Rotating end of arm tool including asymmetrical independently controllable suction zones

US10913165B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Jude Royston Jonas · Hudson, US
• Bertan Atamer · Hudson, US
• Gregory Thomas Merlino · Westford, US
• Gregory Coleman · Somerville, US
• Robert Kevin Katzschmann · Cambridge, US
• Erica Aduh · Cambridge, US
• Manikantan Nambi · Melrose, US
• Beth Marcus · Lexington, US
• Kristin Covelle · Melrose, US
• Areej Pirzada · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2021
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/918
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Examples described herein are directed to an item manipulation system that includes an end of arm tool. The end of arm tool includes a suction manifold including multiple independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones. The end of arm tool is also configured to rotate about a tool axis to selectively align the independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones with target items for manipulation.