Patent · US Expired

Telescopic pick-and-place robotic mechanism

US5421697A · kind A · utility

46Cited by
10References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 2, 1993
Grant dateJun 6, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 2, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/18256
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A telescopic pick-and-place robotic mechanism used to retrieve and deposit magnetic tape cartridges from a remote position, configured to be mounted to a typical robotic assembly located in proximity of a storage area for computer data or other storage media. The present invention has a reduced cross-sectional area due to its telescopic nature. The pick-and-place mechanism includes a base connected to the robotic arm and a number of slider plates coupled to the base which telescopically extend and retract relative to the base in a single axis of movement to reach the remote location. The slider plates are coupled to each other by slider means for enabling each of the slider plates to translate relative to each other along the single axis of movement. Each slider plate is controlled by a crank and slider mechanism which converts a incoming rotational force to a linear force in the direction of the single axis of movement. The mechanism is driven by a servo motor which is coupled to the base and outputs the necessary rotational force. A gripper mechanism is connected to at least one of the slider plates holds and releases the cartridge translates it on and off mechanism.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.