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:
Jun. 12, 2018
Filed:
May. 31, 2016
Ferrobotics Compliant Robot Technology Gmbh, Linz, AT;
Ronald Naderer, St. Florian, AT;
Paolo Ferrara, Kematen an der Krems, AT;
Andreas Rohrhofer, St. Peter/AU, AT;
FerRobotics Compliant Robot Technology GmbH, Linz, AT;
Abstract
An apparatus for automated contact tasks and a related method are described. The apparatus includes a mechanical interface for connecting the apparatus to a manipulator, a holder for receiving a tool and being movable in relation to the mechanical interface, at least one actuator for positioning the holder in relation to the mechanical interface, a sensor unit that senses the actuator force provided by the at least one actuator, and a control unit that sets the actuator force to a desired minimum force to press the holder against a stop, while there is no contact between the tool and a surface, and detects contact when the holder moves in relation to the mechanical interface in opposition to the direction of the desired minimum force. The control unit further regulates the actuator force according to a pre-programmed contact force time-characteristic, when contact between the tool and the surface has been detected.