Conveyor Patents (Class 901/7)
  • Patent number: 12100061
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to a method of dynamically updating a transport task of a UAV. The method includes receiving, at a transport-provider computing system, an item provider request for transportation of a plurality of packages from a loading location at a given future time. The method also includes assigning, by the transport-provider computing system, a respective transport task to each of a plurality of UAVs, where the respective transport task comprises an instruction to deploy to the loading location to pick up one or more of the plurality of packages. Further, the method includes identifying, by the transport-provider system, a first package while or after a first UAV picks up the first package. Yet further, the method includes based on the identifying of the first package, providing, by the transport-provider system, a task update to the first UAV to update the respective transport task of the first UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: André Prager, Gaurav Garg, Theran Cochran, Jonathan Lesser
  • Patent number: 11989909
    Abstract: TOOL TRACKING A system for determining the location of a toolpiece, wherein: the toolpiece is carried by a tool and the tool comprises an imaging device for capturing images of the environment around the tool; and the system comprises an image processor communicatively coupled to the imaging device for receiving images therefrom and having access to one or more reference images of an expected environment, the image processor being configured to compare an image captured by the imaging device with at least one reference image to identify a match therebetween and to determine in dependence on characteristics of that match the location of the toolpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Ubisense Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Martin Robert Ward
  • Patent number: 11908721
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus auto-teach system for auto-teaching a substrate station location, the system including a frame, a substrate transport connected to the frame, the substrate transport having an end effector configured to support a substrate, and a controller configured to move the substrate transport so that the substrate transport biases the substrate supported on the end effector against a substrate station feature causing a change in eccentricity between the substrate and the end effector, determine the change in eccentricity, and determine the substrate station location based on at least the change in eccentricity between the substrate and the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Brooks Automation US, LLC
    Inventors: Jairo T. Moura, Aaron Gawlik, Reza Saeidpourazar
  • Patent number: 11893533
    Abstract: A product order fulfillment system includes multiple decks arrayed at different levels and defining multilevel decks, at least one autonomous transport vehicle on each of the decks, and configured for holding and transporting a pickface on each deck, at least one lift, traversing and connecting more than one level of the decks, and arranged for lifting and lowering the pickface from the decks, and at least one pickface transfer station on each deck interfacing between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift to effect transfer of the pickface between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift, the at least one lift defines a fulfillment stream of mixed case pickfaces outbound from the multilevel decks to a load fill, at least one stream of the fulfillment stream has an ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces wherein the ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces is based on another fulfilment stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Kirill K Pankratov, Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, Larry M. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11858742
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Larry Sweet, Kil Kwak, Kirill Pankratov, Russell G. Barbour, William Johnson, Juergen D. Conrad, Juergen Baumbach, Ronald Kyslinger
  • Patent number: 11794349
    Abstract: A parsing system includes an imaging device and one or more processors. The imaging device may capture visual instructions displayed on a monitor. The one or more processors may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, the captured visual instructions, generate functions for a robot to perform based on the captured visual instructions, and transmit, to a robot, the functions to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Nimble Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Kalouche, Siva Chaitanya Mynepalli, John Vashchhenko, Suyash Nigam, Jordan Dawson, George Marchman
  • Patent number: 11787634
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a lift includes at least one load handling device configured so as to reciprocate along a lift axis, the load handling device including a frame forming a payload section with a payload support surface having a common elevation configured to hold one or more pickfaces at the common elevation of the payload support surface, at least one transfer arm movably mounted to the frame, and a drive section connected to the load handling device and being configured to move the load handling device along the lift axis, wherein the one or more pickfaces carried in unison by the payload support surface of the at least one load handling device, define an order sequence of pickfaces on the at least one load handling device according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SYMBOTIC LLC
    Inventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, William Johnson, Jr., Edward A. Macdonald, Larry M. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11741419
    Abstract: A method for delivering online orders to customers via a fully unmanned system includes replenishing the pod by using inventory carriers carrying containers via a replenishment hatch, moving an inventory carrier attached to carrier base with a mobile robotic unit in a room of adequate temperature. Additionally, the method includes transferring an inventory carrier at a mini load station and loading the order containers on a delivery carrier. The method further includes transferring a delivery carrier and attaching it to a delivery hatch so that the customer, following authentication, is able to pull the drawers and pick the ordered items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ioannis Kanellos, Eugenios Fainekos, Orestis Fainekos
  • Patent number: 11727510
    Abstract: A computing system, includes: a non-transitory memory; processors coupled to the non-transitory memory and configured to execute instructions to perform operations including: detecting a vehicle at a first location, executing instructions local to the first location by one or more edge processors to determine vehicle specific parameters that identify the vehicle; determining the vehicle is associated with a user account stored in a computerized vehicle management system; in response to the determining that the vehicle is associated with the user account, and transmitting instruction to a first display at the first location to present a user-tailored menu generated by using the edge processors to access a machine learning computer model based on data obtaining from the user account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Pied Parker, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianni Rosas-Maxemin, Robert Mazzola, George Azzi, Callam Poynter, John Oglesby
  • Patent number: 11710204
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to a method of dynamically updating a transport task of a UAV. The method includes receiving, at a transport-provider computing system, an item provider request for transportation of a plurality of packages from a loading location at a given future time. The method also includes assigning, by the transport-provider computing system, a respective transport task to each of a plurality of UAVs, where the respective transport task comprises an instruction to deploy to the loading location to pick up one or more of the plurality of packages. Further, the method includes identifying, by the transport-provider system, a first package while or after a first UAV picks up the first package. Yet further, the method includes based on the identifying of the first package, providing, by the transport-provider system, a task update to the first UAV to update the respective transport task of the first UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: André Prager, Gaurav Garg, Jonathan Lesser, Theran Cochran
  • Patent number: 11669067
    Abstract: A work management apparatus, method, and system enable to accurately manage position, tightening torque and other information for all fastening parts, for tightening work using a tool with a torque sensor. The system includes: a driver provided with a torque sensor; and first and second cameras that capture images of a product from different viewpoints. The torque sensor starts measurement of the tightening torque when a detected tightening torque exceeds a set threshold value, stops measurement of the tightening torque when the measurement data satisfies a predetermined condition, and outputs torque related data that includes measurement time. The system further includes: a PC that calculates coordinates of an engagement position of a bit from a plurality of image data captured by the first and the second cameras corresponding to the measurement time included in the torque related data; and a marker mounting device provided with a marker and removably mounted to the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yuto Kawauchi, Yuya Suzuki, Ryutaro Tanno, Akihiro Harada, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11656205
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for testing and/or correction of a weld (34, 36, 38) of a test object (26, 102), including alignment of an ultrasonic probe (16, 128) guided by a robot (100) on a target position of the weld (28, 30, 32), determination of the actual position (34, 36, 38) of the weld by means of an optical sensor (22, 130) and alignment of the ultrasonic probe (16) on the actual position, and measurement of the weld, where CAD data of the target position of the weld (28, 30, 32) is made available, on the basis of the CAD data of the weld the ultrasonic probe (16, 128) is aligned on the target position of the weld, and the ultrasonic probe is placed on the weld with controlled force after determination of the actual position (34, 36, 38) of the weld by means of the optical sensor (22, 130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: BATTENBERG ROBOTIC GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Günther Battenberg
  • Patent number: 11629017
    Abstract: A picking facility is realized that can shorten the time required to transfer an article from a first support body to a second support body. Of a plurality of articles 50 supported by the first support body 51, the article 50 located at the highest position and the article 50 whose upper face T1 is present in a range of a set distance D downward from the upper face T1 of the article 50 located at the highest position are set as transfer-target articles 50A, and the control device performs a selection control to preferentially select, from the transfer-target articles 50A, a transfer-target article 50A in the normal orientation SC, and a transfer control to control the transfer device so as to transfer the transfer-target article 50A selected through the selection control from the first support body 51 to the second support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Gondoh, Masami Iwai, Atsushi Minoo
