US3773189A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatically powered loading unit for use with an industrial robot
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-12
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1992-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatically-powered loading unit for use with an industrial robot comprises a transfer arm driven pneumatically for effecting a reciprocal movement in a space between a first cylinder which is fixed and hollow and a second cylinder which is rotatable. The transfer arm has a portion engaging with the second cylinder thereby to rotate in response to the rotation of the second cylinder. The loading unit further comprises a manipulator for effecting a gripping movement, thus providing three fundamental movements, reciprocating, rotating and gripping movements with a simple and compact construction.
Inventors
- 👤 Y Kitamura
- 👤 S Misono
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:15
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25J; B25J15/00; B25J15/02; B25J15/0206; B25J18/00; B25J18/02; B25J18/025; B25J18/04; B25J9/00; B25J9/10; B25J9/14; B25J9/144; B25J9/146; B25J9/148
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A pneumatically powered loading unit adapted for use with an industrial robot, said unit comprising a first cylinder which is hollow, a second cylinder rotatably disposed in spaced coaxial relation with said first cylinder, a rotary actuator means for pneumatically rotating said second cylinder, a transfer arm supported for sliding movement in opposite directions in the space between said first and second cylinders and also for rotation movement in said space, said transfer arm including a portion engaged with said second cylinder to rotate in response to rotation of said second cylinder, and means for pneumatically effecting sliding movement of said transfer arm in opposite directions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A pneumatically powered loading unit adapted for use with an industrial robot, said unit comprising a first cylinder which is hollow, a second cylinder rotatably disposed in spaced coaxial relation with said first cylinder, a rotary actuator means for pneumatically rotating said second cylinder, a transfer arm supported for sliding movement in opposite directions in the space between said first and second cylinders and also for rotation movement in said space, said transfer arm including a portion engaged with said second cylinder to rotate in response to rotation of said second cylinder, and means for pneumatically effecting sliding movement of said transfer arm in opposite directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transfer arm is hollow, said unit further comprising a piston means supported in the transfer arm for sliding movement in opposite directions, means for pneumatically operating the piston means, and a manipulator coupled to said piston means for being operated thereby.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the transfer arm includes a projection and the first and second cylinders define two chambers one on each side of the projection, the means for pneumatically effecting sliding movement selectively supplying compressed air to said chambers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
A unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second cylinder and transfer arm define a chambEr therebetween which varies in volume as the transfer arm undergoes sliding movement, said transfer arm being provided with an orifice allowing discharge of air from the latter chamber when its volume is being reduced by sliding movement of the transfer arm and for entry of air when its volume is being increased by sliding movement of the transfer arm in opposite direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second cylinder is provided with an external longitudinal groove of a length greater than the length of sliding travel of the transfer arm, said portion of the transfer arm being slidably received in said groove.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
A unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said second cylinder is hollow, said means for pneumatically operating the piston means comprising a hollow inner tube secured within said transfer arm and in communication with said piston means, and means for supplying compressed air to said piston means via said second cylinder and said inner tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A unit as claimed in claim 6 wherein said piston means includes a tapered projecting portion, said manipulator including a pair of pivotal projecting jaws spring biassed to an open position, said projecting portion of the piston means being engageable with said jaws to close the same.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
A unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rotary actuator means comprises a rotary actuator member fixed to said second cylinder, a hollow tube rotatably supporting the actuator member and means defining first and second chambers each having a respective means for supplying compressed air thereto, said first and second chambers being relatively disposed with respect to the actuator member to cause rotation thereof in accordance with the relative pressure in said first and second chambers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A unit as claimed in claim 8 comprising bearing means secured to said first cylinder and supporting the rotary actuator member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second cylinder is coaxially mounted within the first cylinder and the transfer arm is coaxial with said cylinders and slidable and rotatable therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3543947A
Cited
US3572519A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |