Communication With Another Machine Patents (Class 901/6)

Cross-Reference Art Collections

Conveyor (Class 901/7)
  • Publication number: 20080041317
    Abstract: A method for processing bioresponse signals coming from organisms living in a well-defined living space, which are each comprised in a microenvironment, wherein these signals are obtained in online measuring of bioresponse variables, and wherein these signals are at least real-time processed in a signal processor, wherein, on the one hand, these organisms are monitored in the said microenvironments, and wherein, on the other hand, these variables can be adjusted by corresponding signal control apparatuses in accordance with a living space control model, wherein the living space comprises an incubator for hatching out hatching eggs, wherein the bioresponse variables are measured and controlled in a physical and/or chemical manner, for instance in the form of optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic or mechanical bioresponse signals, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
    Inventors: Daniel Albert Berckmans, Andres Van Brecht, Jean-Marie Aerts, Lode Peeters, Ivan Van Der Beken, Paul Degraeve
  • Patent number: 7333879
    Abstract: An offline programming device capable of automatically generating a measuring program by which the time and the workload for making an offline program may be greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takizawa, Yoshiharu Nagatsuka, Hirohiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7324873
    Abstract: An offline teaching apparatus including a data acquiring section for acquiring position and orientation data and processing-condition data including interpolation commands, at respective predefined taught points, from an existing first processing program for a first workpiece; a processing-path calculating section for determining a processing path in the first program, based on the position and orientation data and the interpolation commands; a model generating section for generating, by using data of a second workpiece model of a second workpiece having geometrical features different from the first workpiece, a processing line showing a range of processing on the second workpiece; a taught-point calculating section for determining a geometrical correlation between the processing path and the processing line, and determining positions and orientations at respective taught points in the processing line; and a program generating section for generating a processing program for the second workpiece, by using the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nagatsuka, Kozo Inoue
  • Patent number: 7282882
    Abstract: A robot control system for simultaneously controlling multi-axial robots each of which has actuators, a standard movement part being set in each of the robots, includes: a single main controller for calculating respective movement positions of the standard moving part on a movement route along which the standard moving part is to be moved; and sub-controllers installed for each of the robots, each of the sub-controllers calculating an operation amount of each of the actuators so that the standard moving part of a corresponding robot is to be moved along the movement route, based on the movement positions of the standard moving part of the corresponding robot on the movement route, and controlling each of the actuators of the robots in accordance with the operation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kitatsuji, Naoyuki Matsumoto, Yoshinori Kegasa
  • Patent number: 7283888
    Abstract: Method and system for a direct transmission of motion path data (310) from a generating system (204) to a control system (205) for use in controlling a servo-driven machine. For example, a machine tool for machining stock material, and the data generating system includes a computer-aided-design software package (301). Tool paths for directing the tool members of the machine tool can be extracted from a design file opened by the CAD software through the operation interface of the CAD software (302). Alternatively, the design file can be used to specify motion paths rather than end product geometry. The CAD interpreter application extracts the motion path data from the design file, eliminating the need to translate the data into another or intermediate form for controlling the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Mark S. Evans, Walter Edward Red, Charles Gregory Jensen, C. Porter Bassett, Corey Lynn McBride, Jonathan Edward Bosley, Girish C. Ghimire
  • Patent number: 7239940
    Abstract: A medical system that allows a medical device to be controlled by one of two input devices. The input devices may be consoles that contain handles and a screen. The medical devices may include robotic arms and instruments used to perform a medical procedure. The system may include an arbitrator that determines which console has priority to control one or more of the robotic arms/instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin Uecker, James Wright, Amante Mangaser
  • Patent number: 7226269
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a substrate edge gripper assembly for positioning a semiconductor substrate upon a transfer robot. In one embodiment, a modular assembly comprises spring loaded jaws that are mounted on either side of a robot end effector. The jaws are adapted to be actuated by a feature remote from the robot end effector to release the substrate for delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Satish Sundar, Sanjeev Baluja
  • Patent number: 7211978
    Abstract: A system for performing the method of this invention includes a leader having a robot arm able to articulate about first axes and supporting an end effector. A follower includes a robot arm able to articulate about respective second axes. Servo motors articulate the leader arm about the first axes and the follower arm about the second axes. A user interface allows a user to jog the arm of the leader and to program movement of the arms for automatic execution such that the end effector reaches predetermined positions. A controller, operatively connected to the servo motors and the user interface, controls operation of the servo motors, moves the arm of the leader in accordance with the programmed movement, and moves the arm of the follower such that it tracks or mirrors movement of the leader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tien L. Chang, H. Dean McGee, Eric Wong, Sai-Kai Cheng, Jason Tsai
  • Patent number: 7179043
    Abstract: A manipulating arrangement having a horizontal portal on which a slide is horizontally traversable, an arm being pivotably mounted on the slide about a pivot axis which runs parallel to the portal, and a gripper for at least one of workpieces and tools being arranged on the end of the arm. The slide has an elongated support, on which a further slide is mounted in a vertically traversable manner, and the arm is pivotably mounted on the further slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Felsomat GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Helmut F. Jäger
  • Patent number: 7161322
    Abstract: A robot that includes an arm coupled to a platform. The arm includes an actuator that moves a second arm linkage relative to a first arm linkage. In a first mode of operation the actuator moves the second linkage in a first degree of freedom. In a second mode of operation the actuator moves the second linkage in a second degree of freedom. The use of a single actuator to provide two degrees of freedom reduces the number parts and associated cost of the arm. The arm further includes a grasper that can grab an object such as a wheelchair. The robot can be used to push the wheelchair. Commands to operate the robot can be generated at a remote input station and transmitted through a broadband network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: InTouch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Keith Phillip Laby, Ranjan Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 7136722
    Abstract: A human-type link system, such as a humanoid robot having a dynamically feasible motion of the link system that is generated when a reference joint acceleration that is only calculated from a kinematical constraint condition is determined not feasible by an evaluation of external force computed based on an inverse dynamics calculation, or is generated by calculating from a dynamic constraint condition and a kinematical constraint condition simultaneously, the dynamic constraint condition is formulated by using an actuation space inverse inertial matrix that represents the relation of force acting on the link system and the acceleration of the link system caused by the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakamura, Katsu Yamane, Manabu Tange
  • Patent number: 7024250
    Abstract: A method for the synchronous control of several manipulators, such as several industrial robots, is characterized in that control units of specific manipulators exchange control information according to the data structures contained in a corresponding control program, through which control units to be synchronized and synchronization points in the control programs taking place there can be clearly identified, and in that on reaching and synchronization points the program sequence in the control units to be synchronized is continued according to the contents of the data structures in conjunction with the already exchanged control information or stopped until corresponding information arrives from other control units to be synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Graf, Andreas Hagenauer, Michael Chaffee, Kenneth Stoddard
  • Patent number: 7013749
    Abstract: A robot driven robot index system includes a track having indices defining robot workstation positions along the track. The system also includes a non-driven carriage movable about the track. The carriage has a locking device for controllably locking the carriage to the track. The system further includes a robot having a base and a swingable, movable arm. The robot base is secured to the non-driven carriage. The system also includes at least one reference connector spacedly disposed from the track and located within a working range of the robot. The robot arm is adapted to connect with the reference connector, for moving the robot along the track between workstations through the movement of the robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: TESCO Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Uno
  • Patent number: 7010390
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for controlling a first robot and at least one other robot, the at least one other robot being calibrated relative to the first robot by the determination of at least one coordinate transformation of the first robot relative to at least one other robot and said at least one transformation is stored in a control device of the other robot, wherein also the first robot is calibrated relative to the other robot by the determination of at least one independent coordinate transformation and said at least one independent transformation is stored in a control device of the first robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Graf, Andreas Hagenauer, Michael Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6853881
    Abstract: A robot controller executes an operating program, calculates a position and posture of a robot, and sends the position and posture information to a personal computer (PC). At the PC side, on the basis of this position and posture information, animation display information of a work cell including the position and posture of the robot is created and then sent to a teaching pendant. In the teaching pendant, the animation display information is received, and an animation image is displayed on a display section. Until the operating program is terminated, this operation is performed so that an operating animation of the robot is displayed on the display section of the teaching pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Tetsuya Kosaka, Yoshiharu Nagatsuka
  • Patent number: 6831437
    Abstract: A walking platform that achieves automatic self-stabilization includes a motor within the mid-region of the platform that is in communication with a crankshaft. The crankshaft has a connecting rod that is rotatably attached to it. The connecting rod, in turn, has a pole that is rotatably attached to it. There is a foot attached that is capable of supporting the weight of the platform. The motor is powered by a battery that causes the components of the platform to simulate a walking motion. This battery is attached to the lower portion of the platform in order to lower the center of gravity of the platform. The platform also includes at least one levered component that is rotatably attached to the platform, allowing it to pivot freely and dampen oscillations produced by the walking platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 6804580
    Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of robots and a method for controlling said system. Said system comprises a plurality of controllers, each having an associated motion system adapted to control attached robots, with each motion controller being able to receive motion instructions from at least one motion instruction source and at least one of said motion instruction sources being a control program, as well as a computer network over which said controllers communicate. In this way, the invention can be applied to solve problems which are commonly encountered in coordination activities such as load sharing, mating of parts while processing, fixtureless transfer, teaching, manual motion of coordinated operations, and time coordinated motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Stoddard, R. William Kneifel, II, David M. Martin, Khalid Mirza, Michael C. Chaffee, Andreas Hagenauer, Stefan Graf
  • Patent number: 6748298
    Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of damage on external objects, material articles or persons during the operation of a robot, particularly a miniature robot, the invention provides a method for limiting the force action of a robot part, such as a robot arm, on such an external object during a collision in such a way that as a result of a maximum permitted force, maximum force Fmax, acting on the object in the case of a collision, a corresponding, maximum permitted kinetic energy, maximum energy Ekin,max of the robot part is determined, continuously and at adequately short time intervals the actual kinetic energy, actual energy Ekin, of the robot part is determined and on exceeding the maximum permitted energy Ekin,max, the actual operating speed V of the robot is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Heiligensetzer
  • Patent number: 6715981
    Abstract: A transport system provided in particular for large-component transfer presses is distinguished by a design with a low width and, nevertheless, permits large transport steps. By controlling two drives in the direction of rotation in relation to each other, all desired travel curves in one plane can be realized. As a result of the simple construction, a cost-effective solution is achieved for a highly dynamic transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Müller Weingarten AG
    Inventors: Erich Harsch, Rainer Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20030216715
    Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods include selectably associatable master/slave pairs, often having more manipulator arms than will be moved simultaneously by the two hands of a surgeon. Four manipulator arms can support an image capture device, a left hand tissue manipulation tool, a right hand tissue manipulation tool, and a fourth surgical instrument, particularly for stabilizing, retracting, tool change, or other functions benefiting from intermittent movement. The four or more arms may sequentially be controlled by left and right master input control devices. The fourth arm may be used to support another image capture device, and control of some or all of the arms may be transferred back-and-forth between the operator and an assistant. Two or more robotic systems each having master controls and slave manipulators may be coupled to enable cooperative surgery between two or more operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, Andris D. Ramans, Steven J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Gunter D. Niemeyer, William C. Nowlin, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6546315
    Abstract: Programmable material is a collection of substantially cubic shaped bricks called monomers that move relative to each other under computer control to sculpt engineering structures (5) and mechanisms (6) (walking machine) illustrated in the figure. The monomers have features to lock to other monomers and slide relative to other monomers without separating. The monomers are fault tolerant against damage; functional monomers move faulty monomers and replace them with functioning clones. Movement of monomers is broken down systematically into streamers, gateways, highways and reservoir methods to obtain individual monomer movement paths required to synthesise a structure. Specialised monomers can carry tools which together with synthesis of custom structures create custom machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Michael
  • Patent number: 6456901