  • Patent number: 11613434
    Abstract: An automated palletizer includes an automated package pick device capable of moving packages from a package deposit section to a pallet to form a pallet load from packages, a controller that is operably connected to the automated pick device, the controller having a pallet load generator configured to determine a pallet load structure of mixed packages, the pallet load generator being programmed so that it determines the load structure from mixed package layers overlaid over each other at least one of the mixed package layers being formed of stacks of mixed packages, top and bottom surfaces of the stacks corresponding to the at least one mixed package layer respectively forming top and bottom surfaces of the at least one mixed package layer that are substantially flat. The controller generates commands for the pick device to build the pallet load from the load structure determined by the pallet load generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, David Ehrenberg, Larry M. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11511435
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a robot coordinate system of a robot with a conveyor coordinate system of a movable conveyor member, the method including providing a sensor configured to detect positions of the robot in a non-contact manner; detecting a position of the robot when the conveyor member is positioned at a first operating position; detecting a position of the robot and/or of the conveyor member by the sensor in the sensor coordinate system when the conveyor member is positioned at a second operating position different from the first operating position; and determining a relationship between the robot coordinate system and the conveyor coordinate system based on at least one detected position of the robot in the sensor coordinate system. A robot system and a control system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Anders Lager, Johnny Holmberg, Magnus Wahlström, Michael Stenbacka
  • Patent number: 11469126
    Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus auto-teach system for auto-teaching a substrate station location, the system including a frame, a substrate transport connected to the frame, the substrate transport having an end effector configured to support a substrate, and a controller configured to move the substrate transport so that the substrate transport biases the substrate supported on the end effector against a substrate station feature causing a change in eccentricity between the substrate and the end effector, determine the change in eccentricity, and determine the substrate station location based on at least the change in eccentricity between the substrate and the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Brooks Automation US, LLC
    Inventors: Jairo T. Moura, Aaron Gawlik, Reza Saeidpourazar
  • Patent number: 11325256
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling a robot along a goal path. An initial Cartesian path is generated based on a goal path on a workpiece. Dynamic properties of the robot while the robot traverses an initial joint-space trajectory having an initial velocity profile are obtained. An adjusted velocity profile over the Cartesian path is generated based on the obtained dynamic properties. A trajectory is generated by combining the initial Cartesian path and the adjusted velocity profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Intrinsic Innovation LLC
    Inventor: Andre Gaschler
  • Patent number: 8997438
    Abstract: A robotic case packing system loads articles from one conveyor into containers on another conveyor using a robotic pick and place mechanism and a set of pivoting bins. A controller moves the robotic mechanism in first picking movements to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the first bin. Once the first bin is full, the controller pivots the first bin to allow the articles stacked in the first bin to be loaded into a container held below. While the first bin is pivoting, the controller moves the robotic mechanism to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the second bin. The process repeats with the controller pivoting the second bin during the picking movements used to fill the first bin and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Fallas
  • Patent number: 8983650
    Abstract: A work hanging apparatus includes a hanger line continuously conveying hangers each having a hook, a robot that has a hand with which a work having a hole is held and transfers the held work to a hanging location set in the hanger line, a controller controlling a movement of the hand to catch the hook of one of the hangers with the hole of the held work at the hanging location, a hole deviation detector that detects a positional deviation of the hole of the work, an attitude deviation detector that detects an attitudinal deviation of the hanger, and a corrector that corrects the movement of the hand according to the positional and attitudinal deviations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Nukui, Takashi Yajima
  • Publication number: 20150056045
    Abstract: A process station for a machine includes a conveying system, where the conveying system includes a carrier, a driving device; and a first control unit and the conveying system can convey a load in a specific conveying direction by magnetic force provided by the driving device. The first control unit can control the driving device. The process station further includes a robot configured to handle or pick and place the load conveyed by the carrier. The process station further includes a second control unit configured to control movement of the robot in a moving direction different from the specific conveying direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Menno Haring, Richard Hibbs
