The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 31, 2020
Filed:
Feb. 14, 2018
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Ashleigh Raoul Nesbit, Williamstown, AU;
Peter N. Steele, Warranwood, AU;
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for utilizing enhanced vacuum gripping techniques. One embodiment is a method that includes locating an array of valves for an end effector, selectively switching valves within the array between open states and closed states based on a shape of a work piece that the end effector will transport, selectively applying vacuum through a plurality of valves in a shape that corresponds with the shape of the work piece, disposing the end effector at the work piece while the vacuum is applied to grip the work piece, and picking up the work piece by moving the end effector while the vacuum is applied.