US3881605A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Object orienting device to assist robot manipulator
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1973-06-29
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Granted: 1975-05-06
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Expires: 1993-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A box having at least two sides and a base adjacent to one another and oriented at angles with respect to each of the others is disposed with the base planar surface inclined relative to the horizontal and vertical so that an object placed on the base will gravitate to the lowest point upon vibration of the box. A plurality of sensors may be provided in a predetermined pattern in the base adjacent the lowest point to provide a digital readout indicative of the final orientation of various objects which can be utilized to control a robot manipulator.
Inventors
- 👤 David D Grossman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 03:58
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T1/00; G06T1/0014; B; B25; B25J; B25J19/00; B25J19/02; B25J19/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An object orienting and position sensing device for orienting an object in one of a plurality of stable positions and sensing which of the positions the object is oriented in comprising a box having at least two sides and a base intersecting at a common point, supporting means mounting said box with said base tilted at a dihedral angle relative to the horizontal with said common point disposed lowermost, means for vibrating said box whereby an object is oriented into one of a small number of possible stable positions and sensing means associated with said box to sense the final oriented position of an object upon a base adjacent said common point whereby the actual orientation is uniquely indentified, said object having a shape such that in its final position said object contacts said bottom and said two sides resulting from said object being conveyed into the corner region defined by the intersection of said bottom and said side walls, further said object having a geometric shape capable of having a plurality of final stable positions which can be uniquely indentified relative to any other final stable position by said sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An object orienting and position sensing device for orienting an object in one of a plurality of stable positions and sensing which of the positions the object is oriented in comprising a box having at least two sides and a base intersecting at a common point, supporting means mounting said box with said base tilted at a dihedral angle relative to the horizontal with said common point disposed lowermost, means for vibrating said box whereby an object is oriented into one of a small number of possible stable positions and sensing means associated with said box to sense the final oriented position of an object upon a base adjacent said common point whereby the actual orientation is uniquely indentified, said object having a shape such that in its final position said object contacts said bottom and said two sides resulting from said object being conveyed into the corner region defined by the intersection of said bottom and said side walls, further said object having a geometric shape capable of having a plurality of final stable positions which can be uniquely indentified relative to any other final stable position by said sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensing means are comprised of a plurality of sensors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said plurality of sensors are disposed in a predetermined pattern adapted to distinguish between unique finally oriented positions of an object having a predetermined shape which is initially disposed in a random position on said base remote from said common point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An object orienting device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base is provided with an anti-friction surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a computer connected to said sensing means, robot means connected to be driven by said computer and actuating means for said robot means, said computer being connected to said actuating means for inducing said actuating means for driving said robot means to operate upon said object as a function of input from said sensing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said robot means is provided with means for grasping and manipulating said object.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |