Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080235932 | Method for positioning and joining panels - A method is provided for precisely positioning and joining first and second sheet panels. A first hole is extruded in the first panel with an annular upstanding wall surrounding the first hole. The first hole has a diameter to fit closely over the locating pin of a support. A second hole is formed in the second panel and has a diameter to fit closely over the annular upstanding wall of the first panel. A bond is created between the first and second panels adjacent to the annular upstanding wall, so that the annular upstanding wall protects the locating pin from being fouled by the bonding material. The bond may be either an adhesive bond or an electric resistance weld or both an adhesive bond and an electric resistance weld and the annular upstanding wall acts as a dam to protect the locating pin from the adhesive or weld splatter. | 10-02-2008 |
20090031181 | Automated root cause identification of logic controller failure - A method, system, and computer program product for automated root cause identification of a failure of a logic controller have been provided. The method includes receiving logic controller failure information, receiving a logic model of logic code for the logic controller, and mapping the logic controller failure information to the logic model to identify a logic failure model state. The method further includes determining a potential trigger of the failure of the logic controller as a root cause via tracing through at least one path in the logic model to reach the logic failure model state. The method also includes identifying the root cause in the logic code via mapping the root cause from the logic model to the logic code, and outputting the logic code with the identified root cause of the failure of the logic controller. | 01-29-2009 |
20090188903 | Method for welding process consistency - A method is provided for monitoring and controlling the process consistency of an arc welding process. The weld voltage signal is monitored and analyzed to determine the occurrence of the detachment of a weld droplet. The weld droplet detachment is determined via statistical techniques as having occurred at a normal interval following a prior detachment indicating consistent weld process or as a sporadic detachment having occurred at an irregular interval with respect to the prior detachment and indicating inconsistent weld process. The weld process is adjusted by controlling the weld process variables to maximize the predominance of droplet detachment at normal intervals and minimize the occurrence of the sporadic detachments. | 07-30-2009 |
20090193642 | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN END-OF-ARM TOOL FOR A ROBOTIC ARM - An end-of-arm tool having a workpiece interface tool is attachable to an articulable robotic arm. The end-of-arm tool can be configured by engaging an adjustable modular unit including a swing arm, a cylinder, and a workpiece interface tool to a rail element of the end-of-arm tool. The adjustable modular unit machine-slides in the rail element to a preferred x-axis position, machine-pivots to a preferred angular orientation, and machine-extends along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder to a preferred z-axis position, and machine-rotates to a preferred rotational angle about the z-axis. | 08-06-2009 |
20090194922 | RECONFIGURABLE END-OF-ARM TOOL FOR ROBOTIC ARM - A configurable end-of-arm tool attachable to an articulable robotic arm is described. The end-of-arm tool comprises a rail element, a machine-adjustable swing arm, a machine-adjustable extendable shaft attached to the swing arm. A machine-adjustable rotator set is attached to the extendable shaft, and a workpiece interface tool is attached to the extendable shaft. The swing arm, the extendable shaft, and the rotator set are machine-adjustable to place the workpiece interface tool at a predetermined position. | 08-06-2009 |
20090292298 | RECONFIGURABLE ROBOTIC END-EFFECTORS FOR MATERIAL HANDLING - A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes. | 11-26-2009 |
20100140860 | FLEXIBLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE TOOLING PLATES - The present invention provides a flexible support assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate. The support assembly includes a stanchion with a bore, and a threaded portion on an inner-diameter surface thereof. A base plate is attached to, and configured to repositionably fix the stanchion to the tooling plate. A cylindrical sleeve with a threaded portion on an outer-diameter surface thereof is threadably engaged with the stanchion, whereby the sleeve is operable to telescope with respect to the stanchion between a first, lowest position and a second, highest position. A nut is threadably engaged with the sleeve to lock the sleeve at any predetermined position between the first and second positions. A locator pin is releasably engaged with the sleeve at a first end thereof. The locator pin has a protrusion projecting outward from a second opposing end thereof for engaging a pinhole in the fixture. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140969 | RECONFIGURABLE END-EFFECTORS WITH ARTICULATING FRAME AND INDEXABLE MASTER BOOM - The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector. | 06-10-2010 |
