Patent abstracts

Citation

(2012), "Patent abstracts", Assembly Automation, Vol. 32 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2012.03332daa.007

Patent abstracts

Article Type: Patent abstracts From: Assembly Automation, Volume 32, Issue 4

Title: Gripping and releasing apparatus and methodApplicant: Univ Cornell (USA); Lipson HOD (USA); Amend Jr John R (USA); Jaeger Heinrich (USA); Brown Eric (USA)Patent number: WO2011130475 (A2)Publication date: 20 October 2011

Abstract: A passive universal gripper includes a mass of granular material encased in an elastic membrane. Using a combination of positive and negative pressure, the gripper can rapidly grip and release a wide range of objects that are typically challenging for conventional universal grippers, such as flat objects, soft objects, or objects with complex geometries. The gripper passively conforms to the shape of a target object, then vacuum-hardens to grip it rigidly; later using positive pressure to reverse this transition – releasing the object and returning to a deformable state. The apparatus and method enable the fast ejection of objects from the gripper, as well as essentially instantaneous reset time between releasing and gripping.

Title: Improving method for achieving engineering design optimization based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithmApplicant: Livermore Software Technology Corp.Patent number: JP2011187056 (A)Publication date: 22 September 2011

Abstract: Problem to be solved: to provide a system and a method for obtaining a set of better converged and diversified Pareto optimal solutions in an engineering design optimization of a product (such as an automobile or a cellular phone). Solution: in one aspect, a plurality of MOEA based engineering optimizations of a product are conducted independently. Each of the plurality of engineering design optimizations differs from the other engineering design optimizations with parameters such as initial generation and/or evolutionary algorithm. For example, populations (design options) of initial generation can be created randomly from different seed of a random or pseudo-random number generator. In another aspect, each optimization employs a particular revolutionary algorithm including, but not limited to, NSGA-II (nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II), SPEA (strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm), etc. Furthermore, each independently conducted optimization’s Pareto optimal solutions are combined to create a set of better converged and diversified solutions. Combinations can be performed at one or more predefined checkpoints during the evolution process of the optimization.

Title: Three-dimensional model design support system by assembly analysisApplicant: Hitachi LtdPatent number: JP2011253269 (A)Publication date: 15 December 2011

Problem to be solved: to provide a three-dimensional CAD system which layers a three-dimensional model according to a operation units and utilizes the attachment direction of parts, notifying the operator of whether or not the tree-dimensional model violates the design rule. Solution: in a three-dimensional model design support system including a design rule memory part in which design rules are registered by utilizing the attachment direction of a three-dimensional model, a three-dimensional model memory part in which the names, kinds, directions, assembly order, the adjoining information output from the three-dimensional model of articles are registered, the design rule is checked by utilizing the attachment direction of the three-dimensional model and the operator is notified of whether or not the three-dimensional model violates the design rule.

Title: Surgical instrument with automatically reconfigurable articulating end effectorApplicant: Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc.Patent number: CN102076270 (A)Publication date: 25 May 2011

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, with an automatically articulatable end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector, a shaft, and an articulatable joint assembly connected between the end effector and the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one motor for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one articulation sensor for sensing articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The instrument further comprises a control unit in communication with the articulation sensor and the motor. The control unit comprises at least one memory unit for storing articulation data from the at least one articulation sensor. When activated, the control unit sends control signals to the motor of the joint assembly to articulate automatically the end effector to a desired position based on the articulation data from the articulation sensor that is stored in the memory unit of the control unit.

Title: Method of operating a solar aircraftApplicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corp (USA)Patent number: US2012091263 (A1)Publication date: 19 April 2012

Abstract: A system and method for assembling and operating a solar powered aircraft, composed of one or more modular constituent wing panels. Each wing panel includes at least one hinge interface that is configured to rotationally interface with a complementary hinge interface on another wing panel. When a first and second wing panel are coupled together via the rotational interface, they can rotate with respect to each other within a predetermined angular range. The aircraft further comprises a control system that is configured to acquire aircraft operating information and atmospheric information and use the same alter the angle between the wing panels, even if there are multiple wing panels. One or more of the wing panels can include photovoltaic cells and/or solar thermal cells to convert solar radiation energy or solar heat energy into electricity, that can be used to power electric motors. Further, the control system is configured to alter an angle between a wing panel and the horizon, or the angle between wing panels, to maximize solar radiation energy and solar thermal energy collection. A tail assembly for the aircraft includes a rotational pivot that allows the flight control surfaces to rotate to different orientations to avoid or reduce flutter loads and to increase solar radiation energy and/or solar thermal energy collection from photovoltaic cells and/or solar thermal cells the can be located on the tail structure associated with the flight control surfaces.