Robotic end of arm tooling internal gripper
US4770456A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T279/1066
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an end of arm tooling (EOAT) internal gripper device for a robot. The EOAT of the present invention provides a gripper portion which can be elastically deformed by being extended or retracted by an internal rod actuator. Extension of the actuator rod causes the gripper portion to assume a smaller dimensional shape for insertion into a workpiece cavity. Retraction of the actuator rod causes the gripper portion to increase in dimension therefore engaging and gripping the workpiece. The EOAT of the present invention is extremely useful in applications requiring large amounts of compliance, delicate handling, and/or in environments wherein an air supply is not available or desirable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.