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:
Dec. 05, 1989
Filed:
Mar. 15, 1988
Peter E McCormick, Dallas, TX (US);
Timothy D Culbertson, Little Elm, TX (US);
Walter D Autry, Jr, Keene, TX (US);
EOA Systems, Inc., Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A variable compliance device having a tool plate attached between a tool and a robot arm to allow limited movement of the tool plate relative to the robot arm. A concave bill seat connected to the tool plate and a pin having a concave surface house a bearing ball. An inflatable diaphragm exerts a force on a piston toward the pins to force the pins against the bearing balls. Movement of the tool plate relative to the robot arm causes the pins to move relative to the robot arm. The force of the diaphragm on the pins resists movement of the tool plate relative to the robot arm, and restores the tool plate to its original position after the outside force is removed. If the pins are moved beyond a selected point, a sensor senses the movement and sends a signal to shut down the robot.