  • Patent number: 8805585
    Abstract: A handling apparatus having a belt conveyor (2) for conveying a work (10), a robot (4) for performing a predetermined operation for the work (10), a visual sensor (3) for photographing the work (10) being conveyed to produce work data indicating each work (10) in the photographed image, and a robot controller (5) for gathering the work data for each image thereby to produce a tracking data, and for storing the tracking data in a database, thereby to control the robot (4) with the database so that a predetermined operation is performed on the work (10) transferred to the position of the robot (4). The robot controller (5) performs a predetermined calculation on the work data read out from the database, detects the overlapped work data, and cancels the control of the actions of the robot (4) based on the overlapped work data. The robot controller (5) rearranges the sequences, in which the robot (4) performs the operation on each work (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8790064
    Abstract: A device is proposed for the positional orientation of plate-shaped parts (12), comprising continuous conveying equipment (13) for conveying plate-shaped parts (12), an optical measuring device (15) assigned to the continuous conveying equipment (13) for determining the actual position of at least one specific plate-shaped part (12) and for comparing this actual position to a stored set position and for determining the deviation of the actual position from the set position, and a control unit (20) coupled to the optical measuring device (15) for controlling a positioning unit (19) such that at least one specific plate-shaped part (12) the deviation of which from the set position was determined can be picked up by the positioning unit (19) in a pick-up region and deposited in a defined delivery region in the correct position corresponding to the set position for transfer on the continuous conveying equipment (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schuler Automation GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Reiner Dörner, Joachim Pottiez
  • Patent number: 8721250
    Abstract: A robotic device movable in first, second and third mutually perpendicular directions along rails arranged in multiple rows, where the rails in a row are arranged along the first and second mutually perpendicular directions, and the multiple rows are arranged along the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails in the first and second directions, and support handles for lifting the frame in the third direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails so as to lift the robotic device in the third direction from the first rails to the second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Patent number: 8721251
    Abstract: A robotic device for carrying loads is movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a platform provided on the frame to carry a first load when the frame is moved in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails. Movable carriages are configured for being moved in the vertical direction at distance greater than a distance between the first rails and the second rails. A lifting mechanism moves the carriages in the vertical direction with respect to the frame. Support handles are arranged on the movable carriages and configured for providing engagement with the first or second rails to raise the frame above the respective rails to a level sufficient to disengage the wheels from the respective rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Patent number: 8690510
    Abstract: A robotic device movable in a vertical direction and in prescribed horizontal directions along rails arranged in the prescribed horizontal directions in multiple rows provided at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame and configured for moving the frame along the rails, and support handles for lifting the frame in the vertical direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails to lift the robotic device in the vertical direction, and for turning the frame into a desired horizontal direction by pushing against the second rails on an intersection between the second rails and third rails arranged in the same row as the second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey N. Razumov
  • Patent number: 8660695
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to a robotic finger digit including a distal finger joint coupled between a distal finger part and a middle finger part, a middle finger joint coupled between the middle finger part and a proximal finger part and an extend tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to an actuation device. In certain aspects, the robotic finger can further include a flex tendon coupled at a first end to the distal finger joint, and coupled at a second end to the actuation device, wherein the actuation device is configured to move the extend tendon and the flex tendon substantially the same distance in order to flex and/or extend the robotic finger digit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Shadow Robot Company Limited
    Inventors: Armando De La Rosa Tames, Graeme Richard Lawrence Walker, Jake Benjamin Goldsmith, John Hugo Elias, Matthew Paul Godden, Richard Martin Greenhill
  • Publication number: 20130245814
