invention provides a two-degree-of-freedom rope-driven finger force feedback device. The two-degree-of-freedom rope-driven finger force feedback device includes a hand support mechanism, a thumb movement mechanism, an index finger movement mechanism, and a handle mechanism. The hand support mechanism includes a motor, a motor shaft sleeve, a sliding rail, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. The thumb movement mechanism includes a long rotary disc, a torque sensor, an angle sensor, a thumb sleeve, a pressure sensor, two links, a thumb brace, and a thumb fixing ring. The handle mechanism includes a cylindrical handle, a pressure sensor, a flexible fixing band, and a slider. Torque is driven between the rotary disc and the motor by using a rope. The handle mechanism is movable forward and backward and is capable of automatic restoration.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITYInventors: Aiguo Song, Bincheng Shao, Huijun Li, Hong Zeng, Baoguo Xu
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Patent number: 11577403Abstract: A position correction device according to an embodiment includes a movable part and a pressing part. The movable part is capable of moving a holding part that holds a connection object back and forth in each of a second direction that is orthogonal to a first direction where the holding part is moved therein in order to connect the connection object to a target connector, and a rotational direction where the holding part is rotated therein around an axis along a third direction that is orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction as a center. The pressing part presses the movable part that moves in the second direction to move the movable part to a neutral position in the second direction and presses the movable part that moves in the rotational direction to move the movable part to a neutral position in the rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: DAI-ICHI SEIKO CO., LTD.Inventor: Shogo Matsuo
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Patent number: 11571806Abstract: A three-rotational-degree-of-freedom connection mechanism required for a robot that can make motion similar to a human has a simple structure, and there is no restriction on motion within a movable range. The three-rotational-degree-of-freedom connection mechanism includes a joint connecting a second member rotatably to a first member with three rotational degrees of freedom including rotation around a torsion axis, three actuators each including variable length links having a variable length, and power sources for generating force changing the lengths of variable length links and three first-member-side link attaching units provided in first member and the second-member-side link attaching units provided on the second member such that variable length links having a twisted relationship with respect to a torsion axis exist in each state within a movable range of joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Noboru Kawaguchi, Hidetaka Yamauchi, Tomoya Hattori, Koji Hirose