Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110126660 | FORCE LIMITING DEVICE AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object. | 06-02-2011 |
20110127229 | ACTUATION SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR MOVING A PAYLOAD - An actuation system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and an end effector and is configured for moving a payload. A first actuator is operatively connected to the bridge crane. The bridge crane is configured for moving along an X axis in response to the first actuator being actuated. The trolley extends from the bridge crane. A second actuator is operatively connected to the trolley. The trolley is configured for moving along a Y axis in response to the second actuator being actuated. The end effector extends from the trolley and is configured for supporting a payload. A third actuator is operatively connected to the end effector. The end effector is configured for rotating about the Z axis in response to the third actuator being actuated to rotate the end effector. Each actuator is disposed in spaced relationship to the bridge crane, the trolley, and the end effector. | 06-02-2011 |
20110127230 | ASSIST SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR MOVING A MASS - An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator. | 06-02-2011 |
20110129320 | PHOTO-INTERRUPTER BASED FORCE SENSING HANDLE AND METHOD OF USE - A robotic system includes a robot for moving a payload in response to a calculated input force. Sensors in respective sensor housings are connected to a handle, each sensor including a light emitter and receiver. The sensors measure a light beam received by a respective receiver. A controller calculates the calculated input force using received light. Each sensor housing modifies an interruption of the light beam in a sensor when the actual input force is applied, and the controller controls the robot using the calculated input force. A method of controlling the robot includes emitting the light beam, flexing a portion of the sensor housing(s) using the actual input force to interrupt the light beam, and using a host machine to calculate the calculated input force as a function of the portion of the light beam received by the light receiver. The robot is controlled using the calculated input force. | 06-02-2011 |
20110130862 | SENSOR FOR HANDLING SYSTEM - The cable lift system provides assistance to movement of a flexibly suspended payload actuated by operator input into one or more sensing devices attached to the payload. The sensing device is configured to collect information about the typical push-pull and lift-lower motions of an operator moving the payload horizontally and/or vertically, such that the operator's input to the sensor is intuitive and is provided in a manner which is substantially transparent to the operator. The assist mechanisms included in the system are actuated by a controller processing signals received from the one or more sensing devices on the payload. Movement assistance is provided such that the manual effort required by the operator to overcome the inertia of the payload in a starting or stopping event is substantially relieved, thus minimizing the ergonomic impact of the starting and stopping events on the operator. | 06-02-2011 |
20130076902 | ROBOTICALLY OPERATED VEHICLE CHARGING STATION - A robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle includes a base plate, a riser coupled with the base plate and extending substantially transverse to the base plate, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm extends from the riser and supports an end effector. The end effector includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to couple with a receptacle disposed on the electric vehicle. The robotic arm is configured to move the end effector in three degrees of motion. | 03-28-2013 |
20130112641 | GRAVITY POWERED BALANCING SYSTEM - A balance assist system includes a support structure, an assist device, a variable balancing system, and a balancing cable. The variable balancing system is configured for moving a mass in a vertical direction along a Z axis. The variable balancing system includes a balance platform, a lever, and a mobile counterweight. The lever is pivotally attached to the balance platform at a fixed pivot point such that the lever is pivotable at the fixed pivot point about a balance axis. The mobile counterweight is movably disposed on the lever relative to the fixed balance axis and movable between a minimum position and a maximum position. The minimum position corresponds to the mass having a minimum weight such that the mass is statically balanced along the Z axis. Likewise, the maximum position corresponds to the mass having a maximum weight such that the mass is statically balanced along the Z axis. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112643 | MOVEMENT SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR MOVING A PAYLOAD IN A PLURALITY OF DIRECTIONS - A movement system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and a movement device. The movement device includes an attachment portion, a plurality of housings, first and second curved elements, a cable, and a cable angle sensor. The curved elements are pivotally attached to housings and perpendicularly overlap with one another such that a first slot defined in the first curved element is perpendicular to a second slot defined in the second curved element. The first curved element is pivotable about a first axis and the second curved element is configured to pivot about a second axis. The cable extends from the attachment portion and through each of the slots. The cable is pivotable to angularly displace at least one of the curved elements about a respective axis. The cable angle sensor is configured to measure the angular displacement of the at least one of the first and second curved elements. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112644 | MOVEMENT SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR MOVING A PAYLOAD - A movement device is moved along an X axis and a Y axis by providing a sensor configured to measure angle of rotation of at least one of a first and a second kinematic link about a respective axis of rotation. A force is imparted on the first and second kinematic links such that an angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is achieved. The angular displacement of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation is determined. The movement device is moved along the X axis and/or the Y axis in response to the determination of the angle of rotation of the first and second kinematic links about the respective axis of rotation until first and second kinematic links are vertical. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112645 | PASSIVELY ACTUATED BRAKING SYSTEM - A movement system includes a rail, a trolley, and a braking system. The trolley is movably attached to the rail and configured to support the payload. The braking system is operatively attached to the rail. The braking system includes a braking module having a base, operatively attached to the trolley, and a wheel assembly, operatively attached to the base. The wheel assembly has a shaft, a clutch, and a braking wheel. The clutch is rigidly attached to the shaft and configured for rotation with the shaft about the rolling axis. The braking wheel axially surrounds the clutch and is in continuous rolling contact with a surface of the rail. The clutch is configured to selectively allow rotation of the braking wheel relative to the shaft in only one direction of rotation to decelerate movement of the trolley along the rail. | 05-09-2013 |
20130253702 | METHOD OF INFERRING INTENTIONS OF AN OPERATOR TO MOVE A ROBOTIC SYSTEM - A method of inferring intentions of an operator to move a robotic system includes monitoring the intention of the operator, with a controller. The intention of the operator is inferred to be one of a desired acceleration and a desired deceleration. The intention of the operator is also as a desired velocity. Admittance parameters are modified as a function of at least one of the inferred acceleration, deceleration, and velocity. | 09-26-2013 |
20150114165 | FORCE LIMITING DEVICE AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object. | 04-30-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090160163 | Extendable trailer having a roll support assembly - An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160216 | Extendable flatbed manufactured primarily from aluminum - A primarily aluminum extendable flatbed trailer has front and rear flatbed sections adjustable to various trailer lengths. Reinforcing plates with holes therein are connected to an aluminum longitudinal rail on one flatbed section. Holes in the rail aligned with the reinforcing plate holes removably receive a locking pin which secures the front section to the rear section. The locking pin slidably engages the reinforcing plates and associated wear bars. A generally vertical web strengthener is secured to a vertical longitudinal web on the rail adjacent the suspension of the trailer. Tubular aluminum braces are used in various locations. A friction reducing plastic slide member on one flatbed section slidably engages the other flatbed section. Another trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in a standard configuration. | 06-25-2009 |
20090174171 | Aluminum flatbed with unique front connection - A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges. | 07-09-2009 |
20090267338 | VEHICLE TRAILER INTEGRAL CROSS TUBES - A suspension system for use with a vehicle having a frame, two rails longitudinally spaced and secured to the vehicle frame, a hanger bracket depending from each rail, a beam pivotally mounted to each hanger bracket, an axle secured to and intermediate the beams, a support plate secured to each rail, a rail plate secured to each rail, and a bracket plate secured to each bracket. The suspension system includes two cross tubes, each with one end secured to a rail plate and the opposite end secured to the opposing side bracket plate. The system also includes a horizontal tube secured between each bracket plate. | 10-29-2009 |
20100133781 | FLATBED TRAILER HAVING AN EXTENDABLE CONFIGURATION AND AN ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION - A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration. | 06-03-2010 |
20110025018 | ALUMINUM FLATBED WITH UNIQUE FRONT CONNECTION - A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges. | 02-03-2011 |