20100270358 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZED VIBRATION WELDING - A method of minimizing mechanical resonance in an assembly during formation of a vibration-welded joint therein includes positioning work pieces such that they are directly adjacent to each other, and generating a set of control signals that cause one or more sonotrode weld heads to vibrate. A waveform characteristic of a mechanical oscillation of the sonotrode(s) and weld head(s) is varied to minimize the mechanical resonance occurring in the assembly, such as a multi-cell battery for a vehicle. An apparatus for forming the welded joint includes at least one sonotrode having a weld head or heads formed integrally therewith, and a weld controller. The controller is connected to a converter, sonotrode(s), and weld head(s), with the mechanical oscillation occurring in the sonotrode(s) and weld head(s). Variation of the control signals during formation of the welded joint varies a waveform characteristic of the mechanical oscillation, thus minimizing the mechanical resonance. | 10-28-2010 |
20110050878 | Vision System for Monitoring Humans in Dynamic Environments - A safety monitoring system for a workspace area. The workspace area related to a region having automated moveable equipment. A plurality of vision-based imaging devices capturing time-synchronized image data of the workspace area. Each vision-based imaging device repeatedly capturing a time synchronized image of the workspace area from a respective viewpoint that is substantially different from the other respective vision-based imaging devices. A visual processing unit for analyzing the time-synchronized image data. The visual processing unit processes the captured image data for identifying a human from a non-human object within the workspace area. The visual processing unit further determining potential interactions between a human and the automated moveable equipment. The visual processing unit further generating control signals for enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the automated moveable equipment based on the potential interactions between the human and the automated moveable equipment in the workspace area. | 03-03-2011 |
20110052969 | CELL TAB JOINING FOR BATTERY MODULES - A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical battery cells positioned adjacent one another and each having a positive cell tab and a negative cell tab. The positive cell tab of a first of the electrochemical battery cells is overlappingly joined to the negative cell tab of a second of the plurality of electrochemical battery cells. Each of the positive cell tabs and the negative cell tabs is not joined to a conductive interconnecting member. At least one of the positive cell tabs or the negative cell tabs defines a flexure configured for reducing stress applied to the electrochemical battery cells during overlappingly joining the positive cell tabs and the negative cell tabs. | 03-03-2011 |
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 |
20110130876 | HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTIVE SYSTEM HAVING A HUMAN STIFFNESS ESTIMATION CONTROL ALGORITHM - A robotic system includes a robot adapted for moving a payload in proportional response to an input force from an operator, sensors adapted for measuring a predetermined set of operator input values, including the input force, and a controller. The controller determines a changing stiffness value of the operator using set of operator input values, and automatically adjusts a level of control sensitivity over the robot using the stiffness value. The input values include the input force, a muscle activation level of the operator, and a position of the operator. A method of controlling the robot includes measuring the operator input values using the plurality of sensors, processing the input values using the controller to thereby calculate the stiffness value, and automatically adjusting the level of control sensitivity over the robot using the stiffness value. A specific operator may be identified, with control sensitivity being adjusted based on the identity. | 06-02-2011 |
20110245970 | Systems and Methods for Evaluating Braking Performance - A system is configured to determine the performance of a braking system for a joint of a robot. The braking system is configured to apply a brake to the joint and a servo system is configured to apply a torque to the joint. The system measures performance data at the joint, identifies a performance parameter, and defines performance regions and limits that are used to evaluate the performance parameter. | 10-06-2011 |
20110277461 | ACTIVE MATERIAL-BASED CLAMP AND RELEASE DEVICE - An active material-based device for and related method of clamping and releasing objects. Broadly, the device includes an elongated piece of active material, such as a wire, having an actuation temperature and arranged to form a sleeve defining a volume of space. When the active material reaches the actuation temperature the material changes, which causes one or more dimensions of the volume of space to change. An object located within the sleeve experiences either a clamping or releasing force resulting from the change in the volume of space. | 11-17-2011 |
20120062725 | SYSTEM FOR ERROR-PROOFING MANUAL ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS USING MACHINE VISION - An error detection vision system that determines whether a proper part has been selected from a presentation device during an assembly process. In one embodiment, the presentation device is a rack including a plurality of bins, where the bins hold a plurality of different parts. The vision system includes one or more projecting devices that project a light beam towards the presentation device and a detector, such as a camera, receiving reflections back from a worker as he selects parts from the presentation device. The error detection vision system can employ various detection processes, such as a stereo pair of video cameras, vision using structured-light triangulation and infrared time-of-flight distance measurements. | 03-15-2012 |
