End-of-arm tool for robotic arm
US11446819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/914
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An end-of-arm tool and an associated robotic arm are configured to place items (e.g., soft-sided merchandise) into a case. In an example, an end-of-arm tool is configured to grasp a surface (e.g., the top surface) of an item of merchandise and deposit the item into the case. Accordingly, as an item is deposited, the tool uses contact with that item to move previously placed items back into their preferred locations. After the penultimate item in a row of items is put in place, it may move out of position. As a final item is added to a row, the tool pivots the final item so that a side surface of the final item pushes the penultimate item into its correct position. The tool then pivots the final item to orient the top surface of the item horizontally, and places it in a predetermined position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.