Back to results
US 2003/0120387 A1Published application
End effector for transferring articles
AssigneeABB Automation Inc.
InventorJohn P. Sherwin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An end effector for a robot is used to unpack flattened stackable items from a container using a fixed sized vacuum plenum and simple adjustable gripping elements. The gripping elements comprise a pair of adjustable, smooth blades. In addition, the end effector includes mechanisms for retaining and transporting the container.
Claims19
An end effector for a robot, comprising:
- a plate mounted to the robot, said plate having a first surface and an oppositely positioned second surface;
- a vacuum port located on the first surface of the plate and passing through the plate to the second surface, said vacuum port being connected to a vacuum source;
- a surround located on the second surface of the plate, said surround enveloping the vacuum port at the second surface of the plate;
- a first gripping element mounted to the second surface in substantially perpendicular relationship to the plate, said first gripping element being located outboard the surround;
- a second gripping element positioned in spaced parallel relation opposite the first gripping element whereby said second gripping element is located outboard the surround.
2 more elements
An end effector for a robot for manipulating a container, said effector comprising:
- a vacuum plenum comprising a mounting plate, a surround mounted to said plate, a port passing through said plate, and a means for drawing vacuum connected to said port;
- a first gripping element mounted to the plate outboard of said surround, said first gripping element comprising a stationary blade having a smooth surface, said stationary blade being rigidly mounted generally perpendicularly to the plate;
- and
- a second gripping element comprising a movable blade having a smooth surface, said movable blade being movably mounted generally perpendicular to the plate outboard of said surround, and wherein said movable blade is positioned opposite the first gripping element.
1 more element
A system for gripping and transferring items from a container, said system comprising:
- a supply of items within said container;
- an industrial robot with an end effector, said end effector having a plate rotatably mounted to the robot, said plate having a first surface and an oppositely positioned second surface;
- a vacuum port located on the first surface of the plate and passing through the plate to the second surface;
- a surround located on the second surface of the plate, said surround enveloping the vacuum port at the second surface of the plate;
- a first gripping element mounted to the second surface in substantially perpendicular relationship to the plate;
- a second gripping element positioned in spaced parallel relation opposite the first gripping element;
- and
- whereby items are gripped by said end effector, removed from said container and transferred to a predetermined location.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.