    Abstract: A work hanging apparatus includes a hanger line continuously conveying hangers each having a hook, a robot that has a hand with which a work having a hole is held and transfers the held work to a hanging location set in the hanger line, a controller controlling a movement of the hand to catch the hook of one of the hangers with the hole of the held work at the hanging location, a hole deviation detector that detects a positional deviation of the hole of the work, an attitude deviation detector that detects an attitudinal deviation of the hanger, and a corrector that corrects the movement of the hand according to the positional and attitudinal deviations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kotaro NUKUI, Takashi YAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20130186999
    Abstract: Conventional aircraft offer an inadequate solution for handling freight items. The present invention significantly improves the handling of freight items. Inter alia, for this the cargo compartment of an aircraft is equipped with a robot with at least one robot arm, wherein the robot arm comprises a receiver tool to receive freight items and is arranged displaceably on a ceiling construction of the cargo compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Patent number: 8483880
    Abstract: A robotic hand assembly comprising: a hand section comprising: at least one digit provided with at least one actuatable joint; and a control section comprising: at least one actuation device, the at least one actuation device comprising: a sensing module configured to sense a force applied to a tendon coupled at a first end to the at least one actuatable joint; and an actuation module configured to actuate the at least one actuatable joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Shadow Robot Company Limited
    Inventors: Armando de la Rosa Tames, Graeme Richard Lawrence Walker, Jake Benjamin Goldsmith, John Hugo Elias, Matthew Paul Godden, Richard Martin Greenhill
  • Patent number: 8417363
    Abstract: A method for controlling a group of machines such as robots or pick and place machines to pick up an item from a first position and place the item in a second position. Information from a sensor about the location of the first position is provided to a control member, which sends a message from a master process to all machines. The message includes a list of all first positions. The machines dynamically and adaptively handle each of the first positions and inform the master process when each first position is handled. The master process in turn informs all machines that a given first position has been handled. A system, a computer program and a graphical user interface are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Mats Erlandsson-Warvelin, Henrik Knobel
  • Patent number: 8315736
    Abstract: A system for picking and packing applications is provided. The system includes a plurality of robots and a plurality of robot controllers. Each robot controller includes a load re-balance subsystem, a load balance subsystem, a robot state change detector subsystem, a communicator subsystem, and a motion control subsystem. Each of the robot controllers is interconnected and in communication with one another via the communicator subsystems. Each of the robots has a workload that may be selectively balanced. A method for balancing the workloads of the robots using built-in processors which run motion control is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Genesh Kalbavi, Gordon Geheb, Min-Ren Jean, Gerald A. Ross, Jason Tsai, Rick Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 8302281
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 8277443
    Abstract: A manipulator includes a wire which is movable back and forth, a driven wire both ends of which are connected to the wire, an idle pulley, a guide pulley, a driven pulley which is movable back and forth, and an end effector coupled to the driven pulley. The driven wire passes from a terminal along a first side on the idle pulley and extends to a second side opposite to the first side, and then passes along the second side on the driven pulley. The driven wire is then wound around the driven pulley and passes along the first side on the driven pulley and then the second side on the idle pulley, and finally returns to the terminal, thereby making up an 8-shaped configuration path. The driven wire is crossed between the idle pulley and the guide pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Jinno
  • Patent number: 8250743
    Abstract: The processing system (10) serves for processing a moving workpiece (12) by means of an industrial robot (16) that can be rigidly coupled, intermittently, to the workpiece (12) and/or to a movable workpiece carrier unit (14), the industrial robot (16), when in a decoupled operating position (42), being carried by a carrier device (18) that is movable, independently of a workpiece, by means of a drive unit (20) acting with active drive, and, when in a coupled operating position (44), being floatingly mounted relative to the carrier device (18) by means of a floating bearing system (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Uwe Habisreitinger
  • Publication number: 20120095595
    Abstract: A process and a method for automatically and/or semi automatically making a cereal and a pulse batter having an optimal consistency is described. The method and process also includes the steps for dispensing and storage for distribution. The cereal and pulse are soaked, ground and mixed together, spices added and allowed to ferment at an ambient temperature for an adequate time. The batter is packaged and stored in such a way that the batter's shelf life is increased. Expiration date is labeled on the container so that it can be monitored by the user. The process also provides a sterile way of preparing the various combinations of cereal and pulse as a batter. The optimal fermentation provides consistent delivery of taste. Packaging techniques provide appropriate shipping conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: SUBRAMANIAN KRISHNAN
  • Publication number: 20120029688
    Abstract: A robot system is disclosed which includes at least two robots, each having a related processing unit. The processing units are connected to each other via a network bus for data transmission, and distributed sensors are provided for gathering first and/or second measurement data within a local extension of the robot system. First measurement data gathered by at least one first sensor are transmissible to at least one processing unit related thereto. Second measurement data gathered by at least one second sensor are feedable into the network bus and provided to the at least two processing units connected thereto. The processing units can analyze the second measurement data as a variable dynamic share of workload for feeding result-data of the analysis into the network bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Anders LAGER, Fredrik Kange, Heiko Koziolek, Roland Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120002036
    Abstract: A method and a device for induction thermography for non-destructive material examination are provided. A movement of a test object relative to an infrared camera with an inductor is carried out along any desired single or multi-dimensional path such that the relative movement for recording an image by the infrared camera is independent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Matthias Goldammer, Max Rothenfusser, Johannes L. Vrana
  • Patent number: 8021094
    Abstract: In the present invention, through a provision of a relay stand including a first relaying point, a second relaying point and a plurality of work mounting bases, a discharge/feed process of works between the relay stand and the work feed container and the work accommodation container is performed at the first relaying point and a load/unload process of works between the relay stand and the plurality of work inspection machines is performed at the second relaying point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoichi Mori, Fujio Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 8014898
    Abstract: A robot controller (7) controlling a robot (1) used combined with a machine tool (5, 6) provided with a communication unit (9) connecting the robot controller to a machine tool, a detection unit (52) detecting through the communication unit a type and number of machine tools, and a setting unit (55) setting the robot controller based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit. Due to this, machine tool and robot startup work can be simply and easily performed without requiring skill or increasing the startup man-hours. The setting unit selects one setting file from among a plurality of setting files for the robot controller, stored in the robot controller, based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroji Nishi, Yoshitaka Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20110193253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and molding system (1) for forming a molded plastic article by wireless control. The molding system includes a primary controller (12) that is adapted to engage in wireless communications with the carriage controller (45) of one or more self-propelled carriages (15). Each carriage (15) includes a carriage location indicator (62) that determines the location of the carriage, which is transmitted substantially continuously to the carriage controller (45), and then communicated substantially continuously and wirelessly from the carriage controller to the primary controller (12). The primary controller (12) wirelessly communicates position directives (e.g., a polymer introduction station position directive) to each carriage controller (45), which correspondingly provides operational position instructions to each carriage's respective propulsion system (30), so as to re-position at least one carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Polk, Dale E. Polk, JR.
  • Patent number: 7987575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for applying films (10) to interior wall sections of the bodywork (7) of a vehicle with the aid of an instrument or robot (6) comprising a multi-membered articulated arm (18, 19) and gripping elements (21) for the films. To reduce the mounting time, the robot (6) is driven through an opening (14) in the interior of the bodywork (7), the films (10) to be applied are transported by transport elements (11) to the vicinity of the interior or into the interior of the bodywork (7) and the delivered films (10) are taken from the transport elements by the robot (6) and its gripping elements (21) and are applied to the respective interior wall sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: AKsys GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Hotz, Josef Polak
  • Patent number: 7976260
    Abstract: A work handling apparatus includes a pair of traveling guides (20, 20?) provided so as to extend in a front-and-rear direction X at right and left sides, and a pair of direct-acting arms (30, 30?) provided so as to travel independently on the pair of traveling guides. The direct-acting arms are extendable from contracted positions, at which the arms oppose each other and avoid mutual interference in a right-and-left direction Y, to extended positions at which the arms overlap with each other. An operation spot (41) is arranged in an operation area (40) sandwiched between the pair of traveling guides for performing a predetermined operation to a work. Also, work tools (60, 60?) are attached to the pair of direct-acting arms (30, 30?), respectively, for transferring the work between a work storage area (50) and the operation spot (41) or performing an operation after transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunari Hirata
  • Publication number: 20110022217
