Moving objects across a surface using a vertically-adjustable low friction transfer module
US8577496B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B19/042
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.