20110047772 | EXTENDABLE TRAILER HAVING A ROLL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - A flatbed trailer comprising front and rear flatbed trailer sections and a method of operation is provided. In one embodiment, a first support assembly is configured to lift the front flatbed trailer section relative to the rear flatbed trailer section, and second support assembly is configured to lift the rear flatbed trailer section relative to the front flatbed trailer section. Roller wheels may provide rolling engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and slide members may provide sliding engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. | 03-03-2011 |
20110140473 | FLATBED TRAILER HAVING AN EXTENDABLE CONFIGURATION AND AN ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION - A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration. | 06-16-2011 |
20120061944 | ALUMINUM FLATBED WITH UNIQUE FRONT CONNECTION - A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061984 | FLATBED TRAILER HAVING AN EXTENDABLE CONFIGURATION AND AN ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION - A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration. | 03-15-2012 |
20120299269 | ALUMINUM FLATBED WITH UNIQUE FRONT CONNECTION - A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges. | 11-29-2012 |
20130154306 | ALUMINUM FLATBED WITH UNIQUE FRONT CONNECTION - A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges. | 06-20-2013 |
20150130175 | TRAILER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A trailer and method of manufacturing a trailer are provided. The trailer has a storage vessel which may include hoppers and which is partially formed from a plurality of top wall segments having peaks. The peaks or other components may be angled relative to one another to provide improved aerodynamics. A jig is provided to facilitate the manufacturing process. | 05-14-2015 |
20150137501 | TRAILER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - Trailers and methods of manufacture are provided. One trailer embodiment includes a storage vessel which may include hoppers and which may be partially formed from a plurality of top wall segments having peaks or other components angled relative to one another to provide improved aerodynamics. A jig is disclosed to facilitate one manufacturing process. Another trailer embodiment includes a storage vessel which may include hoppers and a top wall which is curved to provide improved aerodynamics. | 05-21-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130237488 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - The present disclosure provides improved compositions comprising rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine for use in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. In one instance, the compositions may comprise a formulation of rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine in a single dosage form, such as a capsule, tablet, etc., with one or more specific excipients. | 09-12-2013 |
20140243279 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING RIFABUTIN, CLARITHROMYCIN, AND CLOFAZIMINE - A composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of rifabutin, an effective amount of clarithromycin, an effective amount of clofazimine, and an effective amount of an absorption enhancer, wherein the effective amount of the absorption enhancer is sufficient so that, when the composition is administered to a patient, an overall metabolism of clarithromycin as caused by rifabutin is reduced by shifting competing metabolism of rifabutin and clarithromycin so as to result in more active clarithromycin. | 08-28-2014 |
20140271851 | ANTIEMETIC EXTENDED RELEASE SOLID DOSAGE FORMS - A pharmaceutical formulation includes (1) a first dosage component comprising: a core comprising a non-ionic polymer matrix, a first amount of ondansetron or an equivalent amount of an ondansetron salt thereof dispersed within the matrix, and an electrolyte dispersed within the matrix; a first seal coat surrounding the core, the first seal coat comprising a non-ionic polymer matrix; and an immediate release drug layer surrounding the first seal coat, wherein the immediate release drug layer comprises a non-ionic polymer and a second amount of ondansetron or an equivalent amount of an ondansetron salt thereof dispersed therein; and (2) a second dosage component comprising: a core comprising a third amount of ondansetron or an equivalent amount of an ondansetron salt thereof, at least one filler, and a lubricant; and a coating surrounding the core, the coating comprising water and a mixture of methacrylic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymers with alkaline groups. | 09-18-2014 |
20140315841 | COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING RIFABUTIN, CLARITHROMYCIN, AND CLOFAZIMINE AND USES THEREOF - Oral administration of a solid dosage form of the present invention comprising an effective amount of rifabutin, an effective amount of clarithromycin, an effective amount of clofazimine, and an effective amount of an absorption enhancer, is used to treat a subject suffering from, or susceptible to, | 10-23-2014 |
20150044283 | PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI - Single oral solid dosage form comprising an immediate release first dosage composition having at least two antibiotic agents and a delayed release second dosage composition having a proton pump inhibitor are provided herein. The single oral solid dosage form according to some aspects of the invention can be used for the treatment of disorders associated with infection by | 02-12-2015 |