US4365928A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid power connector system for manipulator
Assignee: Milacron Inc
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Filing: 1981-05-04
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Granted: 1982-12-28
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Expires: 2001-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A manipulator has an end effector with a tool end movable with respect to a reference base by means of a multi-axis joint system. The joint system is contained within a housing to provide the relative movement through a mechanical power train. Fluid ducts are provided through both a first, duct component and a second, end effector power train component having an internal duct, extending into a housing plenum at first and second points, thereby providing fluid communication between the plenum and end effector. The housing has relatively movable sealed sections, and sealing means are provided at the interface of said first and second duct components with the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Oliver L. Baily
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:28
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25J; B25J15/00; B25J15/02; B25J15/0206; B25J15/022; B25J17/00; B25J17/02; B25J17/0283; B25J17/0291; B25J9/00; B25J9/10; B25J9/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In a manipulator having a reference base, an end effector with a tool end movable with respect to said reference base, a multi-axis joint system linking said base to said end effector through a joint housing, an improved apparatus for connecting fluid motive power from said base to said end effector, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) a plenum chamber within said joint housing, and said joint housing is split into a plurality of relatively movable housing parts; (b) means for ducting fluid from a fluid source into said plenum chamber, said means for ducting fluid being connected to one of said plurality of housing parts; (c) an end effector power train component connected to said housing and extending into said plenum chamber, said power train component being connected to another of said plurality of housing parts; (d) a fluid duct within said power train component in fluid communication with said plenum chamber and said tool end of said end effector; (e) means for sealing said component with said housing; and (f) means for sealing said housing parts with one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a manipulator having a reference base, an end effector with a tool end movable with respect to said reference base, a multi-axis joint system linking said base to said end effector through a joint housing, an improved apparatus for connecting fluid motive power from said base to said end effector, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) a plenum chamber within said joint housing, and said joint housing is split into a plurality of relatively movable housing parts; (b) means for ducting fluid from a fluid source into said plenum chamber, said means for ducting fluid being connected to one of said plurality of housing parts; (c) an end effector power train component connected to said housing and extending into said plenum chamber, said power train component being connected to another of said plurality of housing parts; (d) a fluid duct within said power train component in fluid communication with said plenum chamber and said tool end of said end effector; (e) means for sealing said component with said housing; and (f) means for sealing said housing parts with one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for providing multi-level fluid pressure within said plenum chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for providing at least one positive gage pressure and at least one negative gage pressure within said plenum chamber.
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) | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | 1986-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-27 | 1990-06-28 | 1990-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-27 | 1994-06-28 | 1994-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |