Miniature fluid dispensing end-effector for geometrically constrained areas
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorRichard G. Lyons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An end-effector precisely marks location lines (or dispense fluids) on surfaces as part of an automated part marking system. The automated part marking system that includes a multi-axis gantry robot, a calibration stand, vision or location system(s), and a series of fluid dispensing (inkjet) end-effectors to accomplish the marking task. The end-effector use a pick shaped stylus coupled to a fluid supply and metered by a high-speed pulsed valve to precisely deliver fluids provides within geometrically confined spaces.
Claims23
A precision marking system to place reference markers on an object that comprises:
- a work surface on which the object is placed;
- an object locator system to determine the location and orientation of the object and features within the object relative to the work surface;
- a multiple axis robot, wherein positioning the multiple axis robot is directed by a control system;
- and
- at least one end-effector operable coupled to the multiple axis robot to place reference markers on the object, wherein the end-effector further comprises:
- an ink delivery system;
- a pulsed valve to regulate the supply of ink from the ink delivery system;
- a curved stylus operable coupled to the pulsed valve to receive ink from the pulsed valve, and wherein the curved stylus has an internal orifice through which the ink is dispensed from the end-effector and onto the object.
An end-effector to place reference markers on an object that comprises:
- a fluid delivery system;
- a pulsed valve to regulate the supply of fluids from the fluid delivery system;
- and
- a curved stylus operable coupled to the pulsed valve to receive fluids from the pulsed valve, and wherein the curved stylus has an internal orifice through which the fluids are dispensed from the end-effector and onto the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.