Vacuum coupling for robot arm
AssigneeIntelligrated Headquarters, LLC
InventorMichael Girtman
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
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 rotating vacuum seal between the fixed portion and the rotating portion.
A vacuum coupling comprising:
- a fixed portion coupled with a vacuum source;
- a rotating portion extending through the fixed portion, wherein the rotating portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion, wherein the rotating portion comprises at least one opening configured to communicate vacuum from the fixed portion to the rotating portion;
- and
- at least one rotating vacuum seal between the fixed portion and the rotating portion.
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 fixed portion coupled with the vacuum source;
- a rotating portion extending through the fixed portion, wherein the rotating portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion, wherein the rotating portion comprises a first end coupled with the rotating end of the robotic arm and a second end coupled with the rotating tool;
- and
- at least one rotating vacuum seal between the fixed portion and the rotating portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.