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:
Aug. 23, 2022
Filed:
Dec. 09, 2019
Applicant:
Nike, Inc., Beaverton, OR (US);
Inventors:
Assignee:
NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, OR (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B65G 47/91 (2006.01); B25J 9/16 (2006.01); B25J 15/06 (2006.01); B65G 47/90 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
B65G 47/917 (2013.01); B25J 9/1697 (2013.01); B25J 15/065 (2013.01); B25J 15/0616 (2013.01); B25J 15/0658 (2013.01); B65G 47/905 (2013.01); B65G 47/91 (2013.01);
Abstract
An apparatus for picking up and positioning an item includes a vacuum assembly capable of applying a suction force to the item. The apparatus further includes an item engaging plate positioned adjacent the vacuum assembly in a first position for engaging with and picking the item. The engaging plate is moveable to a second position by one or more actuators that reduce a suction force experienced at the engaging plate to deposit or place the item. The one or more fans may additionally be controlled to limit a suction force generated during a disengagement operation where the item is being deposited or placed.