    Abstract: This object aims to provide a work mounting system which has an improved usability and can be miniaturized. A work mounting system (1) is used to mount a sunroof member (3) on the inner panel (2A) of a body (2). The work mounting system (1) comprises a conveying robot (4) for holding and conveying the sunroof member (3), a mounting robot (5) with a nut runner for tightening bolts and a CCD camera, and a controller (6) for controlling the conveying robot (4) and the mounting robot (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Asamizu
  • Patent number: 7715947
    Abstract: A system for lapping gear sets with a ring gear and a pinion gear. The system includes a lapping machine tool and a robot. The lapping machine tool has a first spindle and a second spindle. The second spindle is rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first spindle. The lapping machine tool has a loading zone for loading the first and second spindles. The robot has an end effector with a first end that is configured to hold one of the gear sets. The robot is configured to position the first end of the end effector into the loading zone and to load the first gear set to the lapping machine tool without removing the end effector from the loading zone such that the ring gear is loaded onto the first spindle and the pinion gear is loaded onto the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas Bickersteth, Robert G. Greene, Kenneth John Gembel, II
  • Patent number: 7644558
    Abstract: A robotic case packing system loads articles from a moving conveying system into a container. The system has a pivot drive shaft pivotally connected to a support frame for selective rotation about a selected axis of rotation and has a drive linkage operatively connected between a servo motor and to the pivot drive shaft to selectively pivot the pivot drive shaft. A two-axis-robot is mounted on the pivot drive shaft along the axis of rotation such that movement of the two-axis-robot along its two axes of movement occurs within planes substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. A controller operatively connected to the servo motor is used to selectively actuate the servo motor to rotate the pivot drive shaft in order to enable selective picking and placing of articles with the robotic case packing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: David M. Fallas
  • Patent number: 7609020
    Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Kniss, Michael J. Goff, Jerry Berendt, Ron Micallef
  • Publication number: 20090226292
    Abstract: The processing system (10) serves for processing a moving workpiece (12) by means of an industrial robot (16) that can be rigidly coupled, intermittently, to the workpiece (12) and/or to a movable workpiece carrier unit (14), the industrial robot (16), when in a decoupled operating position (42), being carried by a carrier device (18) that is movable, independently of a workpiece, by means of a drive unit (20) acting with active drive, and, when in a coupled operating position (44), being floatingly mounted relative to the carrier device (18) by means of a floating bearing system (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Uwe Habisreitinger
  • Publication number: 20090132057
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling the movements of a plurality of mechanical units. The control system includes a plurality of independent control units, each including one or more control programs having instructions for controlling movements of at least one mechanical unit, and software for executing the control programs, wherein each control unit is configured to be put into any of a plurality of different states independent of states of remaining control units. A single server unit contains the plurality of independent control units, the server including memory for storing the control programs and the software for executing the control programs, a processor having at least one core, communication hardware for communicating with a network, and a resource-distributing unit adapted to distribute real and virtual hardware resources of the server unit to the control units, such that the control units share the real and virtual hardware resources of the server unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Tommy KETTU, Anders Wall, Goran Mustapic, Peter J. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7481728
    Abstract: A drive system for a robot includes a track including opposed sidewalls, an electrified rail positioned between the sidewalls, a shoe mounted on the robot for contacting the electrified rail providing power to the robot, a drive motor mounted on the robot, a rotating drive member, the drive member engaging the track to drive the robot when the drive motor is actuated, means for coupling the drive member to the drive motor and means for increasing the friction between the drive system and the track at selected locations along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Pippin
  • Publication number: 20080304940
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing wafers, a combined post expose bake and chill unit, and an interface are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a lithography tool, local track, transfer device, transfer device handler, interface unit, and controller to schedule processing. An exemplary combined post expose bake and chill unit includes an enclosure having an opening in its side, and a bake unit and a chill unit in the enclosure. An exemplary interface includes a plurality of enclosures arranged around robot(s) that transfer wafers among the enclosures, one of the plurality of enclosures being an integrated bake and chill unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Suzan L. Auer-Jongepier, Johannes Onvlee, Petrus R. Bartray, Bernardus A. J. Luttikhuis, Reinder T. Plug, Hubert M. Segers