20120280527 | RECONFIGURABLE END-EFFECTOR ATTACHABLE TO A ROBOTIC ARM - A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece. | 11-08-2012 |
20120306443 | AUTOMATED CHARGING FOR VEHICLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for charging an energy storage system of a vehicle. A processor is coupled to an arm. The processor is configured to obtain a position of the vehicle. The processor is further configured to guide the arm to locate a charging receptacle of the vehicle based on the position and to insert the charging device into the charging receptacle. | 12-06-2012 |
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 |
20130240274 | EXPANDABLE VEHICLE SYSTEMS - An expandable vehicle system includes a base unit having a frame, a first wheel rotatably mounted with respect to the frame, and a battery-electric propulsion system mounted with respect to the frame. The expandable vehicle system also includes a first extension module having a first vehicle body portion and an auxiliary power unit mounted with respect to the first vehicle body portion. The base unit has a first attachment interface mounted with respect to the frame and the first extension module has a second attachment interface mounted with respect to the first vehicle body portion. The first and second attachment interfaces are configured to selectively and releasably engage one another such that the first extension module and the base unit form a single drivable unit when the first and second attachment interfaces are engaged with one another. | 09-19-2013 |
20130241236 | EXPANDABLE VEHICLE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF EXPANDING A VEHICLE - An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment. | 09-19-2013 |
20130326863 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A LOAD CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF FOLDING A CIRCUIT DEVICE - A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip. | 12-12-2013 |
20140044972 | TEMPORARY ATTACHMENT AND ALIGNMENT OF LIGHT-WEIGHT COMPONENTS USING SPATIALLY MODULATED MAGNETIC FIELDS TECHNOLOGY - Fixtureless self-alignment and orientation of components during an assembly process, and self-aligning/self-orienting components for assembly. Self-alignment and self-orientation are provided by integrating complementary spatially-modulated magnetic arrays into components requiring alignment and/or orientation during an assembly process. In addition to providing self-alignment/self-orientation, the spatially-modulated magnetic arrays also provide selective component placement and/or assembly order. Final assembly can involve permanent mechanical or adhesive fasteners. | 02-13-2014 |
20140069317 | IN-SITU OVERHEAT ALERT FOR EQUIPMENT - Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. A temperature-sensitive, active material-containing actuator is pre-selected to operate at a pre-determined temperature indicative of impending equipment failure and placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-selected temperature the actuator signals this by displaying a flag or providing some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may issue an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication. Selected actuators are based on smart materials including shape memory alloys (SMA), shape memory polymers (SMP) and paraffin wax, all of which may be adapted to operate over a temperature range sufficient to encompass the expected range of pre-determined temperatures. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069318 | SPRING-BODIED DEVICE FOR IN-SITU OVERHEAT ALERT FOR EQUIPMENT - Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication. | 03-13-2014 |
20140277742 | INTUITIVE GRASP CONTROL OF A MULTI-AXIS ROBOTIC GRIPPER - A system includes a robotic gripper and a grasp controller. The gripper, which has a sensory matrix that includes a plurality of sensors, executes selected grasp poses with respect to a component in the corresponding method to thereby grasp the component in response to a grasp command signal from the controller. The controller has a touch-screen or other interactive graphical user interface (GUI) which generates a jog signal in response to an input from a user. Sensory maps provide calibrated limits for each sensor contained in the sensory matrix for the selected grasp pose. The controller transmits the grasp command signal to the gripper in response to receipt of the jog signal from the GUI. The GUI may display a jog wheel having icons, including a hub corresponding to a neutral pose of the robotic gripper and icons corresponding to grasp poses arranged around a circumference of the jog wheel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140354229 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION - A vehicle charging station includes a track configured to extend across a plurality of vehicle parking spaces and a movable charging apparatus supported by the track. The movable charging apparatus is translatable along the track between the plurality of vehicle parking spaces to charge one or more vehicles. The movable charging apparatus includes a base slidably coupled with the track, an end effector in mechanical communication with the base and configured to electrically couple with an electric vehicle disposed within one of the plurality of vehicle parking spaces, and a power delivery circuit configured to receive an electrical charge from a power source and to controllably provide the electrical charge to the electric vehicle. | 12-04-2014 |
20140356049 | RECONFIGURABLE ROBOT END-EFFECTOR ASSEMBLY - A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules. | 12-04-2014 |