Robotic tread system having a net-zero motion head for moving objects
US7712598B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/082
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The system (50) includes at least one tread (52) secured to a tread drive means (54) for moving the tread (52) in a direction of a tread work-axis of motion (58) adjacent an object (78) to be moved. A head (57) is secured to the tread (52), and the head (57) includes a device (66) for grabbing the object (78). The head (57) selectively moves in at least a direction opposed to the tread work-axis of motion (58) and at a rate of speed at least the same as the rate of speed the drive means (54) moves the tread (52) in the tread work-axis of motion (58) direction to thereby achieve a net-zero motion relative to the object (58) to facilitate picking and placing the object (58). A plurality of treads (52) with such heads (57) may be secured in an endless loop (56).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.