Patent US3694670A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4607196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Lab bottle capper
Assignee: Zymark Corp
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Filing: 1985-09-23
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Granted: 1986-08-19
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Expires: 2005-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A torque-sensing rotary tool for use in bottle-capping, and other such applications. The tool (10) is characterized by independent motors (30 and 40) means for gripping and rotating bottles or the like and a rotation-counter which forms means, with associated circuitry (FIG. 9), to determine when an object, e.g. a bottle cap, may be safely lifted by automatic machinery, e.g. by robot means.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis Abrahams
- 👤 Steven P. Carll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 23:02
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02P; H02P5/00; H02P5/68; B; B67; B67B; B67B3/00; B67B3/20; B67B3/2073; B67B3/208; B67B3/26; B67B3/261
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
Unwinding apparatus for grasping and holding an object and rotating said object, said apparatus having a gripper assembly mounted for rotation on a turntable and comprising gripper means and an actuating means to open and close said gripper means; first motor means for rotating said turntable either clockwise or counterclockwise; a second motor means for moving said gripper means, acting through said gripper actuating means, between a closed position and an open position; a counter assembly forming means to count the number of revolutions made by each said motor means; and electrical motor control circuitry associated with at least one motor to form means to control said one motor in response to the amount of torque or pressure exerted on said object by said gripper actuating means on said turntable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
Unwinding apparatus for grasping and holding an object and rotating said object, said apparatus having a gripper assembly mounted for rotation on a turntable and comprising gripper means and an actuating means to open and close said gripper means; first motor means for rotating said turntable either clockwise or counterclockwise; a second motor means for moving said gripper means, acting through said gripper actuating means, between a closed position and an open position; a counter assembly forming means to count the number of revolutions made by each said motor means; and electrical motor control circuitry associated with at least one motor to form means to control said one motor in response to the amount of torque or pressure exerted on said object by said gripper actuating means on said turntable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said counter assembly includes a rotatable member which serves as means to monitor the number of rotations by one motor and is attached for rotation with motive action of one said motor and is also mounted for rotation as said motor is rotated by another said motor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the amperage from each motor is utilized as a signal indicative of pressure exerted on said object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical control circuitry associated with at least one motor controls said motor in response to at least one of (a) amperage drawn by said controlled motor or by the number of rotation of said controlled motor noted by said counter assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said electrical control circuitry comprises a strain guage mounted on said gripper means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said gripper means is adapted to hold glass bottles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-08-18 | 1990-02-17 | 1990-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-18 | 1994-02-17 | 1994-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-18 | 1998-02-17 | 1998-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |