Vacuum Coupling For Robot Arm
First Claim
1. A vacuum coupling configured to apply vacuum from a vacuum source to a rotating tool, the rotating tool being attached to a rotating end of a robotic arm, the vacuum coupling comprising:
- a rotating portion attaching the rotating tool to the rotating end of the robotic arm such that the rotating portion and the rotating tool rotate in response to rotation of the rotating end of the robotic arm, wherein the rotating portion is configured to communicate vacuum with the rotating tool;
a fixed portion positioned around the rotating portion such that the rotating portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is configured to communicate vacuum to the rotating portion; and
at least one seal between the fixed portion and the rotating portion, wherein the at least one seal comprises a fixed vacuum seal and a rotating vacuum seal.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vacuum coupling applies vacuum from a vacuum source to a rotating tool attached to a rotating end of a robotic arm. The vacuum coupling includes a rotating portion attaching the rotating tool to the rotating end of the robotic arm. The rotating portion communicates vacuum with the rotating tool. A fixed portion is positioned around the rotating portion such that the rotating portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The fixed portion communicates vacuum to the rotating portion. At least one rotating vacuum seal is positioned between the fixed portion and the rotating portion.
-
Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A vacuum coupling configured to apply vacuum from a vacuum source to a rotating tool, the rotating tool being attached to a rotating end of a robotic arm, the vacuum coupling comprising:
-
a rotating portion attaching the rotating tool to the rotating end of the robotic arm such that the rotating portion and the rotating tool rotate in response to rotation of the rotating end of the robotic arm, wherein the rotating portion is configured to communicate vacuum with the rotating tool; a fixed portion positioned around the rotating portion such that the rotating portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is configured to communicate vacuum to the rotating portion; and at least one seal between the fixed portion and the rotating portion, wherein the at least one seal comprises a fixed vacuum seal and a rotating vacuum seal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21)
-
-
19. (canceled)
-
20. (canceled)
Specification