Automated machine for detection and grasping of objects
First Claim
1. An automated machine for grasping objects, said machine comprising:
- (a) a handler having a first end and a second end;
(b) an intake head attached to one of said ends of said handler for grasping an object;
(c) a base unit comprising means for supporting said handler for rotation of said handler about two axes of rotation which crosses at a point of intersection;
(d) means for moving said handler about each of said two axes of rotation;
(e) means for moving said one of said ends of said handler along a rectilinear path towards said object, wherein said rectilinear path intersects said point of intersection of said two axes of rotation;
(f) a vision system fixedly positioned with respect to said handler in said base unit, including means for controlling said means for moving said handler along a rectilinear path towards said object, wherein said vision system comprises an optic center which is located at said point of intersection of said two axes of rotation of said handler; and
(g) a sensor for detecting contact between said object and said intake head.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated machine comprising a handler mounted with a rotating aptitude about two perpendicular and intersecting rotational axes, having a free end fitted with a mechanical hand comprising an intake head. A vision system is permanently installed at the point of intersection of the rotational axes in a base unit comprised of a cradle which supports a rotatable turret which has an extension arm attached to another end of the handler. The handler is comprised of two branches comprising a folding arm that are joined together at one end with devices provided for symmetrical movement of both branches when an external force is exerted on either of them. The automated machine contains devices for deployment and retraction of its folding arms so as to grasp and release an object detected by the vision system installed in the handler apparatus.
111 Citations
34 Claims
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1. An automated machine for grasping objects, said machine comprising:
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(a) a handler having a first end and a second end; (b) an intake head attached to one of said ends of said handler for grasping an object; (c) a base unit comprising means for supporting said handler for rotation of said handler about two axes of rotation which crosses at a point of intersection; (d) means for moving said handler about each of said two axes of rotation; (e) means for moving said one of said ends of said handler along a rectilinear path towards said object, wherein said rectilinear path intersects said point of intersection of said two axes of rotation; (f) a vision system fixedly positioned with respect to said handler in said base unit, including means for controlling said means for moving said handler along a rectilinear path towards said object, wherein said vision system comprises an optic center which is located at said point of intersection of said two axes of rotation of said handler; and (g) a sensor for detecting contact between said object and said intake head. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. An automated machine for grasping objects, wherein said machine comprises:
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(a) a handler comprising; (i) a folding arm having a free end comprising at least two branches, each of said branches comprising two elongated and parallel members pivotably joined at either end by rigid short members so as to form a journalled parallelogram; (ii) means for connecting at least two of said branches of said folding arm, said means for connecting including an element serving as one of said rigid short members of said journalled parallelogram; and (iii) a mechanical arm extending from one end of one of said branches for making contact with an object to be grasped; (b) a flexible tube input sensor including means for detecting when any part of said mechanical arm is twisted out of shape by a predetermined amount by an outside force applied to it; (c) an intake head attached to one end of said handler; (d) a base unit for supporting said handler providing at least two axes of rotation, wherein said means for supporting said handler for rotation of said handler about two aces of rotation comprises; (i) a turret pivotably mounted about a turret vertical axis and having an arm extending outwardly therefrom to which is attached one end of one of said branches of said folding arm; (ii) a stirrup pivotably mounted about a stirrup horizontal axis on a support, said stirrup horizontal axis being perpendicular to said turret vertical axis; and (iii) a jack connected to said stirrup and to said support for moving said stirrup and said folding arm; (e) means for providing translational movement to said handler; and (f) a vision system installed in said base unit of said machine. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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Specification