    Abstract: A hybrid control system is provided for controlling the movement of a robot. The hybrid control system includes a singularity detector; a task level controller that receives a motion plan and determines a first set of control commands which are defined in a task space; and a joint level controller that receives the motion plan and determines a second set of control commands which are defined in a joint space. The singularity detector monitors the movement of the robot and detects robot movement in a region about a singularity configuration. When robot movement occurs outside of this region, the task level controller is operable to issue the first set of control commands to the robot. When the robot movement occurs inside of this region, the joint level controller is operable to issue the second set of control commands to the robot. In this way, the hybrid control system ensures feasible robot motion in the neighborhood of and at kinematic singularity configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Ning Xi, Jindong Tan
  • Patent number: 6439371
    Abstract: A workpiece loader/unloader system for an industrial machine, such as a hemmer, is disclosed. The system includes a single pocket shuttle movable between an extended position in which the shuttle overlies a work station on the industrial machine, and a retracted position in which the shuttle is laterally spaced from the work station. A gripper on the shuttle selectively engages and supports the workpiece after the workpiece has been machined at the work station. A loader manipulator is movable between a preload position in which the loader supports an unmachined workpiece at a position laterally spaced from the work station, and a load position in which the loader manipulator overlies the work station. An actuator moves the loader manipulator between the preload and load position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6434448
    Abstract: A robot controller for use in a robot control system with a plurality of robots connected one another through a communication path. When a cause for stopping occurs in one or more robots, other robots are also stopped in the same type of stopping procedure. A priority of execution on a plurality of stop procedure types is determined. When a cause for stopping occurs in one or more robots in the robots connected through the communication line or in the robots in synchronously cooperative operation, all of the robots connected through the communication line or the robots in synchronously cooperative operation are stopped in the same type of stopping procedure. If different causes for stopping occur in the robots, a stopping procedure type having higher priority in the stopping procedures determined in accordance with the different causes of stopping is adopted to stop all of the robots in the same type of stopping procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kosaka, Hiromitsu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6401011
    Abstract: A synchronous control unit receives data describing robot motion and speed along a pathway. A storage unit stores the data. In accordance with an internal clock or encoder equivalent internal to the robot, an output unit outputs the data to a positioning controller thereby synchronizing the robot movement with the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Aida Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hashimukai
  • Patent number: 6400998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for NC machining management based on a measurement program, wherein a machining shape at an arbitrary machining stage is determined by an NC program, a geometric element or a geometric model is generated, and a measurement program is generated on the basis of the geometric model. The measurement program is executed when at least one of the steps of the NC program is completed, and the results of measurement are used as control information for machining measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignees: Mitutoyo Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Mori Seiki Seisakusho, Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Yamazaki, Sadayuki Matsumiya, Naoki Morita, Yasushi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 6363300
    Abstract: Process for the automatic determination of an optimal movement program of a robot comprising at least one moving member, a motor associated with the moving member and a control unit capable of activating the motor according to a movement program to move the moving member along a trajectory with a predetermined movement parameter. The process comprises the steps of: acquiring data indicating the load state of the motor and the precision of movement of the robot during the execution of a movement program, comparing the information on the load state and on the precision of movement with predetermined limit values, repeatedly executing the movement program while progressively varying the movement parameter until a measured value of the load state and/or of the precision of movement exceeds a corresponding limit value, and storing as the optimal movement program the last movement program which has been executed without exceeding the limit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco-Severo Inga
  • Patent number: 6330493
    Abstract: A control system for performing a synchronously cooperative operation among some robots of a plurality of robots connected by a communication line. A plurality of robots No. 1 to No. 4 is operated individually and also is operated in synchronous cooperation. Further, some robots No. 1 and 2 is operated in synchronous cooperation while the other robots Nos. 2 and 4 are operated in synchronous cooperation. The robots Nos. 3 and 4 are operated in synchronous cooperation. The robots No. 1 and 3 is operated in synchronous cooperation while the robots Nos. 2 and 4 are operated individually. The synchronously cooperative operation is performed by any desired combination in that the above robot control part keeps motion procedures denoting changes, which are corresponding to the frame notifications of the passage of time from the above media reproduction part; and moves the above robot according toe the above motion procedures, in the corresponding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Takahashi, Tetsuya Kosaka
  • Patent number: 6314338
    Abstract: A robotic library system having a self-discoverable inter-library connectivity capability, and methods of operating the robotic library system are provided. Each library of the multi-library system has a unique identifier with which it is associated. The identifiers are adapted to be readable by identifier readers in adjoining libraries connected by pass through ports. In operation, knowledge of the library identity on each side of the pass through ports can be used to control transfers of the data cartridges among the libraries. Data cartridge transfers between connected libraries may be initiated when just the source library and pass through port are ready, then completed when the destination library becomes ready. Transfer paths spanning several libraries may be discovered by querying adjoining libraries for their identity until all possible paths are discovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Billington
  • Patent number: 6208104
    Abstract: An element including a first processing circuit conducting a real time processes for controlling a robot body and a man-machine interface element including a second processing circuit for operating the robot body are connected through the common storage device. It enables for application programs that can run with a general OS to easily refer to data relating to the robot. It also enables to easily construct necessary software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Onoue, Takahiro Ueno, Masataka Koyama, Nobuyasu Shimomura
  • Patent number: 6160371
    Abstract: When the operator inputs a macro control command, each microrobot takes an actual action on the basis of the command. That action is autonomously controlled to successfully execute the macro command. The autonomous control is to feed back and control the deviation between sensor information (position, speed, and acceleration) of the microrobot and the control command. When a plurality of microrobots are used and must take distributed, cooperative actions, conditions required for task completion such as environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and the like) are obtained via communications with the base controller and are used for control information compensation. Such control allows each microrobot to cope with complicated tasks independently of the number of sensors, communication performance, and computer processing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jin Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 6157872
    Abstract: Programmable material is a collection of substantially cubic shaped bricks called monomers that move relative to each other under computer control to sculpt engineering structures (5) and mechanisms (6) (walking machine) illustrated in FIG. 2. The monomers have features to lock to other monomers and slide relative to other monomers without separating. The monomers are fault tolerant against damage; functional monomers move faulty monomers and replace them with functioning clones. Movement of monomers is broken down systematically into streamers, gateways, highways and reservoir methods to obtain individual monomer movement paths required to synthesize a structure. Specialized monomers can carry tools which together with synthesis of custom structures create custom machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Michael
  • Patent number: 6099237
    Abstract: In order to configure a handling device, provided with an actuator for gripping a work piece, as well as at least two movement axes that are operatively connected to a drive and which allow the actuator to be positioned in different positions on a coordinate system, such that it has a relatively inexpensive design but can still be used for a multitude of purposes, a design is suggested for said handling system where the handling device is adapted to at least one workpiece carrier, provided with several workpiece holders on which a workpiece can be arranged, such that the handling device (1) is provided with means for positioning a reference point of the handling device (1) with the aid of the movement axes in such a way that it is located only in fixedly predetermined positions, so that at least in some of these positions the reference point is located respectively on one reference axis for one of the holders (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Karl Richard Pfiffner
    Inventor: Karl Richard Pfiffner
  • Patent number: 5997293
    Abstract: The furnace for firing ceramic materials has a working surface including a firing area and a storage area. A hood is provided which is moveable motorically relative to the working surface and positioned above the firing area to define the firing chamber. A robot arm for moving the ceramic material into and out of the firing area is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG
    Inventors: Robert Grunenfelder, Andreas Meier, Jurgen Seger
  • Patent number: 5988960
    Abstract: A CNC machine tool has a plurality of collet chucks in a fixture that requires loading workpieces in these collets by hand. The workpieces are first assembled on a loading bar or holder so they can be collectively loaded in the ganged collet chuck for machining in the CNC machine. The holder has spaced stations, and each station includes a standard base adapter and an individualized parts adapter that fits onto the base adapter. Each parts adapter will be configured to accept a part to be machined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: James J. Hasler
  • Patent number: 5979340
    Abstract: A robotic mechanism which can be attached to a furnace hopper and includes a frame which supports a pole insertion mechanism for inserting a pole into a furnace hopper. The pole insertion mechanism is supported from the Fame by a gimbal and moves the pole axially. Hydraulic actuators rotate the pole insertion mechanism about the gimbal. A control system is associated with the mechanism and enables an operator to position the end of the pole within the hopper to remove clinkers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Carl Thomas Michael Haas, Sidigata Venkataraman Sreenivasan, Alfred Ellis Traver, Kamel Shawki Saidi, Jongwon Seo, Richard Lael Greer
  • Patent number: 5870820
    Abstract: An IC mounting/demounting system wherein a plurality of holding sections are fixedly secured to an index plate rotatable by a servo motor. A plurality of IC's are successively mounted and demounted on a socket board or a tray, and the plurality of IC's are simultaneously held and transferred. This improves the efficiency of the IC transferring work between the socket board and the tray and shortens working time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Arakawa, Yoshinori Hirata
  • Patent number: 5829495
    Abstract: An adapter for automatically fueling automotive vehicles, primarily cars, wherein a robot which includes a robot head that is movable in relation to the robot and can via a positioning system be docked with the adapter (3). The adapter is intended to be fastened to the upper orifice of the fuel-tank pipe (2) and includes a conical part.The present invention is characterized in that the adapter (3) includes a base part (13) and an adaptation funnel (14), wherein the base part (13) is intended to be fastened to the fuel-tank pipe (2), and wherein the base part has an opening (16); in that the adaptation funnel (14) projects out from the base part (13); in that the adaptation funnel (14) is rotatable relative to the base part about the longitudinal axis (17) of the base part, thereby enabling the adapter (3) to be positioned correctly on the fuel-tank pipe (2) in a rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Autofill Patent AB
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5825981
    Abstract: An object of the device according to the present invention is to enable small-volume, high-diversity production to be conducted efficiently, in the same way as in the conventional FMS, whilst at the same time overcoming problems associated with the conventional techniques, such as the complexity of creating programs for manufacturing processes, work interruptions due to robot breakdown, and `deadlock` incidents arising during operation. When seed data indicating an objective task (for example, the task of completing a particular product) is input to a computer, by communicating with hardware robots via a communications network, the computer selects a plurality of hardware robots, which are capable of implementing cooperatively the objective task indicated by the input seed data, and which are not engaged in any task based on other seed data. A software robot is created by inputting the seed data to at least one of the selected plurality of hardware robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoo Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5671786
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic fuelling of vehicles. A robot head that carries a fuel filler tube is movable to enable it to be brought into position to engage with a vehicle fuel-tank pipe. The robot head carries an opening device for opening a fuel-tank cover plate of a vehicle. The positioning of the robot head is effected by a positioning system that includes a transceiver unit carried by the robot head and that preferably operates at microwave frequency. A passive transponder is carried by the vehicle and includes a simple code which the transponder is intended to modulate on a signal transmitted by the transceiver and is reflected by the transponder. The signal received by the transceiver from the transponder is decoded and is used to access a robot head movement plan that corresponds with that code, to automatically steer the robot head to the fuel tank pipe and thereby enable the vehicle to be fuelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5638875
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, including a robot which includes a robot head that is movable in relation to the robot so as to bring the robot head to a predetermined position in relation to the vehicle fuel tank pipe. The positioning of the robot head is effected by a positioning system which includes a first part located on the robot head and a second part placed in a predetermined position on the vehicle, wherein the robot head includes an outer tube and an inner tube which can be moved within said outer tube and extended out of said tube. The outer tube is resilient or yieldable, and the free, front end of the outer tube has the shape of a truncated cone that docks with a correspondingly conical part of an adapter attached to the upper orifice of the vehicle fuel tank pipe during said positioning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5634503
    Abstract: A refuelling system is provided, the system comprising: a plurality of vertically telescoping elements, the telescoping elements containing a constant length of flexible conduit for transfer of fuel; at least one vertically movable pulley to maintain a constant length of flexible hose within the telescoping elements; an overhead gantry capable of moving the vertically telescoping elements in two horizontal essentially perpendicular axes; and a rotating lower portion of the telescoping elements capable of rotating about an essentially vertical axis and supporting a fuel nozzle. The refuelling system of the present invention does not result in significant segments of unsupported lengths of conduits for fuel, compressed air, vapor recovery, electrical power or control or sensor signals. It is relatively simple and utilizes readily available components and parts, and does not required significant machining of components. This results in an installation that is economical to install and operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David I. Musil, George N. P. Root, Joseph A. Padula, Owen R. Williams, William D. Ramsey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5628604
    Abstract: A conveying system provides a cassette accommodating workpieces; a container containing the cassette; a transferring device for conveying the cassette while supporting it or conveying the container which is empty or contains the cassette while supporting it, the transferring device having a supporting device for supporting the cassette. In the conveying system, a handle is provided on the upper surface of the container so that it is supported by the supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Murata, Teppei Yamashita, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Teruya Morita, Hiroyuki Oyobe
  • Patent number: 5606153
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Fix, Sr., Bain C. McConnell, James T. Atkins, Philip A. Deal, Timothy A. Hobbs, John L. Nelson, John W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5544683
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Bruker Analytische Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Guhl
  • Patent number: 5456561
    Abstract: An alignment station for elements such as semiconductor wafers on a robot arm uses a rotating support and edge detector which in combination are operative to place a wafer on the rotating support, detect wafer alignment, move the wafer to bring it into alignment either on the rotating support itself or onto a separate station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: ADE Corporation
    Inventors: Noel S. Poduje, Roy S. Mallory
  • Patent number: 5433818
    Abstract: Apparatus for turning a sheet-like workpiece, e.g. a rectangular sheet of glass, and for applying a sealing strip continuously along its edges, includes an air flotation/section support bed (14, 15) covered by an air-permeable mat (16), a sealing strip applicator (32, 59) on a carriage (33), suction cup assemblies (63, 72) mobilely mounted on respective mutually perpendicular slides (24, 25) for gripping the sheet (22) at two adjacent corners thereof, the movement of the assemblies (63, 72) being coordinated such that, while gripping the sheet (22), one assembly (72) is moved towards the initial position of the other assembly (63) and simultaneously the latter (63) is moved towards the corner diagonally opposite the corner at which the first assembly (72) was initially disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Willian Design Limited
    Inventor: John Lee
  • Patent number: 5431201
    Abstract: A system for filling containers with a prescribed medication includes a support head for receiving a disposable syringe which allows the syringe to be pumped to transfer liquid to an from the syringe. A robot arm is also provided to carry medication and diluent containers to the syringe for withdrawing diluent to the syringe and injecting it into the medication container for mixing. In order to ensure alignment of the containers with the syringe, there is provided on the support head an additional needle grasping system which grasps and locates the needle for penetration of the membrane of the container. The support head includes a weigh scale as an integral element thereof so that the syringe is weighed after each step of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Technology 2000 Incororated
    Inventors: Mark G. Torchia, Dennis D. Cote, Ken J. McTaggart, Craig P. Judt
  • Patent number: 5383500
    Abstract: A system for control of automatic refueling of automotive vehicles parked alongside a fuel dispenser unit which allows for a customer to control a refueling procedure without having to exit the vehicle. The control system includes a processing unit, control operating units, operating units and a communications system which is located within the vehicle to be refueled. The communications system has the capability to start, monitor and finish the refueling procedure by transmitting and receiving data signals which concern the refueling procedure such as signals which start the refueling procedure and signals which interrupt the procedure. The data signals are received by the from the vehicle into the processing unit where the signals are processed. The processed data signals are directed to control operating units. The control operating units then direct operating units in carrying out operating functions which are necessary to automatically refuel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Sicco Dwars, Cornelis van Ouwerkerk, Caspar Verhaagen
  • Patent number: 5358397
    Abstract: A light weight extruder (20) is suitable for high production, in-line extrusion of flowable materials with high precision in the placement and control of the extruded material. The extruder uses a high torque hydraulic motor (72) to drive a feed screw (88) in dispensing highly viscous but flowable material through an extrusion die (126) of preselected configuration. A plurality of heating bands (114-118) surrounding the barrel (86) of the extruder provide precise control over the material temperature at the point of extrusion. In an alternate embodiment, an injection nozzle (120a) is provided with a plurality of independently controllable extrusion dies (128, 130, 132). The extruder is sufficiently light and manipulable such that it can be mounted on the end of the arm of a robot (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: L&L Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Ligon, Thomas B. Carter, Jurg Hauptli