Systems and methods for providing high flow vacuum acquisition in automated systems

US10118300B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Berkshire Grey, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Wagner · Concord, US
• Kevin Ahearn · Nebo, US
• Benjamin Cohen · Somerville, US
• Michael Dawson-Haggerty · Pittsburgh, US
• Christopher Geyer · Arlington, US
• Thomas Koletschka · Cambridge, US
• Kyle Maroney · Dodgeville, US
• Matthew T. Mason · Pittsburgh, US
• Gene Temple Price · Cambridge, US
• Joseph Romano · Arlington, US
• Daniel Smith · Pittsburgh, US
• Siddhartha Srinivasa · Seattle, US
• Prasanna Velagapudi · Pittsburgh, US
• Thomas Allen · Reading, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 8, 2016
• Grant date: Nov 6, 2018
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/0691
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system is disclosed for providing high flow vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector such that objects may be engaged while permitting substantial flow of air through the opening, and a load detection system for characterizing the load presented by the object.